Self-host ghostboard
v3.4.3Real-time synchronized text sharing via web and CLI
- Stars
- 342
- Ports
- 80 (HTTP and WebSocket (bundled nginx)), 8080 (HTTP server (legacy)), 8765 (WebSocket server (legacy))
thehelpfulidiot/ghostboard-server
What is ghostboard?
Ghostboard provides a simple web page where text typed in one browser instantly appears in all other connected browsers, plus a CLI client for scriptable access. It runs as a Docker container (bundling nginx and the WebSocket server on port 80) or as plain Python scripts. Each URL path creates an independent board, and the UI includes dark mode, Markdown rendering, and a REST API for programmatic updates. The project explicitly states there is no encryption, so it is intended for trusted networks only.
Should you self-host ghostboard?
ghostboard scores 48/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #21 of 27 in File Sharing & Collaboration. It has 342 GitHub stars.
There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.
Setup is easy: most people get it running in one sitting. An official Docker image is available. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in HTML.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Nextcloud (86/100, 37 325 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See ghostboard vs Nextcloud side by side.
Features
- Board persistence across restarts
- Bundled nginx reverse proxy
- Command line clientSuperseded by REST API but still supported.
- Large text support
- Markdown Rendering
- Multiple independent boards
- Real-time text synchronization
- REST API
ghostboard README
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