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How to Convert Docker Compose to Kubernetes - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your Docker Compose File

Start by adding your Docker Compose configuration. Whether you're migrating to Kubernetes, need to generate YAML manifests, or want to modernize your deployment, you have several convenient options:

•
Paste directly: Copy your docker-compose.yml content and paste it into the input editor
•
Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select your docker-compose.yml or docker-compose.yaml file
•
Try the sample: Click "Load Sample" to see a multi-service example with nginx, Node.js API, and PostgreSQL

Example: Docker Compose Input

Here's a typical Docker Compose file for a web application:

version: '3.8'

services:
  web:
    image: nginx:latest
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    environment:
      - ENV=production
    volumes:
      - web-data:/usr/share/nginx/html
    restart: always

volumes:
  web-data:
Step 2

Automatic Kubernetes Manifest Generation

The converter instantly transforms your Docker Compose configuration into production-ready Kubernetes manifests. Here's what gets created:

•
Deployments: Each service becomes a Kubernetes Deployment with proper pod specifications
•
Services: Exposed ports automatically generate Service resources for networking
•
PersistentVolumeClaims: Named volumes convert to PVCs for stateful data
•
Environment Variables: All environment settings are preserved in the container spec

Example: Generated Kubernetes Deployment

The same Docker Compose service converted to Kubernetes:

apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
  name: web
spec:
  replicas: 1
  selector:
    matchLabels:
      app: web
  template:
    metadata:
      labels:
        app: web
    spec:
      restartPolicy: Always
      containers:
      - name: web
        image: nginx:latest
        ports:
        - containerPort: 80
        env:
        - name: ENV
          value: "production"
Step 3

Customize Conversion Options

Tailor the generated Kubernetes manifests to your cluster requirements with powerful customization options:

•
Namespace: Specify target namespace for all resources (default: default)
•
Service Type: Choose ClusterIP, NodePort, or LoadBalancer based on your networking needs
•
Replicas: Set default replica count for high availability deployments
•
Storage Class: Define storage class for PersistentVolumeClaims (e.g., standard, fast-ssd)
Step 4

Export and Deploy Your Kubernetes Manifests

Get your Kubernetes manifests ready for deployment with flexible export options:

•
Copy to clipboard: One-click copy for quick kubectl apply
•
Download YAML: Save as single multi-document YAML file ready for deployment
•
Download ZIP: Get separate files for each resource type (Deployment, Service, PVC)

💡 Pro Tip: Deploy to Kubernetes

After downloading, deploy to your cluster with:

kubectl apply -f kubernetes-manifests.yaml

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Docker Compose to Kubernetes conversion work?

The converter analyzes your Docker Compose YAML and maps each service to appropriate Kubernetes resources. Services become Deployments, exposed ports become Services, named volumes become PersistentVolumeClaims, and environment variables are preserved. All conversion happens in your browser for maximum privacy and security.

Are the generated Kubernetes manifests production-ready?

Yes! The generated manifests follow Kubernetes best practices and are ready to deploy. However, you may want to review and customize resource limits, replica counts, and storage configurations based on your specific cluster requirements. The tool provides sensible defaults that work for most use cases.

What Docker Compose features are supported?

The converter supports most common Docker Compose features including: services with image specifications, port mappings, environment variables, named volumes, restart policies, resource limits (CPU/memory), replica counts, and dependencies. Features specific to Docker Compose like build contexts are not converted as Kubernetes expects pre-built images.

Can I convert multi-service Docker Compose files?

Absolutely! The converter handles complex multi-service applications with ease. Each service gets its own Deployment and Service (if ports are exposed). You can convert entire application stacks including web servers, APIs, databases, and caching layers all at once. The sample includes a 3-service architecture you can try.

Is my Docker Compose file secure during conversion?

Yes, completely secure! All conversion happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your Docker Compose files and secrets never leave your computer or get sent to any server. This makes it safe to convert files containing sensitive configuration data, passwords, and API keys.

How do I handle Docker Compose build configurations in Kubernetes?

Kubernetes doesn't support building images - it expects pre-built container images. Before converting, build your Docker images and push them to a container registry (Docker Hub, Google Container Registry, AWS ECR, etc.). Then update your docker-compose.yml to use the image references instead of build contexts.

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