> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.grax.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.grax.com/technology/deploy/install-on-docker-desktop.md).

# Install on Docker Desktop

This guide runs GRAX on Docker Desktop alongside a database and storage service.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Set Up Docker Desktop

First download, install, and run [Docker Desktop](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Get a GRAX Trial Key

Next, sign into the [GRAX Platform](https://platform.grax.com) and get a registration key.

Go to "Backends," then "New," then "GRAX for Docker Desktop," then "Create Key." You can then see a "Registration Key" in your list of backends. This key can only be activated once.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Download and Configure GRAX Docker Compose Files

Download [GRAX Docker Compose Files](https://s3.amazonaws.com/grax-public-templates/master/docker/docker.zip), unzip them, and configure them with your registration key.

```bash
export GRAX_REGISTRATION_KEY=<Paste from GRAX Platform>
```

```bash
curl -L -o docker.zip https://s3.amazonaws.com/grax-public-templates/master/docker/docker.zip
unzip docker.zip
cd docker
echo "GRAX_REGISTRATION_KEY=$GRAX_REGISTRATION_KEY" >> .env
```

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Start Up GRAX with Docker Compose

```bash
docker-compose up -d
```

After 30 seconds, GRAX is running alongside a database and storage service. You can go to the "Backend URL" shown for your backend in [GRAX Platform](https://platform.grax.com).

You can pause GRAX with:

```bash
docker-compose stop
```

Resume with `docker-compose up -d`.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Resetting Everything

{% hint style="warning" %}
The following deletes all data in the object storage and database and releases the URL you used to access GRAX on your laptop. This can not be undone.
{% endhint %}

You can destroy all Docker resources with:

```bash
docker-compose down
docker rm -f $(docker ps -a -q) || true
docker image rm -f docker-grax || true
docker volume rm $(docker volume ls -q) || true
```

Then, sign into the [GRAX Platform](https://platform.grax.com), go to "Backends," and "Delete" your previously activated backend and registration key.