Question 1

How do I self-host Elk with Docker and SSL?

Accepted Answer

Clone the repository, set up a storage directory with correct permissions, and use Docker Compose, but you must manually configure SSL/TLS via a reverse proxy like NGINX or Traefik, as Elk only loads properly over secure connections.

Question 2

Can Elk replace the default Mastodon web interface?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Elk is designed as a faster, more modern alternative with a responsive UI, but it requires self-hosting or using community deployments, which may not have the same stability as official instances.

Question 3

How does Elk handle multiple Mastodon accounts?

Accepted Answer

Elk supports multi-instance login, allowing you to switch between different Mastodon servers from the same interface, though account management relies on the Mastodon API without built-in advanced features.

Question 4

Elk vs Tusky: which is better for mobile?

Accepted Answer

Elk is a PWA that works on mobile browsers with offline support, while Tusky is a dedicated Android app with deeper native integration. For iOS users or those preferring web-based access, Elk is a good choice, but Tusky offers a more app-like experience on Android.

Question 5

What customization options does Elk offer?

Accepted Answer

Elk uses UnoCSS for styling and is open-source, enabling forks and theme modifications, but customization requires familiarity with Vue.js and the modern web stack, making it less accessible for casual users.

Question 6

Is Elk suitable for beginners to deploy?

Accepted Answer

No, self-hosting involves Docker, SSL setup, and permission management, which can be challenging without prior DevOps experience; beginners might prefer using the official deployment at elk.zone.

Elk

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