Keel

Free · macOS · Windows · Linux

Your local dev stack, without Docker.

PHP, Node.js, Caddy, Nginx, Apache, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Redis and dozens more, installed natively in a click. Sites with HTTPS, tunnels and dev mail in the same app. Remove Keel and your system is exactly as it was.

Download Keel See what it does

Latest version 1.0.2 · signed automatic updates

Keel
Caddy:8080 · :8443Running
PHP 8.3FPMRunning
MariaDB 11:3306Running
Redis:6379Stopped

Websites

https://shop.testLaravel
https://blog.testWordPress
$ php -v
PHP 8.3 (cli) · via Keel PATH
$ node -v
v22 · via Keel PATH

Why developers switch to Keel

Everything a local web stack needs, without containers to babysit.

Native, not containers

Keel downloads real binaries and runs them directly. No Docker Desktop, no VM, no waiting for images, no fans spinning up when you open a project.

Ready in one wizard

Pick a role, Full-stack PHP, Modern JS/API or Custom, and Keel installs and configures the whole stack in one go.

Leaves no mess behind

Packages, configs and data live in Keel's own folder, apart from Homebrew and your system PATH. Uninstall Keel and nothing is left behind.

Real HTTPS on .test

Create a site and get a virtual host, a local certificate from Keel's own CA and the hosts entry, all from one form.

Many versions, side by side

Run several PHP versions, edit php.ini and extensions visually, switch per site.

Your terminal, too

Add Keel to PATH and use php, node, composer, mysql in any terminal, the same versions your sites use.

Share a local site

Expose a site with Cloudflare Tunnel, bore, chisel, frp or rathole, without leaving the app.

Catch every email

Mailpit catches what your app sends, so test emails never reach a real inbox.

Speaks your language

20 languages, works with VoiceOver and other screen readers, full keyboard navigation, and respects Reduce motion.

What you can install

Optional packages are downloaded from their official sources and licensed by their authors.

Web servers
Caddy · Nginx · Apache
Runtimes
PHP (multiple versions) · Node.js · Bun · Python
Databases
MariaDB · MySQL · PostgreSQL · MongoDB · Redis · Memcached
Dev tools
Composer · phpMyAdmin · Adminer · Mailpit
Tunnels
Cloudflare Tunnel · bore · chisel · frp · rathole
Websites
Virtual hosts · local SSL (Keel CA) · hosts file

Download

Free for personal and commercial local development.

Then open Keel, pick a role in the setup wizard, and create your first site in Websites. Release notes and older versions: GitHub Releases.

Questions

Is Keel really free?

Yes, for personal and commercial local development. Keel is built by one person; if it saves you time, you can tip from the app or the project page.

Do I need Docker?

No. Keel runs native builds of each server and database directly on your machine.

Will it clash with Homebrew or my system PHP?

No. Everything Keel installs lives in its own folder. Your terminal only sees Keel's versions if you choose to add Keel to PATH in Settings.

Where is my data, and how do I remove Keel completely?

Delete the app, then this folder:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Keel/
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\com.keel.app\
  • Linux: ~/.local/share/com.keel.app/
How do updates work?

Keel checks for new versions in the background and installs signed updates when you restart it. You can also check in Settings → Application.