Create a New App
Deploy a new app to Skytells — import a Git repository, clone a starter template, deploy a Docker image, or bring a Docker Compose stack.
Every app in Skytells runs as an isolated container inside a project. Open your project, select New App, and choose how you want to get started.
Entry points
Import Git Repository
Connect a GitHub repository via OAuth and Skytells automatically detects the framework, builds the image, and handles future deploys on every push.
Clone Template
Start from a curated Skytells starter. Skytells forks the template into your GitHub account then sets up CI/CD automatically.
Docker Image
Provide a pre-built image from any public or private registry. No build step required — Skytells pulls and runs the image directly.
Compose Stack
Bring a docker-compose.yml to deploy coordinated multi-container workloads — apps, workers, caches, and sidecars together.
Import a Git repository
The fastest way to deploy code from GitHub.
Open the Apps Page
Open your project and select Apps in the left sidebar.
Start a New App
Select New App in the top-right corner.
Import the Repository
In the Import Git Repository section, paste your repository URL in the field (e.g. https://github.com/your-org/your-repo) and select Import.
If you have not connected GitHub yet, select Connect GitHub to authorize Skytells via OAuth. Once connected, your repositories appear for quick selection.
Review Build Configuration
Skytells detects the framework (Next.js, Express, etc.) automatically and pre-fills the build configuration. Review and adjust if needed.
Deploy
Select Deploy to start the first build. Skytells provisions the container, runs the build pipeline, and assigns a *.skytells.app domain.
After the first successful deploy, Skytells links to the main branch (or whichever branch you select) and auto-deploys on every git push — no webhooks to configure manually.
Clone a template
Start from a production-ready Skytells starter template.
Available templates include:
| Template | Stack | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Express API | Express.js + TypeScript + ESLint | Minimal REST API |
| Next.js Starter | Next.js 15 + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS | Full-stack web app |
| Vite React | Vite + React + HMR + TypeScript | Client-side React app |
| Astro Blog | Astro + Island architecture | Content-focused static site |
Browse Templates
Select New App, then browse the Clone Template section or select Browse All to see all available starters.
Select a Template
Click a template card to select it.
Name Your Repository
Enter a name for your new repository. Skytells forks the template into your GitHub account.
First Deployment Starts
Skytells immediately sets up the project, creates the app, and starts the first deployment.
Deploy a Docker image
Use an existing image from any container registry — no source code needed.
Select Docker Image
Select New App, then choose Docker Image from the Other deployment methods section at the bottom of the page.
Enter the Image Reference
Enter the image reference. Examples:
- Public Docker Hub image:
nginx:latest - Private registry:
registry.example.com/myorg/myapp:1.2.3
Add Registry Credentials (if needed)
If the registry requires authentication, add your registry credentials:
- Registry URL — the registry hostname (omit for Docker Hub)
- Username — registry username
- Password / token — registry access token or password
Configure the Container Port
Configure the container port that your app listens on.
Add Environment Variables
Add any required environment variables.
Deploy the Image
Select Deploy to pull and run the image.
For private registries, use a read-only access token rather than your main account password. Store tokens as environment variables, not hardcoded in image or compose definitions.
Deploy a Compose stack
Use docker-compose.yml to deploy multiple coordinated services as a single app.
Select Compose Deployment
Select New App, then choose Compose from the Other deployment methods section.
Upload Your Compose File
Paste or upload your docker-compose.yml file.
Review Services
Skytells validates the compose definition and shows the list of services it will deploy.
Confirm Service Configuration
Confirm service names, exposed ports, and volumes. Services within the same compose stack can reference one another by service name over the project's internal network.
Add Variables and Deploy
Add any required environment variables, then select Deploy.
Compose deployments are ideal for tight service bundles — an app plus a worker, an app plus a Redis cache, or any setup where services share a lifecycle. For looser coupling between separately managed services, create individual apps instead.
After creation
Once your app shows status Running, the Console navigates you to the App Overview page, where you can:
- Confirm the app is live and accessible.
- Add a custom domain.
- Review the first deployment log.
- Configure environment variables or build settings.
Related
- App Overview — navigate the app detail page.
- Domains — connect a custom domain.
- Settings — configure build type, Git source, and deployment behavior.
- Deploy on Skytells — add a one-click deploy button to your README.
How is this guide?
Overview
Apps are the individually deployable services inside a Skytells project — web servers, APIs, workers, schedulers, and Compose-based multi-service workloads, each running as an isolated container.
Overview
The App Overview is the command center for a running Skytells app — showing live status, the active deployment, domains, CI/CD connection, and quick actions.