Getting Started
Install Dockerman and connect to a Docker or Podman runtime.
Install Dockerman, then connect to Docker or Podman. On Windows, to skip Docker Desktop, use the WSL2 path in the Windows platform guide.
Prerequisites
A Docker or Podman runtime must be available before you can manage containers. Dockerman detects which runtime is running and adjusts the UI. On Windows, Dockerman can provision a Docker Engine through the WSL2 path in the Windows platform guide.
Install
Download the DMG
Get the macOS DMG from the Download page.
Open and drag to Applications
Open the DMG, then drag Dockerman into Applications.
Launch Dockerman
Open it from Applications or Spotlight.
Download the MSI
Get the Windows MSI from the Download page.
Run the installer
Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Launch Dockerman
Open Dockerman, then use the WSL2 Setup Wizard on first launch if you want the built-in Docker Engine path. See the Windows platform guide.
Install the package
Install the package that matches your distro. Use the .deb, .rpm, or AppImage build, then follow the Linux platform guide.
Add your user to the docker group
Run:
sudo usermod -aG docker $USERLog out and back in so the new group membership takes effect.
Launch Dockerman
Open Dockerman from your desktop menu. The published packages do not promise a GUI executable named dockerman on PATH.
First launch
The connect dialog
Dockerman tries local Docker automatically and shows progress or errors.
Pick a runtime source
Choose the local socket, a TCP endpoint, or an SSH host. Set the runtime preference to Auto, Docker, or Podman. Auto detects whichever runtime is available, trying Docker first then Podman.
Data initialization
Dockerman loads containers, images, networks, volumes, and Compose projects in parallel.
The dashboard
The dashboard shows running and stopped containers, plus live charts.
Next steps
Containers
Create, start, stop, and inspect containers.
Kubernetes
Workloads, services, config, and debugging.
Platform guides
Configure the Windows WSL2 path.
Troubleshooting
Setup and connection issues.
System requirements
| Platform | Minimum version | Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | 11 (Big Sur) | Intel, Apple Silicon, Universal |
| Windows | Supported Windows 10 / 11 builds | x86_64 |
| Linux | Modern desktop distribution | x86_64 |
A compatible Docker or Podman endpoint must be available before you manage containers; the project does not currently publish a separately tested minimum engine-version matrix. Windows can provision Docker through the optional WSL2 path.