Installation Overview
Methodius AI Docker is both a single-user and multi-user application you can install on any webserver using docker and leverage local LLMs, RAG, and Agents with little to zero configuration and full privacy.
Self hosting Methodius AI via Docker is very popular and can be done locally or on cloud servicers (aws, google cloud, railway etc..).
Docker vs Desktop Version
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Tip: Methodius AI Desktop is the easiest way to get started with Methodius AI.
If you dont need multi-user support - you should use Methodius AI Desktop.
There are some distinct differences in functionality between each offering. Both are open source.
You want Methodius AI Docker if...
- You need an easy setup, but server-based service for Methodius AI to use local LLMs, RAG, and Agents locally
- You want to run an Methodius AI instance that many people can use at the same time
- You want to be able to share information with our users on your instance you invite
- You need admin and rule-based access for workspaces and documents.
- You will publish chat widgets to the public internet
- You want to access Methodius AI from the browser
You want Methodius AI Desktop if...
- You want a one-click installable app to use local LLMs, RAG, and Agents locally
- You do not need multi-user support
- Everything needs to stay only on your device
- You do not need to "publish" anything to the public internet. Eg: Chat widget for website
The below table is a non-exhaustive list of features supported between platforms.
| Feature | Available on Desktop | Available on Docker |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-user support | β | β |
| Emeddable chat widgets | β | β |
| One-click install | β | β |
| Private documents | β | β |
| Connect to any vector database | β | β |
| Use any LLM | β | β |
| Built-in embedding provider | β | β |
| Built-in LLM provider | β | β |
| White-labeling | β | β |
| Chat logs | β | β |
| Agent support | β | β |
| Agent skills | β | β |
| Third-party data connectors | β | β |
| Password protection | β | β |
| Invite new users to instance | β | β |
| Text splitting configuration | β | β |
| Whisper model support | β | β |
| Full developer API | β | β |
| User management | β | β |
| Workspace access management | β | β |
| Website scraping | β | β |