Kubernetes to Docker Compose Converter - K8s to Docker Compose
Free online tool to convert Kubernetes manifests to Docker Compose format. Simplify local development and testing.
How to Convert Kubernetes to Docker Compose - Complete Guide
Input Kubernetes Manifests
Start by providing your Kubernetes manifests. Whether you're working with production Deployments, Services, or StatefulSets, you have several convenient options:
--- (three dashes) just like in your K8s YAML filesExample: Kubernetes Deployment + Service
Here's what a typical K8s manifest looks like:
apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
name: web-app
spec:
replicas: 3
template:
spec:
containers:
- name: nginx
image: nginx:latest
ports:
- containerPort: 80
---
apiVersion: v1
kind: Service
metadata:
name: web-app
spec:
ports:
- port: 80
targetPort: 80Automatic Conversion Process
The magic happens instantly! Our intelligent converter analyzes your Kubernetes configuration and automatically extracts all the essential information needed for Docker Compose:
What Gets Converted
The converter intelligently maps Kubernetes resources:
Review Docker Compose Output
Review the generated docker-compose.yml file in the output panel. The converter creates a complete, production-ready Docker Compose configuration based on your Kubernetes setup:
Example: Resulting Docker Compose
The same Kubernetes config, now as docker-compose.yml:
version: '3.8'
services:
web-app:
image: nginx:latest
ports:
- "80:80"
restart: always
deploy:
replicas: 3
networks:
default:
driver: bridge
volumes: {}Download and Run Locally
Now you're ready to run your Kubernetes application locally! Download the generated docker-compose.yml and start developing:
docker-compose.yml to your project directorydocker-compose up to start all services defined in the filedocker-compose up -d to run services in the backgrounddocker-compose logs -fdocker-compose down when done testingQuick Start Commands
Essential commands for Docker Compose:
# Start all servicesdocker-compose up# Rebuild and startdocker-compose up --build# Stop all servicesdocker-compose downFrequently Asked Questions
Why convert Kubernetes to Docker Compose?
Docker Compose is significantly simpler for local development than running a full Minikube or Kind cluster. Converting K8s manifests to Docker Compose lets developers run production-like configurations on their laptops without the overhead of a full Kubernetes cluster, making it perfect for rapid development, testing, and debugging.
What Kubernetes resources are supported?
The converter supports the most common Kubernetes workload resources: Deployments, StatefulSets, Services, and PersistentVolumeClaims. Advanced K8s features like operators, CRDs (Custom Resource Definitions), Ingress controllers, or HorizontalPodAutoscalers aren't directly convertible to Docker Compose as they don't have direct equivalents.
Is the conversion lossless?
Some Kubernetes-specific features don't have direct Docker Compose equivalents, such as pod affinity rules, horizontal pod autoscaling, network policies, or ingress configurations. The converter focuses on core container specifications, networking, and storage configurations that are essential for local development. You may need to adjust some advanced settings manually for your specific use case.
Can I convert Helm charts?
Yes! First render your Helm chart to YAML using helm template my-release my-chart, then paste the rendered YAML output into the converter. This allows you to develop locally against your Helm-packaged applications without needing a Kubernetes cluster.
How are environment variables handled?
Environment variables defined directly in containers are preserved exactly. For ConfigMaps and Secrets, the converter creates placeholder values since the actual ConfigMap/Secret data isn't in the manifest. You'll need to create corresponding .env files or update the docker-compose.yml with actual values for local development.
Does it support multi-container pods?
Yes! If your Kubernetes pod has multiple containers (e.g., main application + sidecar), the converter will extract each container and you can either combine them into a single Docker Compose service or separate them depending on your needs. Sidecar patterns like logging agents or service meshes may need special handling for local development.
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