Setup Gitea with Docker

This guide walks through the process of setting up Gitea, a lightweight self-hosted Git service, using Docker and optionally securing it with Nginx Proxy Manager for a custom domain and SSL.

Prepare the Project Directory

First, create a directory:

mkdir gitea
cd gitea

Docker Compose Setup

Create a docker-compose.yml file:

---
services:
  server:
    image: docker.gitea.com/gitea:1.24.2
    container_name: gitea
    environment:
      - USER_UID=1000
      - USER_GID=1000
    restart: unless-stopped
    networks:
      - proxy
    volumes:
      - gitea-data:/data
      - /etc/timezone:/etc/timezone:ro
      - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro

volumes:
  gitea-data:

networks:
  proxy:
    external: true

SSL via Nginx Proxy Manager (Optional)

If you'd like to access Gitea via a custom domain like git.yourdomain.com and secure it with HTTPS, follow these steps:

1. Access the Nginx Proxy Manager dashboard
2. Navigate to Proxy Hosts and click Add Proxy Host
3. Enter the following details:
   • Domain: git.yourdomain.com
   • Forward Hostname / IP: gitea
   • Forward Port: 3000
4. Under the SSL tab:
   • Choose the existing certificate from the dropdown
   • Enable Force SSL and optionally HTTP/2.

Save the configuration.

Complete Gitea Initial Setup via Browser

1. Open your browser and navigate to: https://git.yourdomain.com
2. The Gitea setup wizard will appear.
   • Most default settings are fine for a basic setup.
   • Optionally adjust configuration options (database, server settings, etc.).
3. Click Install Gitea.
4. After installation, you’ll be redirected to the login page.
5. Register a new user — this will be your admin account.

Final Notes

After Gitea is up and running:

• Create a Repository: From the Gitea dashboard.
• Clone the Repo Locally: git clone https://git.yourdomain.com/your-user/your-repo.git
• Work with it Locally: Add, commit, and push changes just like with any Git remote.