How Do I Use DigitalOcean's One-Click Apps?

What Are One-Click Apps?

One-click apps are pre-built Droplet images with software already installed and configured. Instead of manually installing WordPress, Docker, or a LAMP stack, you pick an image and DigitalOcean handles the setup. Your server is ready to use within 60 seconds of creation.

Step 1 — Browse the Marketplace

When creating a Droplet, click the Marketplace tab instead of choosing a plain OS. You will see categories:

• Blogs and Forums: WordPress, Ghost, Discourse
• Developer Tools: Docker, Node.js, GitLab, VS Code Server
• Frameworks: Django, Ruby on Rails, MEAN stack
• Databases: MongoDB, MySQL, Redis
• Monitoring: Grafana, Prometheus

Step 2 — Create a Droplet from a One-Click Image

Select an app — for example, Docker on Ubuntu 24.04. Choose your plan size, region, and SSH key as usual. Click Create Droplet. The image includes Docker and Docker Compose pre-installed.

Step 3 — Follow the Getting Started Instructions

After creation, click the Droplet name and check the Getting Started tab. DigitalOcean provides app-specific instructions — default login URLs, initial passwords, and next steps. For WordPress, you get the admin URL and setup wizard. For Docker, you can immediately run containers.

Popular One-Click Apps

• WordPress: blog or CMS with MySQL pre-configured — visit http://YOUR_IP/wp-admin
• Docker: Docker CE and Compose plugin ready — run docker run hello-world
• OpenLiteSpeed WordPress: faster WordPress with LiteSpeed cache built in
• Node.js: Node 20 LTS with npm and PM2 pre-installed
• Minecraft: Java server ready for multiplayer

Step 4 — Secure and Customize

One-click images give you a running app, but you still need to:

• Change default passwords immediately
• Configure a Cloud Firewall (allow only 22, 80, 443)
• Point your domain and set up SSL
• Enable automated backups for production use

One-Click vs Manual Install

• One-click: fastest start, good for learning and prototypes
• Manual: full control over versions, config, and security hardening

Start with a one-click app to get running fast, then migrate to a manual setup as you learn what to customize.