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Deploy Stirling PDF

Before using the one-click template, here is a minimal Docker Compose example for running Stirling PDF locally or on your own server.

If you're new to Docker Compose, check out our guide on how to self-host a Docker Compose app. You can also browse more examples in our Docker Compose library.

Self-host Stirling PDF with Docker Compose (minimal)​

services:
  stirling-pdf:
    image: ghcr.io/stirling-tools/stirling-pdf:latest
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"
    volumes:
      - pdf-cache:/usr/share/tika-server/cache
      - pdf-input:/input
      - pdf-output:/output
      - pdf-config:/configs

volumes:
  pdf-cache:
  pdf-input:
  pdf-output:
  pdf-config:

Deploy Stirling PDF on Hostim.dev (One-Click)

Stirling PDF is a self-hosted, browser-based suite for editing, converting, merging, splitting, OCRing, watermarking, and compressing PDFs — all without cloud uploads.

📄 The Swiss army knife for PDFs – no Adobe, no upload limits, no nonsense.

Try it Yourself

Guest project runs for 1 hour. Log in to save and extend to 5 days.

Why Host Stirling PDF on Hostim.dev?​

  • One-click Docker deployment
  • 100+ PDF tools (OCR, merge, extract, rotate, etc.)
  • Multiple persistent volumes for input/output/config
  • Automatic HTTPS + free domain
  • Real-time logs & metrics

What's included​

ResourceDetails
Appstirlingtools/stirling-pdf
Volumes/input, /output, /configs, cache
DomainFree *.hostim.dev
SSLAuto-enabled
Port8080
DefaultsLogin: admin / password

How to Deploy​

  1. Go to your Hostim.dev dashboard.
  2. Create Project → Use a Template.
  3. Select Stirling PDF.
  4. Choose a plan.
  5. Deploy.

FAQ​

Where does Stirling PDF store files?

Uploaded and processed files live in /input and /output . Settings are stored in /configs.

Does it require a database?

No. Stirling PDF is fully file-based.

How do I change the default admin password?

Inside the app settings after first login.

Is OCR supported?

Yes — Stirling PDF includes Tesseract-based OCR.

Why is OCR slow?

OCR depends on CPU performance; large documents take longer.

How do I upload files?

Use the web UI or place files in the /input volume.

Can I automate tasks?

Yes — use the API endpoints listed in the project documentation.

How do I update the app?

Docker: docker compose pull && docker compose up -d. Hostim.dev: redeploy the app.

Alternatives​

  • Paperless-ngx — document archiving and OCR
  • Docmost — collaborative document editing
  • LibreOffice Online — document conversions

Source + Docs​

Looking for something else? Browse all templates →

Try it now​

Deploy Stirling PDF Now – in less than 60 seconds