How to set up DailyTxT with Docker on my server?

Use the provided docker-compose.yml file, adjust environment variables like SECRET_TOKEN and data volume paths, then run 'docker compose up -d'. The README includes a detailed example with port mappings and setup tips.

Is DailyTxT really secure if the server encrypts the data?

Yes, it uses ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption on the server, so even admins can't read your data, but it's not end-to-end encrypted from the client. This trade-off allows features like server-side search, but means the server decrypts data for processing.

DailyTxT vs Joplin for private journaling?

DailyTxT is web-based and self-hosted with multi-user support, ideal for online access and team use, while Joplin is a desktop/mobile app with sync options and true end-to-end encryption. Choose DailyTxT for web convenience and self-hosting control, Joplin for offline-first and stronger client-side privacy.

What happens if I forget my password in DailyTxT?

You can use backup keys, which are generated once and must be stored safely. These keys decrypt your derived key, allowing password recovery without data loss, as explained in the encryption section.

Can I use DailyTxT without installing Docker?

No, it's designed for Docker deployment only. The development setup requires Go and Node.js, but for production, Docker is mandatory, which might be a hurdle for non-technical users.

How to backup my DailyTxT data?

Backup the entire data volume directory mapped in Docker, as it contains encrypted JSON files. The app also offers export to HTML and has an API endpoint for automatic backups, but regular manual backups are recommended.

Does DailyTxT support adding custom languages?

Yes, you can add new languages by following the TRANSLATION.md file, which provides instructions for contributing translations, making it community-friendly for localization.

Open-Awesome

DailyTxT

MITSvelteSelf-Hosted

A self-hosted, encrypted diary web application with markdown support, file uploads, and multi-user capabilities.

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488 stars42 forks0 contributors

What is DailyTxT?

DailyTxT is an open-source, encrypted diary web application that allows users to privately journal online. It encrypts all entries and uploaded files on the server before storage, ensuring that even server administrators cannot access user data. The app provides a markdown editor, file management, search functionality, and multi-user support, all designed to be self-hosted for complete data control.

Target Audience

Privacy-conscious individuals, developers, and teams who want a secure, self-hosted journaling solution with full control over their data and encryption keys.

Value Proposition

Developers choose DailyTxT for its strong focus on privacy through server-side encryption, ease of self-hosting via Docker, and a rich feature set including markdown, file uploads, and multi-user management—all without relying on external databases or cloud services.

Overview

Encrypted Diary Web-App

Use Cases

Best For

Hosting a private, encrypted online diary accessible from any device
Self-hosting a journaling app with multi-user support for families or teams
Storing and encrypting personal files alongside diary entries
Writing journal entries in markdown with live preview and templates
Managing a searchable, tag-based personal knowledge base
Deploying a lightweight, database-free web app using Docker

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring true client-side end-to-end encryption for maximum privacy assurance
Large teams or organizations needing robust database scalability and concurrent user management
Users who prefer cloud-hosted, maintenance-free solutions with automatic updates and backups
Scenarios demanding real-time collaborative editing or shared journal workspaces

Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong Server-Side Encryption

Uses ChaCha20-Poly1305 to encrypt all entries and files on the server, ensuring data privacy even from administrators, as detailed in the encryption section.

Rich Markdown Editor

Offers live preview, custom templates, and tag support for enhanced writing and organization, making it versatile for journaling.

Easy Docker Deployment

Designed for Docker Compose with a provided configuration file, simplifying setup and maintenance for self-hosting.

Data Portability

Stores data in JSON files without a database, allowing easy migration and backups, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Cons

Complex Migration Hassles

Upgrading from version 1 requires careful backups, environment variable changes, and cache clearing, which can be error-prone and time-consuming.

No True E2E Encryption

Encryption occurs on the server to enable search functionality, meaning data is decrypted server-side, posing a risk if the server is compromised.

Docker Dependency Barrier

Relies entirely on Docker for deployment, which may alienate users unfamiliar with containerization or preferring traditional hosting methods.

Limited Scalability

Uses JSON files for storage instead of a database, which may not efficiently handle large volumes of data or high concurrent user loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

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