> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/metabase/metabase/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing Metabase

> Learn how to install Metabase using Docker, JAR file, or cloud deployment options.

Metabase is built and packaged as a Java JAR file and can be run anywhere that Java is available. Choose the installation method that best fits your needs.

## Metabase Cloud

The easiest way to run Metabase is with [Metabase Cloud](https://www.metabase.com/cloud/). All you need to do is sign up for a free trial, and you're ready to start analyzing your data.

<Note>
  Metabase Cloud handles all infrastructure, upgrades, and maintenance automatically, so you can focus on your data.
</Note>

## Self-hosting Metabase

If you need to self-host Metabase, you have several options depending on your infrastructure and requirements.

### Choosing an installation method

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Docker (Recommended)">
    Docker is the recommended way to self-host Metabase. It provides:

    * Easy deployment and updates
    * Consistent environment across systems
    * Simple configuration via environment variables
    * Built-in process management

    [Learn how to run Metabase on Docker](/operations/running-docker)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="JAR file">
    Running the JAR file directly gives you more control but requires manual setup:

    * Java Runtime Environment (JRE) required
    * Manual process management
    * Good for testing and development
    * More challenging to manage in production

    [Learn how to run the Metabase JAR](/operations/running-jar)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Cloud platforms">
    Metabase can be deployed to various cloud platforms:

    * Azure Web Apps
    * AWS Elastic Beanstalk
    * Kubernetes (community-supported)
    * Podman

    Check our [platform-specific guides](https://www.metabase.com/docs/latest/installation-and-operation) for details.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Installation steps overview

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose your deployment method">
    Decide between Docker, JAR, or a cloud platform based on your infrastructure and requirements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your application database">
    For production deployments, configure a production-ready database (PostgreSQL or MySQL) to store Metabase's application data.

    [Configure your application database](/operations/configuring-database)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure environment variables">
    Set up required environment variables for database connections, server settings, and other configurations.

    [View all environment variables](/operations/environment-variables)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Metabase">
    Start your Metabase instance using your chosen deployment method.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete setup">
    Visit your Metabase URL and complete the initial setup wizard to create your admin account and connect your data sources.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## System requirements

### Java requirements

If running the JAR file directly:

* **Java 21** is required (Java 21 JRE from Eclipse Temurin with HotSpot JVM recommended)
* Earlier Java versions are not supported
* Works on x86 and ARM architectures

### Database requirements

For production deployments, use one of these databases to store Metabase's application data:

* **PostgreSQL** (recommended) - version 12.0 or higher
* **MySQL** - version 8.0.17 or higher
* **MariaDB** - version 10.2.2 or higher

<Warning>
  Do not use the default H2 database in production. H2 is file-based and only suitable for local testing and demos.
</Warning>

## Air-gapped environments

If you need to run Metabase in an air-gapped environment without internet access, check out the [air-gapped edition of Metabase](https://www.metabase.com/product/air-gapping).

## Getting help

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Professional services" icon="briefcase" href="https://www.metabase.com/product/professional-services">
    Get expert help with setup, training, data modeling, and embedding
  </Card>

  <Card title="Metabase experts" icon="users" href="https://www.metabase.com/partners/">
    Connect with certified Metabase partners for technical resources and consulting
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What's not supported

* AWS Marketplace or Azure Marketplace distributions
* Officially supported Helm charts (community charts are available)
* ApsaraDB MySQL (use ApsaraDB PostgreSQL instead)

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Run with Docker" icon="docker" href="/operations/running-docker">
    Get started with the recommended Docker deployment
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run JAR file" icon="file" href="/operations/running-jar">
    Install and run Metabase as a standalone JAR
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure database" icon="database" href="/operations/configuring-database">
    Set up a production-ready application database
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upgrade Metabase" icon="arrow-up" href="/operations/upgrading">
    Learn how to upgrade to newer versions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>