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Guide · Open source

How to use linkding: self-hosted bookmark manager guide

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

linkding is a bookmark manager you host on your own server, so your saved links stay under your control. This guide explains what it does, what you need before installing it with Docker, and how to use its main features. By the end you will know where to start and which features to set up first.

linkdingsissbruecker/linkding · ★ 11.4k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check prerequisites. Confirm that Docker is installed on the server or machine where linkding will run.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run the git clone command from the README to download the linkding source code.
  3. 3Follow the installation guide. Use the install instructions at linkding.link/installation to start linkding on your own server.
  4. 4Create your user account. Set up a login so you can access the interface and save bookmarks.
  5. 5Add your first bookmarks. Save links and let linkding fill in titles, descriptions and icons automatically.
  6. 6Organize with tags. Add tags to bookmarks so you can find them later.
  7. 7Set up the browser extension. Install the Firefox or Chrome extension, or use the bookmarklet, to save pages from your browser.

What linkding does and who it is for

linkding is a bookmark manager that you can host yourself. The project describes it as minimal, fast, and easy to set up using Docker. It is aimed at people who want a private alternative to cloud bookmark services.

  • Best for people who want a self-hosted alternative to cloud bookmark services
  • Best for anyone comfortable running a Docker container on a home server or VPS
  • Useful for small groups who want to share bookmarks with other users or guests
  • Useful for developers who want a REST API to build their own tools

What you need before you install linkding

linkding must be hosted somewhere. The README lists Docker as the install method and prerequisite. If you do not want to run a server, the README points to managed hosting options instead.

  • Docker, the only prerequisite listed for the install method
  • A server to host it on, such as a home server or VPS
  • The README does not include a mobile app; it mentions mobile apps only as community projects

Get the linkding source code

The README's install commands start by cloning the repository. Run this command in the directory where you want the project folder to appear. Full installation steps are on the project's documentation site at linkding.link.

git clone https://github.com/sissbruecker/linkding.git

Core features: tags, notes and bulk editing

You organize bookmarks with tags. The feature list also includes bulk editing, Markdown notes, and read-it-later functionality. linkding adds titles, descriptions and icons for bookmarked websites automatically.

  • Organize bookmarks with tags
  • Bulk editing of bookmarks
  • Markdown notes on bookmarks
  • Read-it-later functionality
  • Automatic titles, descriptions and icons

Archive pages and share bookmarks

linkding can archive websites either as a local HTML file or on the Internet Archive. You can also share bookmarks with other users or guests.

  • Archive websites as a local HTML file
  • Archive websites on Internet Archive
  • Share bookmarks with other users or guests

Import, export and connect other tools

linkding imports and exports bookmarks in Netscape HTML format. Browser extensions are available for Firefox and Chrome, and there is a bookmarklet. A REST API supports third-party apps, and SSO is supported via OIDC or authentication proxies.

  • Import and export in Netscape HTML format
  • Firefox and Chrome extensions, plus a bookmarklet
  • REST API for third-party apps
  • SSO via OIDC or authentication proxies
  • Installable as a Progressive Web App (PWA)

What people use it for

  • Keep a private, searchable archive of links on a home server
  • Save articles to read later and keep notes on them in Markdown
  • Share a curated set of links with a small group or guests
  • Back up a copy of pages locally or on the Internet Archive
  • Build your own tool on top of bookmarks using the REST API

Frequently asked questions

Is linkding free?

linkding is released under the MIT licence, according to the project's listing. You host it yourself, so you are responsible for the server it runs on.

What do I need to install linkding?

The README lists Docker as the prerequisite for the install method. You also need a server or machine to run it on, such as a home server or VPS.

Does linkding have a mobile app?

The README does not include a native mobile app. It mentions mobile apps only as community projects, which are listed on the project's community page.

How is linkding different from Linkwarden or Shaarli?

linkding is a minimal, self-hosted bookmark manager set up with Docker. Linkwarden, Shaarli, Wallabag and Hoarder are comparable projects, and this source does not compare their features in detail.

Can I import my existing bookmarks?

Yes. linkding imports and exports bookmarks in Netscape HTML format, the format most browsers use for bookmark files.

Do I need to set up a server at all?

Yes, linkding must be hosted somewhere. If you prefer not to manage a server, the README points to managed hosting options.

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Our verdict

linkding suits people who want a private, self-hosted bookmark manager and are comfortable running a Docker container. If you want no server setup at all, or need a native mobile app included, choose a managed or cloud service instead.

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