Install
Download the native app or start Cove with Docker, then open it and create your owner account.
Install
Get Cove running on your own machine
Install Cove as a native app or run it with Docker. Either way, it sets itself up the first time you start it. There's nothing to configure before you can add media and start organizing.
Native app
Download Cove for Windows, macOS, or Linux and run it. On first launch it downloads and sets up everything it needs, then opens in your browser. No database to install manually, no manual configuration.
- One download per platform from the latest release.
- Sets itself up on first launch.
- Includes an instance manager for running separate Cove libraries.
Docker image
One image with everything included. A good fit for any system that can run Linux containers, including Docker Desktop on Windows or macOS.
docker compose --file docker-compose.allinone.yml up --detach- Everything Cove needs in one container.
- Point it at a folder of media and a place to keep your library.
- Best when you already run other apps this way.
Docker Compose
Run the app and its database as separate containers, so you can upgrade and back up each one on its own. The right choice if you like more control over your setup.
docker compose up --detach- App and database run side by side.
- Mount your media folder and add it as a library path in Cove.
- Best when you want to manage each part separately.
Add media
Point Cove at your library folders and let the first scan build your initial catalog.
Review and organize
Use search, filters, tags, groups, and generated previews to turn a folder of files into a usable library.
Extend when needed
Add downloaders, scrapers, and other extensions once you want Cove to do more than it does out of the box.
Setup is handled
However you install it, Cove brings its own database and media tools, applies updates on startup, and backs up your library before every upgrade.
You stay in control
You decide where your library lives, which downloaders and providers are enabled, how Cove is reached on your network, and which extensions can run.
What to read next
Get Started helps you choose the right installation, complete first-run setup, scan your first library, and learn the essentials.
Working on Cove itself?
If you want to inspect, modify, or build extensions for Cove, run it from source. The development guides cover local setup and extension development.