How can I install additional osftware packages in a container?

[drnicolas]

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I am still struggling with the problem, that my container needs a couple of additional software packages (paperless-NGX)

My container is basically a modified paperless-NGX system.
I am running my own script as part of the consumption process.
At the monent, I am installing my software after a restart of paperless on my oown.

This sript needs several packages, such as
oracledb (access 3rd party database)
pypaperless

I think, I have to create my own image based on the current paperlessNGX-image and install the desired software there

1. Is this the correct way?
2. If 1, How can I update this custom image with the latest version of paperless-NGX?

[Nick-Portainer]

Yes, that approach is correct. To do this with Portainer, you need to build your custom image outside of Portainer first, then reference that image in your stack. Portainer does not currently support build: directives in Compose, so the workflow is:

1. Create a Dockerfile

FROM ghcr.io/paperless-ngx/paperless-ngx:latest

RUN pip install --no-cache-dir oracledb pypaperless #This is just an example

(You may also pin a specific Paperless-NGX version instead of latest.)

2. Build the image locally

In the same directory as the Dockerfile, run:

docker build -t myuser/paperless-custom:latest .

3. Push the image to a registry

For example, if using Docker Hub:

docker login
docker push myuser/paperless-custom:latest

(You can also use GHCR or a private registry if preferred.)

4. Update your Portainer stack

In your compose file, replace the original image with your custom one:

services:
  paperless:
    image: myuser/paperless-custom:latest
    # remaining configuration stays the same

Portainer will then pull and run the already-built image.

5. Updating in the future

When Paperless-NGX updates, you simply:
1. Update the FROM line in your Dockerfile
2. Rebuild and push your custom image
3. Update your tag in Portainer if needed

This ensures you get the latest Paperless-NGX changes while keeping your custom packages included.

[drnicolas]

Thank you for that detailed answer. I will try the next days