🚀 How to Deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS

This guide details the steps required to deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS server. Our guide walks through deploying Directus on a fresh Ubuntu VPS with PostgreSQL, PM2, and Nginx.

What is Directus?

Directus is an open-source headless CMS and data platform that sits on top of a SQL database (like PostgreSQL or MySQL) and instantly turns it into a real-time API + admin app.

Core Concept

Instead of creating its own database structure, Directus:

• Connects directly to your existing database
• Adds a no-code admin interface
• Automatically generates:
• REST API
• GraphQL API
• Realtime data access

What It Does (In Plain Terms)

• You create tables → Directus turns them into content collections
• You add fields → Directus gives you forms/UI automatically
• Your data → instantly available via API for apps, websites, or services

Key Features

• Headless CMS

  • Manage content without being tied to a frontend
  • Use with:
  • WordPress frontends
  • Next.js / React apps
  • Mobile apps
  • Static sites

• Database-First Approach

  • Works with:
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • SQLite
  • No proprietary schema lock-in

• Auto-Generated APIs

  • REST + GraphQL out of the box
  • No backend coding required

• Admin Dashboard

  • Clean UI for:
  • Content editing
  • User roles & permissions
  • File uploads
  • Workflows

• Authentication & Permissions

  • Fine-grained access control
  • JWT-based auth
  • Role-based permissions

• Extensions & Automation

  • Webhooks
  • Flows (automation builder)
  • Custom endpoints

How It Compares

Typical Use Cases

• SaaS backends (admin + API)
• Website content management
• Internal dashboards
• Multi-tenant applications
• Data management layer for apps

Why People Use It

• No vendor lock-in
• Works with existing databases
• Fast to deploy
• Developer + non-technical friendly

Simple Architecture

Database (PostgreSQL)
        ↓
    Directus
        ↓
 REST / GraphQL API
        ↓
Frontend (Website / App)

System Requirements

In order to deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisite conditions:

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS / Ubuntu 24.04 LTS VPS
• 2+ GB RAM recommended
• Domain name (optional but recommended)

How to Deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS (Production-Ready Guide)

To deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS, follow the steps provided below:

1. Update System

   apt update && apt upgrade -y
   

2. Install Node.js (LTS)

   curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | bash -
   apt install -y nodejs
   

   Verify:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

3. Install PostgreSQL

   apt install -y postgresql postgresql-contrib
   

   Switch to postgres user:

   sudo -u postgres psql
   

   Create DB + user:

   CREATE DATABASE directus;
   CREATE USER directus_user WITH PASSWORD 'strongpassword';
   ALTER ROLE directus_user SET client_encoding TO 'utf8';
   ALTER ROLE directus_user SET default_transaction_isolation TO 'read committed';
   ALTER ROLE directus_user SET timezone TO 'UTC';
   GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE directus TO directus_user;
   \q
   

4. Install Directus

   mkdir -p /opt/directus
   cd /opt/directus
   
   npm init -y
   npm install directus
   

5. Configure Environment

   Create .env file:

   nano /opt/directus/.env
   

   HOST=0.0.0.0
   PORT=8055
   
   KEY=your-random-secret-key
   SECRET=your-random-secret
   
   DB_CLIENT=pg
   DB_HOST=127.0.0.1
   DB_PORT=5432
   DB_DATABASE=directus
   DB_USER=directus_user
   DB_PASSWORD=strongpassword
   
   ADMIN_EMAIL=admin@example.com
   ADMIN_PASSWORD=StrongAdminPassword123
   

6. Initialize Directus

   npx directus bootstrap
   

7. Test Run

   npx directus start
   

   Access:

   http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8055
   

8. Install PM2 (Process Manager)

   npm install -g pm2
   

   Start Directus:

   pm2 start "npx directus start" --name directus
   pm2 save
   pm2 startup
   

9. Install Nginx (Reverse Proxy)

   apt install -y nginx
   

   Create config:

   nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/directus
   

   server {
       listen 80;
       server_name yourdomain.com;
   
       location / {
           proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:8055;
           proxy_http_version 1.1;
   
           proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
           proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
           proxy_set_header Host $host;
   
           proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
       }
   }
   

   Enable site:

   ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/directus /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
   nginx -t
   systemctl restart nginx
   

10. Enable HTTPS (Let’s Encrypt)

    Install Certbot:

    apt install -y certbot python3-certbot-nginx
    

    Run:

    certbot --nginx -d yourdomain.com
    

11. Firewall Setup

    ufw allow OpenSSH
    ufw allow 'Nginx Full'
    ufw enable
    

12. Useful PM2 Commands

    pm2 status
    pm2 logs directus
    pm2 restart directus
    pm2 stop directus
    

13. Optional: Storage (Uploads)

    Add to .env:

    STORAGE_LOCATIONS=local
    STORAGE_LOCAL_ROOT=./uploads
    

    Create directory:

    mkdir /opt/directus/uploads
    

14. Production Hardening (Recommended)

    • Use strong secrets
    • Move .env permissions:

      chmod 600 /opt/directus/.env
    

    • Enable PostgreSQL remote restrictions
    • Set up backups (cron + pg_dump)
    • Use Cloudflare or WAF
    • Monitor with PM2 + logs

15. Auto Backup Script (Optional)

    crontab -e
    

    0 2 * * * pg_dump -U directus_user directus > /opt/backups/directus_$(date +\%F).sql
    

Done

You now have a production-ready Directus deployment:

• API: https://yourdomain.com
• Admin Panel: same URL

Conclusion

You now know how to deploy Directus on Ubuntu VPS.

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