[opensourcedex]

Puter is a free, open source data security & privacy project written in TypeScript and released under AGPL-3.0. It has 43,557 GitHub stars, 4,062 forks and 19 open issues, and was last pushed 3 hours ago. On this registry it ranks #1 of 14 tracked projects in Data Security & Privacy, with 5 head-to-head comparisons available. It gained 47 stars over the last 6 tracked days.

What is Puter?

What it is

Puter is an open-source, self-hostable internet computer that delivers a full desktop environment running directly in a web browser. It functions as a cloud-based operating system, integrating file storage, applications, and developer tooling into a single cohesive platform. The project lives in the browser-based desktop and cloud infrastructure ecosystem, positioning itself as a free and open alternative to proprietary cloud desktop services.

Puter solves the problem of fragmented digital workflows by unifying common productivity and creative tools—like notepad, spreadsheet, camera, and voice recorder—into one accessible interface. For developers, it eliminates the need to build and deploy backend services separately by providing integrated cloud storage, database, serverless workers, and AI capabilities within a single platform.

Key capabilities

  • Provides a full graphical desktop environment accessible via any modern web browser
  • Includes built-in apps: Notepad, Voice Recorder, Spreadsheet, Camera, and others
  • Offers cloud storage with object storage and key-value database backends
  • Supports serverless workers for running backend logic without managing servers
  • Features an app store for publishing and monetizing web apps and games
  • Enables AI integration through built-in developer tooling
  • Supports localization with translations in over 20 languages

Who uses it and how

  • End users run Puter locally or self-host it to access a browser-based desktop without installing native software
  • Developers build and deploy web applications using Puter’s integrated storage, database, and serverless infrastructure
  • Teams self-host Puter on-premises or on private infrastructure to maintain full control over data and services
  • Creators use the included apps (e.g., camera, voice recorder, spreadsheet) for quick digital tasks without switching contexts

Getting started

Run git clone https://github.com/HeyPuter/puter && cd puter && npm install && npm start for local development; self-host using curl -fsSL https://puter.com/selfhost | sh on Linux/macOS or irm https://puter.com/selfhost?os=windows | iex on Windows; or use the hosted version at puter.com.

When to use it — and when not to

Puter replaces paid cloud desktop and app-hosting services with a self-hostable, open-source alternative, but requires managing its own database, storage, and SMTP for full functionality. It is ideal for users prioritizing privacy, control, and extensibility, but may not suit those needing enterprise-grade support or minimal operational overhead. Its AGPL-3.0 license requires derivative works to be open-sourced, which may be a constraint for proprietary projects.

project readme (upstream, from github) — read inline

Puter.com, The Personal Cloud Computer: All your files, apps, and games in one place accessible from anywhere at any time.

The Open-Source Internet Computer!

« LIVE DEMO »

Puter.com · App Store · Developers · X

screenshot


Puter

Puter is an advanced, open-source, self-hostable internet computer designed to be feature-rich, fast, and highly extensible.

For Users

Puter's goal is to provide you with every app and feature you need to work, create, and play under one roof. From a simple Notepad and Voice Recorder to Spreadsheet and Camera, Puter wants to be the all-in-one solution for your digital life.

For Developers

Puter provides everything you need to build and publish web apps and games. From AI to Cloud Storage and Database to Serverless Workers, Puter has you covered. Puter also helps you get users! Once you build your app, you can publish it on our App Store to reach and monetize users.


Getting Started

💻 Local Development

git clone https://github.com/HeyPuter/puter
cd puter
npm install
npm start

→ This should launch Puter at http://puter.localhost:4100


🚀 Self-Hosting

Linux/macOS
curl -fsSL https://puter.com/selfhost | sh
Windows
irm https://puter.com/selfhost?os=windows | iex

→ For more details, see Self-Hosting Puter.


☁️ Puter.com

Puter is available as a hosted service at puter.com.


Support

Connect with the maintainers and community through these channels:

We are always happy to help you with any questions you may have. Don't hesitate to ask!


License

This repository, including all its contents, sub-projects, modules, and components, is licensed under AGPL-3.0 unless explicitly stated otherwise. Third-party libraries included in this repository may be subject to their own licenses.


Translations

Frequently asked questions

Is Puter free to use?

Puter is open source under the AGPL-3.0 licence. There is no licence fee and no seat count — you can self-host it or, where the project offers one, pay a vendor for a managed version instead.

What does Puter do?

A full desktop environment that runs in your browser

What is Puter written in?

Puter is primarily written in TypeScript. Its source is publicly available at https://github.com/heyputer/puter, and it has 43,557 GitHub stars.