Deploying Payload CMS with MongoDB on Coolify

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of deploying a Payload CMS project alongside a MongoDB database on a Hetzner Virtual Private Server (VPS) using Coolify. This guide is designed to help developers understand the steps involved in setting up and hosting their own Payload CMS instance.

What is Payload CMS?

Payload CMS is a modern, open-source content management system built with Node.js and React. It provides a flexible and extensible platform for managing digital content, making it an excellent choice for developers who need a customizable CMS solution.

Why Use MongoDB with Payload CMS?

MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database that pairs well with Payload CMS due to its flexibility and scalability. Using MongoDB allows you to store and manage your content efficiently, making it easier to handle large amounts of data and complex content structures.

What is Coolify?

Coolify is an open-source, self-hostable Heroku alternative that simplifies the process of deploying and managing applications. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing your VPS and deploying applications, making it an ideal choice for hosting Payload CMS.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

• A Hetzner VPS account
• Basic knowledge of using the command line
• Node.js and npm installed on your local machine
• A Payload CMS project ready for deployment

  npm install

  bash

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up Your Hetzner VPS

1. Create a VPS Instance: Log in to your Hetzner account and create a new VPS instance.
2. Configure Your VPS: Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your VPS with the necessary specifications.

Step 2: Install Coolify

1. Access Your VPS: Use SSH to access your VPS.
2. Install Coolify: Follow the Coolify installation guide to install Coolify on your VPS.

Step 3: Prepare Your Payload CMS Project

1. Install Dependencies: Navigate to your Payload CMS project directory and install the necessary dependencies using npm.
   
2. Configure MongoDB: Set up your MongoDB database and configure the connection settings in your Payload CMS project.

Step 4: Deploy Payload CMS with Coolify

1. Create a New Project: In the Coolify dashboard, create a new project for your Payload CMS instance.
2. Configure Deployment: Follow the prompts to configure the deployment settings, including environment variables and build commands.
3. Deploy: Initiate the deployment process and monitor the logs to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Step 5: Verify Your Deployment

1. Access Your Payload CMS: Once the deployment is complete, access your Payload CMS instance using the provided URL.
2. Test Functionality: Verify that your Payload CMS is functioning as expected and that the MongoDB database is properly connected.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should now have a fully functional Payload CMS instance deployed on your Hetzner VPS using Coolify. This setup provides a robust and scalable solution for managing your digital content.

Additional Resources

• Payload CMS Documentation
• MongoDB Documentation
• Coolify Documentation

Happy coding!