Docker is the recommended path because it provides PostgreSQL, Redis, MinIO, and the media worker's native tools.

Requirements

• Node.js compatible with Next.js 16
• pnpm 10.32.1
• Docker with Compose.

Complete environment

pnpm install
cp .env.example .env
pnpm docker:dev

On the first launch, run in another terminal:

pnpm exec prisma migrate dev
pnpm db:seed

The application is available at http://localhost:3000, the player at http://localhost:3000/display, and the MinIO console on port 9001.

Development seed mode creates demo organizations, accounts for each role, templates, channels, schedules, and screens. Optional media files and their seed behavior are documented in prisma/SEED.md.

The application can run with pnpm dev when external PostgreSQL, Redis, and S3-compatible services are reachable. Running pnpm worker:media outside Docker additionally requires FFmpeg/ffprobe, Poppler, and LibreOffice.

Common failures include occupied ports, a missing bucket, unapplied migrations, missing widget seed data, or a stopped polywall-media-worker-dev container.