OpenPanel is a container-based web hosting control panel designed for hosting providers and technical users who need granular control over shared server environments. Unlike traditional panels that rely on system-wide configurations, OpenPanel isolates each user in their own containerized environment with dedicated web servers (Nginx, Apache, OpenLitespeed), databases (MySQL, MariaDB, Percona, PostgreSQL), and caching layers (Varnish). This architecture ensures security, performance isolation, and flexibility—allowing users to run multiple PHP versions, configure individual resource limits, and manage their own backups without interfering with others. Built with TypeScript and powered by Docker, it bridges the gap between shared hosting simplicity and VPS-level control.
OpenPanel consists of two interfaces: OpenAdmin for administrators to manage users, hosting plans, and system-wide settings; and OpenPanel (client-facing) for end-users to manage their containers. It supports OS-agnostic deployment on Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and CentOS, with automated installation via a single curl command. The platform also offers integrations with billing systems like FOSSBilling, WHMCS, and Blesta, along with cPanel migration support for seamless transitions.
What You Get
- Isolated user containers - Each user gets dedicated Nginx, Apache, OpenLitespeed, or OpenResty with Varnish instances running in separate Docker containers, ensuring no service conflicts and full configuration control.
- Multi-version PHP support - Users can run different PHP versions (e.g., 5.6, 7.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4) on different domains within the same account without system-wide interference.
- Dedicated databases per user - Each user receives their own MySQL, MariaDB, Percona, or PostgreSQL instance with phpMyAdmin access, eliminating shared database risks.
- Resource limits per user - Administrators can enforce CPU cores, RAM (e.g., 1–8 GB), and SSD storage limits per user account to prevent resource abuse.
- cPanel migration support - Import existing cPanel backups directly into OpenPanel using built-in tools to migrate accounts, domains, and configurations.
- White-label UI customization - Customize the end-user interface with custom branding, logos, and themes for resellers or managed hosting providers.
- Comprehensive activity logs - All user actions—including service restarts, file uploads, and configuration changes—are logged for audit and security compliance.
- OpenCLI for terminal management - Use command-line tools to manage users, containers, and backups without logging into the web interface.
Common Use Cases
- Building a multi-tenant SaaS dashboard with mixed PHP and Node.js apps - A hosting provider serves clients running WordPress on PHP 8.2, custom APIs on Node.js 20.1, and legacy apps on PHP 7.0—all in isolated containers with dedicated databases.
- Migrating from cPanel to a modern, containerized platform - A managed hosting company uses OpenPanel’s built-in cPanel backup importer to migrate 500+ client accounts with minimal downtime and no data loss.
- Providing VPS-like control without full root access - A web agency gives clients full control over their Nginx configs, PHP settings, and backups—without exposing server-level access or risking system instability.
- DevOps teams managing microservices with varied stack requirements - Teams deploy PHP, Python, and Node.js applications on the same server using OpenPanel’s per-user container isolation to avoid dependency conflicts.
Under The Hood
The project is a modular, configuration-driven system designed to manage and orchestrate diverse infrastructure components through a unified interface. It emphasizes extensibility and automation, offering developers a structured approach to handling complex server environments with support for technologies like Docker, Nginx, Apache, and BIND9.
Architecture
It follows a layered monolithic architecture with well-defined modules and clear separation of concerns across domains.
- Modular package structure that isolates UI, data providers, and core logic
- Strong emphasis on separation of concerns with distinct layers for different functionalities
- Component swizzling and plugin architecture enable flexible integration
Tech Stack
Built primarily with TypeScript and React, the project leverages modern web development practices.
- TypeScript ensures type safety and improved developer experience
- React ecosystem is deeply integrated with refined data handling and UI components
- Extensive use of testing libraries such as Jest and @testing-library for robust test coverage
- Development tooling includes tsup, linters, formatters, and a CI/CD pipeline
Code Quality
Code quality reflects a mature approach with consistent patterns and strong testing practices.
- Comprehensive test suite covering various functionality areas demonstrates commitment to reliability
- Error handling follows consistent try/catch patterns across modules for robustness
- Code maintains reasonable consistency in naming and style, though some technical debt exists
- Strong component architecture supports maintainability and scalability
What Makes It Unique
It stands out through its configuration-driven approach and deep integration across infrastructure technologies.
- Offers a unified interface for managing diverse systems like Docker, Nginx, and BIND9
- Combines automation, templating, and structured configuration for cohesive server management
- Provides extensibility and customization options that adapt to complex deployment needs