Grist — Self-Hosted, Open-Source

Features

• Columns work like they do in databases: they are named, and they hold one kind of data.
• Columns can be filled by formula, spreadsheet-style, with automatic updates when referenced cells change.
• Python formulas.
• A portable, self-contained format.
• Can be displayed on a static website with grist-static – no special server needed.
• A self-contained desktop app for viewing and editing locally: grist-desktop.
• Convenient editing and formatting features.
• Drag-and-drop dashboards.
• Incremental imports.
• Native forms. Create forms that feed directly into your spreadsheet without fuss.

Installation

docker run -p 8484:8484 -v $PWD/persist:/persist -it gristlabs/grist

Why self-host Grist

Self-hosting gives you three things SaaS can’t: data ownership (the files live on disks you control), cost predictability (a one-time setup vs. recurring per-seat fees that grow with your household or team), and longevity (open-source means the app keeps working even if the maintainers move on, since you can pin a working version). The trade-off is that you take on the operational work of running a server, applying updates, and handling backups.

Hardware notes

GRIST_ATTACHMENT_THRESHOLD_MB | attachment storage limit per document beyond which Grist will recommend external storage (if available). Defaults to 50MB. |

Where to go from here

• Browse the full self-hosted app directory
• Compare self-hosted alternatives side-by-side
• DevOps roadmap — learn the skills to run your own server