Installation
These docs cover the MySQL / MariaDB edition of SnailyCADv4 (github.com/EWANZO101/snailycad-mysql). It runs on MySQL 8 or MariaDB 10.6+, comes with one-line installers and has a radio built in.
Recommended
| Method | Database | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| One-line install Recommended | MariaDB (installed for you) or your own MySQL/MariaDB | Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04 servers: one command, then a setup wizard in your browser |
| Docker | MariaDB container | Servers that already run Docker, or if you want everything in containers |
| MySQL / MariaDB by hand | MySQL 8 / MariaDB 10.6+ | Other Linux systems, Windows, or a database your host gives you |
The one-line install asks in the wizard whether the CAD runs in Docker or directly on Ubuntu (with Node.js, as a system service). Both end with a working CAD; you only register the first account.
Every method needs at least 2 vCPUs. Building the client is the heaviest step: plan for about 4 GB of RAM + swap with the one-line install.
Manual install (PostgreSQL, upstream)
The original SnailyCAD guides are kept for communities that run the official PostgreSQL edition from SnailyCAD/snaily-cadv4. They don't install this edition, its installers or its radio.
| Method | Database | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Upstream | PostgreSQL 15+ | Windows or Linux with Node.js, pnpm and PostgreSQL |
| SnailyCAD Manager app Upstream | PostgreSQL | Windows, without the terminal |
Already have a PostgreSQL CAD? Move it to MySQL/MariaDB with
pnpm convert:postgres
or from CAD Settings → Import from PostgreSQL.
After installing
- Register the first account: it becomes the owner of the CAD. Then follow Setting up SnailyCAD.
- Put the CAD behind a domain with HTTPS: Cloudflare Tunnels or NGINX. The radio needs HTTPS to use the microphone.
- Keep it up to date: Updating.