# Mongonaut: Self-Hosted MongoDB Web GUI

## FAQ

> Category: Community

---

## Pages

- [Overview](https://mongonaut.org/about-mongonaut)
- [Installation](https://mongonaut.org/installation)
- [Docker setup](https://mongonaut.org/mongodb-gui-docker)

### Compare

- [Mongonaut vs mongo-express](https://mongonaut.org/compare/mongonaut-vs-mongo-express)
- [Mongonaut vs MongoDB Compass](https://mongonaut.org/compare/mongonaut-vs-mongodb-compass)

### Guides

- [Migrate from mongo-express](https://mongonaut.org/guides/migrate-from-mongo-express)
- [Read-only configuration](https://mongonaut.org/guides/read-only-configuration)
- [Troubleshooting](https://mongonaut.org/guides/troubleshooting)

### Security

- [Authentication](https://mongonaut.org/security/authentication)
- [Cloudflare Zero Trust Tunnel](https://mongonaut.org/security/zero-trust-tunnel)

### Community

- [FAQ](https://mongonaut.org/community/faq)
- [Contributing](https://mongonaut.org/community/contributing)

---

# Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to common questions about Mongonaut, Docker deployment, MongoDB access and how it compares with mongo-express and MongoDB Compass.

## What is Mongonaut?

Mongonaut is a modern, self-hosted MongoDB web GUI. It lets developers browse databases, inspect collections, view documents and manage MongoDB from a browser.

## Is Mongonaut self-hosted?

Yes. Mongonaut runs in your own environment and connects to MongoDB through `MONGO_CONNECTION_URL`. The published Docker image is `ghcr.io/withzu/mongonaut`.

## Is Mongonaut an alternative to mongo-express?

Yes, for many browser based MongoDB admin workflows. Mongonaut is positioned as a modern alternative to mongo-express with Docker deployment, a newer interface, read-only configuration and built-in authentication modes.

It is not a full replacement for every mongo-express feature. Aggregation pipelines, index management, GridFS browsing and shell access are not currently part of the Mongonaut UI.

## Can Mongonaut be deployed with Docker?

Yes. A minimal Docker command looks like this:

```bash
docker run -it --rm \
  -p 8081:8081 \
  -e MONGO_CONNECTION_URL="mongodb://mongo:27017/" \
  -e MONGONAUT_AUTH_SECRET="$(openssl rand -base64 32)" \
  ghcr.io/withzu/mongonaut
```

For a complete example with MongoDB included, see [MongoDB GUI with Docker](/mongodb-gui-docker).

## Does Mongonaut work with MongoDB Atlas?

Yes. Mongonaut uses a standard MongoDB connection string, so Atlas can be used when the Mongonaut host is allowed by Atlas network access rules and the URI contains valid database user credentials.

```env
MONGO_CONNECTION_URL=mongodb+srv://user:password@cluster.example.mongodb.net/?retryWrites=true&w=majority
```

## Can Mongonaut be configured for read-only access?

Yes. Set `MONGONAUT_READONLY=true` to disable write operations in the interface and server actions. For stronger isolation, use a MongoDB user whose permissions are also read-only.

## Is it safe to expose Mongonaut publicly?

Do not expose a MongoDB admin interface publicly without access control. Use Mongonaut authentication, Cloudflare Access, a VPN, an authenticated reverse proxy or another identity/access layer. If `MONGONAUT_AUTH_MODE=NONE` is set, anyone who can reach the port can use the connected MongoDB with the permissions in `MONGO_CONNECTION_URL`.

## Does Mongonaut replace MongoDB Compass?

Not completely. MongoDB Compass is a desktop application with a broader MongoDB toolset. Mongonaut is a self-hosted web GUI for browser access, Docker deployments and private infrastructure.

## Can Mongonaut create, edit and delete documents?

Yes, when write access is enabled. Mongonaut can create, edit and delete individual documents through its document interface. Set `MONGONAUT_READONLY=true` when users should only inspect data.

## Does Mongonaut support aggregation pipelines?

Not currently. The current UI focuses on browsing databases and collections, inspecting documents, basic collection search, document management, collection export and read-only operation.

## What authentication modes are available?

Mongonaut supports account login, static password login, OIDC login and an explicit `NONE` mode. See [Authentication](/security/authentication) for configuration details.

## Where is the source code?

The repository is [github.com/withzu/mongonaut](https://github.com/withzu/mongonaut). Mongonaut is licensed under the MIT License.

## Related links

- [Install Mongonaut](/installation)
- [MongoDB GUI with Docker](/mongodb-gui-docker)
- [Modern mongo-express Alternative](/mongo-express-alternative)
- [Mongonaut vs mongo-express](/compare/mongonaut-vs-mongo-express)
- [Self-hosted MongoDB Compass Alternative](/mongodb-compass-alternative)