---
title: How to Install Forgejo with Docker and Migrate from GitHub
lang: en
published: 2024-09-07T06:12:40.076Z
description: Set up Forgejo with Docker as a self-hosted alternative to GitHub. This guide will show you how to install Forgejo and migrate your GitHub repositories.
image: ""
tags:
  - GitHub
  - Forgejo
  - Docker
category: Software Engineering
draft: false
---

# How to Install Forgejo with Docker and Migrate from GitHub

Learn how to set up Forgejo with Docker and move your code from GitHub. This simple guide makes switching to a self-hosted platform easy.

## Docker

Create a new folder named forgejo:
```bash
mkdir ~/docker
cd ~/docker
mkdir forgejo
```

Create docker-compose.yml:
```bash
nano docker-compose.yml
```

Modify docker-compose.yml and save the changes:
```yaml
version: '3'

networks:
  forgejo:
    external: false

services:
  server:
    image: codeberg.org/forgejo/forgejo:7
    container_name: forgejo
    environment:
      - USER_UID=1000
      - USER_GID=1000
    restart: always
    networks:
      - forgejo
    volumes:
      - ./forgejo:/data
      - /etc/timezone:/etc/timezone:ro
      - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro
    ports:
      - '3000:3000'
      - '222:22'
```

>[!NOTE]
>Check the official Forgejo website for the latest docker-compose file to install the most recent version.

*(Retrieved from [Forgejo documentation](https://forgejo.org/docs/latest/admin/installation-docker/) on September 6, 2024)*

Port 3000 is commonly used for web servers. Use a different port to avoid conflicts with other web servers. Change port from `3000:3000` to `3003:3003` in docker-compose.yml.

Start Docker:
```bash
docker compose up -d
```

Check if containers are running properly:
```bash
docker compose ps
```

Go to Forgejo configuration page at http://example.com:3000 and create your account. To reduce RAM usage, set the database type to SQLite and disable self-registration. Then, save the configuration.

Open Forgejo configuration file:

```bash
nano forgejo/gitea/conf/app.ini
```

Set `DISABLE_REGISTRATION` to `true`, and add `ENABLE_REVERSE_PROXY_AUTHENTICATION = true` in the [service] section and `LANDING_PAGE = explore` in the [server] section:

```ini
DISABLE_REGISTRATION = true

[service]
ENABLE_REVERSE_PROXY_AUTHENTICATION = true

[server]
LANDING_PAGE = explore
```

The `LANDING_PAGE` setting decides what users see when they go to the home page. It can be set to `home`, `explore`, `organizations`, `login` or custom URL /custom or https://example.com/custom.

*(Retrieved from [Forgejo documentation](https://forgejo.org/docs/latest/admin/config-cheat-sheet/) on September 6, 2024)*

Restart Docker:
```bash
docker compose down; docker compose up -d
```

## Reverse Proxy

Install Caddy:

```bash
sudo apt install caddy
```

Open Caddyfile:

```bash
sudo nano /etc/caddy/Caddyfile
```

Update Caddyfile:
```
example.com {
  route /git* {
    uri strip_prefix /git
    redir https://git.{host}{uri}
  }
}

git.example.com {
  reverse_proxy localhost:3003
}
```

Restart Caddy:
```bash
sudo systemctl restart caddy
```

Go to Forgejo at https://git.example.com or at https://example.com/git if you prefer using a subpath.

## Migrate Repositories from GitHub

1. Create an access token in GitHub settings. This [GitHub documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/managing-your-personal-access-tokens#creating-a-fine-grained-personal-access-token) provides a step-by-step guide on how to create the token.

2. Log in to Forgejo.

3. Click the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner and select **New Migration**.

4. Enter GitHub repository URL and your access token, then click **Migrate Repository** button.