Installation

Set up PteroCA, the open-source client area for managing Pterodactyl servers. You can install it automatically, via Docker, or manually - depending on your preferred workflow and environment.

🧭 Overview

PteroCA can be installed using three main methods, depending on your use case and level of control required:

Method	Description	Recommended For
Automatic Installation	Installs and configures everything automatically using a Bash script — including dependencies, web server, PHP, and database.	Most users and VPS setups
Docker Installation	Deploys PteroCA inside Docker containers for a clean, isolated environment. Offers both Automatic and Manual setup modes.	Developers and production servers
Manual Installation	A fully manual setup where you install dependencies, web server, and PHP environment yourself.	Advanced users who want full control

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⚙️ Installation Options

1. ⚡Automatic Installation (Recommended)

Quick and easy - just one command. The installer automatically detects your OS, installs dependencies, configures your environment, and deploys the PteroCA panel.

Optionally, it can also install Pterodactyl Panel in the same run - including default node setup, API key generation, and full integration with PteroCA.

👉 Read the guide →

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2. 🐳 Docker Installation

Run PteroCA inside Docker containers for a consistent, portable, and secure environment. This is the preferred choice for modern deployments and includes two available paths:

Type	Description
Automatic Docker Installation	Installs Docker, clones the PteroCA repository, builds containers, and starts the environment automatically — ideal for quick VPS or production setups.
Manual Docker Installation	Gives you full control using provided Docker Compose files. Recommended for advanced users or CI/CD pipelines.

👉 Explore Docker Installation →

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3. Manual Installation

Perform the installation step-by-step without automation. This method is ideal for advanced users who prefer to configure the web server, PHP, and database manually, or integrate PteroCA into an existing infrastructure.

👉 View Manual Installation →

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📘 Choosing the Right Method

Your Goal	Recommended Method
Quick setup on a new VPS	Automatic Installation
Isolated environment using containers	Automatic Docker Installation
Custom or multi-container CI/CD deployment	Manual Docker Installation
Full manual control over configuration	Manual Installation

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🚀 Next Steps

Important: Required Post-Installation Steps

After installation, two steps are required for PteroCA to work fully (console, statistics, user/server creation):

1. Install PteroCA Plugin for Pterodactyl — extends Pterodactyl with PteroCA API endpoints

2. Configure Allowed Origins — enables WebSocket/console access from PteroCA

Once installed, continue with:

• System Configuration →

• Pterodactyl Plugin Setup →

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Getting Help with Installation

If you encounter issues during installation:

1. Check installation-specific guides:

   • Installation Troubleshooting

   • Common Errors

2. Get real-time support:

   • Join our Discord community - fastest for installation help

   • Open an issue on GitHub

3. Helpful information to provide:

   • Your installation method (automatic/docker/manual)

   • Operating system and version

   • Error messages from installation logs