Purpose:
This repository serves as a reference library of working Docker Compose files for various services commonly used in home lab setups. These templates are intended for copy-paste usage, modification, and inspiration — not as a turnkey stack.
Rather than one giant docker-compose.yml for everything, this repo contains standalone examples, each in its own folder, representing services I've tested or used in my home lab.
They’re written with:
- Simplicity in mind (no huge stack dependencies)
- Practicality (tested on systems like Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu, etc.)
- Clear separation so you can use only what you need
Here's a quick overview of what you’ll find:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| AdGuard Home | DNS-based ad/tracker blocking |
| Grafana | Dashboarding and visualization tool |
| Plex | Media server for local streaming |
| Portainer | Web UI to manage Docker |
| ...and more | Explore each folder for more templates |
Each folder contains a docker-compose.yml, an .env, README.md and sometimes sample config files.
-
Browse this repo and find the service you're interested in
-
Open the folder (e.g.,
grafana/) and review thedocker-compose.yml -
Copy the file to your own system and adjust paths, ports, and variables to suit your setup
-
Deploy it with Docker:
docker-compose up -d
These templates are not intended to be used all at once — treat them like ingredients in your own custom home lab recipe. 🧪
Some services (like Grafana or Watchtower) may require credentials, API tokens, or secrets. Always do the following:
- Use .env files or Docker secrets
- Never hardcode passwords into compose files
- Adjust volume mounts for persistence (e.g., /config, /data)
Because not all Docker Compose examples on the internet are:
- Minimal and easy to understand
- Designed for home lab setups
- Updated or Raspberry Pi-friendly
This repo aims to provide tested, clean, and reusable examples that just make sense.
MIT License — see LICENSE for details. You're free to use, share, and adapt anything here.
Goug's HomeLab https://github.com/goug76
⚡ Pro Tip: Bookmark this repo or specific folders to quickly grab Compose files when building out new services.