> Source: https://meetrix.io/store/appsmith/
> Markdown copy of that page. Cite the URL above, not this file.

[Store](https://meetrix.io/store/)  Appsmith

Open-source Retool alternative

# Self-hosted Appsmith low-code builder on AWS

Build internal tools, admin panels and dashboards with Appsmith, running from a pre-configured AMI in your own AWS account. Connect your APIs and databases, and self-host with no user cap.

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-no6au4rfwd3f4)

-   Ready in 5-10 minutes
-   No user cap
-   Runs in your own account

![Appsmith low-code builder deployed on AWS by Meetrix](https://meetrix.io/assets/store/appsmith/appsmith.webp)

## What is Appsmith?

Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools. Drag widgets onto a canvas, connect them to APIs, databases and third-party services, and add logic with JavaScript where you need it.

-   ### Drag-and-drop UI

    Build screens from pre-built widgets.

-   ### Databases and APIs

    Connect major databases, REST and GraphQL services.

-   ### JavaScript logic

    Write code where the visual builder is not enough.

-   ### Admin panels

    Give your team a UI over your data in hours.

-   ### Approval workflows

    Build review and approval tools with backend logic.

-   ### Source code access

    Open source, with no vendor lock-in.

## What's in the Meetrix Appsmith AMI

The AMI ships the latest open-source Appsmith release, ready for its first admin account.

-   The latest open-source Appsmith release
-   Admin account creation on first visit
-   Custom domain support from Appsmith's admin settings
-   A CloudFormation template for your own AWS account
-   Support from Meetrix at aws@meetrix.io

## How to set up a self-hosted Appsmith server

1.  ### Launch the stack

    Subscribe on AWS Marketplace and launch the CloudFormation stack. Allow 5-10 minutes.

2.  ### Create the admin account

    Open the DashboardUrlIp from the stack outputs, wait for Appsmith to finish starting, and create your admin account.

3.  ### Add your domain

    Point DNS at the PublicIp, then set the domain under Settings → Instance Settings → Custom Domain and click Save and Restart.

4.  ### Build your first app

    Connect a data source and drag widgets onto the canvas.

## Deploy on AWS

### Appsmith on AWS

An AMI on AWS Marketplace, launched into your own AWS account with a CloudFormation stack.

Deploys with

CloudFormation

Recommended size

t3.large

Ready in

5-10 minutes

#### Setup guides

-   [**Developer guide** Launch, admin, custom domain](https://meetrix.io/blogs/appsmith-developer-guide/)
-   [**Deploy Appsmith on AWS** Use cases and why open source](https://meetrix.io/blogs/deploy-appsmith-aws-meetrix/)
-   [**Video walkthrough** Watch the deployment on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3CppmGbaX8)

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-no6au4rfwd3f4)

## Appsmith vs Retool

|  | Appsmith | Retool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Licence | Open source (Community Edition) | Proprietary |
| Free self-hosting | Yes, no user cap | No, same price as cloud |
| Free tier users | Unlimited (Community Edition) | 5 users |
| Integrations | Common databases, REST and GraphQL | Broader, more mature library |

SSO and audit logs need a paid tier on both. [Read Appsmith vs Retool →](https://meetrix.io/blogs/appsmith-vs-retool/)

## Video: deploy Appsmith on AWS

## Appsmith FAQ

Is this the official Appsmith?

Yes. The AMI runs the latest open-source Appsmith release, with Meetrix deployment support.

Is Appsmith free?

The Community Edition is open source with no user cap. SSO and audit logs are in paid tiers. On AWS you pay for the instance and any Meetrix software fee shown on the listing.

How do I use my own domain?

Point DNS at the server, then set it under Settings → Instance Settings → Custom Domain in Appsmith and click Save and Restart.

What can Appsmith connect to?

Any REST API, GraphQL service and the major databases.

Appsmith or Retool?

Appsmith if cost matters, since self-hosting is free at any team size. Retool if you need its broader integration library and can pay per builder.

Can I scale it?

Yes. Resize the instance, or set up load balancing and multiple instances.

Which instance size should I choose?

t3.large is the recommended starting point.

## Appsmith guides and articles

### [Appsmith vs Retool: Open Source vs Proprietary Internal Tools](https://meetrix.io/blogs/appsmith-vs-retool/)

Pricing, and the Retool self-hosted pricing surprise.

### [Deploy Appsmith on AWS with Meetrix](https://meetrix.io/blogs/deploy-appsmith-aws-meetrix/)

Build internal dashboards and admin panels on your own infrastructure.

### [NocoBase vs Airtable: Self-Hosted No-Code Database](https://meetrix.io/blogs/nocobase-vs-airtable/)

Another route to internal tools on your own servers.

## Need a hand with Appsmith?

We build and run self-hosted internal tooling every day, from data connections to scaling. Tell us what you need.

[Contact us](https://meetrix.io/contact-us/)