# Installation

## 🧭 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 |

***

## ⚙️ 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 →](/installation/installation/automatic-installation.md)

***

### 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 →](/installation/installation/docker-installation.md)

***

### 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 →](/installation/installation/manual-installation.md)

***

## 📘 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**           |

***

## 🚀 Next Steps

{% hint style="info" %}
**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**](/core-configuration/pterodactyl-integration/addon-installation.md) — extends Pterodactyl with PteroCA API endpoints
2. [**Configure Allowed Origins**](/core-configuration/pterodactyl-integration/allowed-origins.md) — enables WebSocket/console access from PteroCA
   {% endhint %}

Once installed, continue with:

* [System Configuration →](/core-configuration/core-configuration.md)
* [Pterodactyl Plugin Setup →](/core-configuration/pterodactyl-integration/addon-installation.md)

***

## Getting Help with Installation

If you encounter issues during installation:

1. **Check installation-specific guides:**
   * [Installation Troubleshooting](/help-and-maintenance/troubleshooting/installation-issues.md)
   * [Common Errors](/help-and-maintenance/troubleshooting/common-errors.md)
2. **Get real-time support:**
   * Join our [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/Gz5phhuZym) - fastest for installation help
   * Open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/PteroCA-Org/panel/issues)
3. **Helpful information to provide:**
   * Your installation method (automatic/docker/manual)
   * Operating system and version
   * Error messages from installation logs


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