Local dev environments
without the headache
Canopy is a native macOS app that manages Docker-based development environments. 16 services, 12 templates, one-click onboarding, health monitoring, SSL, CORS — all from a beautiful UI or the built-in CLI.
Currently in private beta. Email beta@canopydev.app to request access.
What is Canopy?
Canopy is a native macOS app that runs your local development environments in Docker. It creates the site, database, SSL, and proxy domains so you can start coding in minutes.
One-click onboarding
Auto-detects your framework and provisions the stack with step-by-step progress.
Shared services stack
PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, queues, and search engines are included and ready to go.
Built for teams
Docker-based parity, automatic SSL, CORS tools, and health dashboards keep everyone in sync.
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
A complete local development stack managed through a native macOS interface.
Shared Services Architecture
One nginx, versioned PHP-FPM runtimes (8.1–8.4), one set of databases. All your projects share the same stack — PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, queues, search engines, and more.
One-Click Project Onboarding
Auto-detects your framework, creates the site, database, .env template, SSL certificate, and hosts entry. Step-by-step progress checklist shows you every phase.
Health Dashboard
Live environment overview with host memory/disk gauges, Docker resource allocation, per-container CPU/memory bars, config drift detection, SSL checks, and restart loop alerts.
Automatic SSL & CORS
Trusted local certificates generated with a single toggle. Per-site CORS settings with Allow All or Specific Origins modes. Preflight-aware SSL redirects.
12 Nginx Templates
Laravel, PHP, static, SPA, Vite, Node SSR, Django, FastAPI, Flask, Python, and generic proxy. Pass custom variables, or link your own project config.
Visual Config Editing
Edit nginx configs with syntax highlighting and Save & Reload. The app restarts nginx automatically — no terminal required.
Service Proxy Domains
Infrastructure services get automatic HTTPS .test domains — mailpit.test, grafana.test, minio-admin.test, and more. Created on startup in a single batched operation.
IDE & Terminal Integration
Open any project in your preferred IDE or terminal with one click. Supports VS Code, Cursor, PhpStorm, Terminal.app, iTerm2, Warp, Ghostty, Alacritty, and Kitty.
Activity Log & Crash Reports
Chronological feed of every operation, warning, and error — filterable by level and category. Crash reporter captures backtraces with version info for diagnostics.
16 services, zero setup
All ports configurable. All running in Docker. Service web UIs get automatic HTTPS .test proxy domains.
Plus per-site PHP version switching · built-in database backup/restore · Xdebug (pre-configured, port configurable) · pgvector extension · Corepack for pnpm/yarn
Not just PHP
12 built-in nginx templates. Pass custom variables, or link your project's own config.
GUI first. CLI always.
Everything you can do in the app, you can do from the terminal. Add sites, switch templates, choose per-site PHP versions, and manage configs — perfect for scripting, dotfiles, or when you just prefer the command line.
$ canopy add my-app
$ canopy add my-api api.test fastapi-dev
$ canopy link my-app
$ canopy artisan tinker
$ canopy artisan route:list
$ canopy list
$ canopy edit my-app.test
$ canopy restart
How it compares
The best of GUI convenience and Docker flexibility.
| Feature | Canopy | Herd | Valet + Docker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native macOS app | |||
| One-time purchase | |||
| Full Docker environment | Partial | ||
| PostgreSQL + MySQL | Pro only | Manual | |
| Search engines (3 included) | Pro: 2 | Manual | |
| Visual nginx config editor | |||
| Health dashboard & diagnostics | |||
| One-click project onboarding | Partial | ||
| CORS management | |||
| Service proxy HTTPS domains | |||
| IDE & terminal integration | |||
| Automatic SSL | |||
| Auto-updates (Sparkle) | |||
| Node / Python / non-PHP support | Node only | Manual | |
| Observability stack built in | |||
| Log viewer UI |
Currently in private beta
We’re onboarding a small group of testers right now. If you’d like to join, request access below.
Email beta@canopydev.app to request access or join the waitlist.
Request beta accessAlready invited? Log in.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Docker installed?
Does this replace Laravel Valet or Herd?
Is this only for Laravel and PHP?
What services are included?
How do hosts entries work without constant password prompts?
What happens when version 2 comes out?
Ready to simplify your dev environment?
Stop fighting with configuration. Start building.