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Home / Migrations / Nginx → Caddy

Nginx → Caddy

easy

Caddy provides automatic HTTPS (Let's Encrypt), simpler config, and HTTP/3 out of the box. No more manual SSL cert management.

Estimated: 1-2h · 5 steps
Progress0%
Step 1: Install Caddy
sudo apt install -y caddy  # or: brew install caddy
Step 2: Create Caddyfile

Caddy's config is dramatically simpler than nginx.conf.

example.com {
  reverse_proxy localhost:3000
}
Step 3: Migrate reverse proxy rules

nginx location blocks → Caddy route matchers. Most configs are 5-10x shorter.

Step 4: Start Caddy

Caddy auto-provisions SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt.

sudo systemctl enable caddy && sudo systemctl start caddy
Step 5: Remove Nginx
sudo systemctl stop nginx && sudo apt remove nginx
✓ Site loads with valid SSL on HTTPS

What this migration involves

Moving from Nginx to Caddy is rated easy and takes about 1-2h on a typical project. The guide breaks it into 5 steps, 4 of which ship with runnable commands and 1 with a verification check.

Related migrations

Kubernetes (self-managed) → Fly.io — medium, 4-12h

FAQ

How long does migrating from Nginx to Caddy take?

Around 1-2h for a typical project — 5 steps, difficulty rated easy, 4 of them with copy-paste commands.

Is moving from Nginx to Caddy reversible?

No reverse guide is tracked yet, so treat this as a one-way move and keep a full export of your Nginx data before you start.

What does Caddy cost compared to Nginx?

Pricing for both tools is contact-based or not tracked yet.