Want to launch server and deploy your web application quickly and efficiently using managed cloud hosting? With the Cloudways Platform, launching a new server or adding an application, whether on a new or existing cloud server, is just a few clicks away.
This guide walks you through every step needed to install your favorite web applications (like WordPress, Magento, or Laravel) on Cloudways, whether you're using Cloudways Flexible or the new Cloudways Autonomous experience.
TL;DR? Read the summary of this article:
Log in and choose your deployment method – Add an application using Cloudways Flexible (on a new or existing server) or Cloudways Autonomous, based on your subscription.
For Flexible – Go to Servers, select or launch a server, click Add Application, choose your app (e.g., WordPress, Laravel), name it, assign a project, and deploy in minutes.
For Autonomous – If you're new, pick a plan, name, and deploy your app. Existing subscribers can simply click Add Application, choose location and app, and launch quickly.
After deployment – Access your app easily through the platform interface.
Table of Contents
How to Launch Server and Add an Application on the Cloudways Platform?
Learn how to deploy your favorite applications, like WordPress or Laravel, on the Cloudways Platform using our step-by-step instructions.
First, select your platform:
Cloudways Flexible
With Cloudways Flexible, deploying a new application on the Cloudways Platform is fast and straightforward. You can choose to launch your application on either a new cloud server or an existing server, depending on your hosting needs.
New Server - Ideal for users who want to launch an application with a fresh server setup.
Existing Server - Perfect if you want to deploy the application alongside your existing projects on the same server.
New Server
Follow the steps below to launch your application on a new Cloudways server. If you prefer visual guidance, you can also watch the video tutorial linked below:
Step #1:
Log in to your Cloudways Platform using your email address and password.
From the top menu bar, open Servers.
Click Launch Now to set up a new server.
Or, if you already have a server and want to add a new one, click Add Server.
Step #2
You must select your desired application, cloud provider, and server configuration based on your requirements. Follow the steps below as shown in the screenshot:
Select Application:
Choose your preferred application from the drop-down menu. In this example, WordPress is selected.Enter Application and Server Name:
Type a name for your application and server. For example, “Design Testing” is used for both in this example. You can choose any name you like.Select Your Project:
Pick an existing or create a new project from the Select Your Project drop-down list.Select Your Server:
Choose a cloud provider for hosting your application. Available options include DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud. In this example, DigitalOcean is selected.Select your Application Stack. If you want to learn more about 'New Cloudways Lightning Stack', click here.
Database Type:
You can choose MariaDB 10.11 or MySQL 8.4. (Note: You cannot change the Database Type later. This is a permanent selection.)Server Type:
Pick the server type based on your application requirements:Basic: Suitable for general websites.
General Purpose: Ideal for larger websites that need more memory and processing power.
CPU Optimized: Best for complex or high-traffic websites requiring extra processing power.
In this example, General Purpose is selected.
Note: With our new option, you can now find avail our help to choose the most suitable server type for yourself.
8. Select Server Size:
Use the slider to choose your desired server size (e.g., 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, etc.) according to your needs.
9Location:
Choose the server location nearest to your target audience. In this example, Northern Virginia is selected.
10. Launch the Server:
Review your hourly and monthly estimated costs, then click Launch Now to start deploying your managed application.
Note:
If you select AWS or Google Cloud, you’ll also need to specify bandwidth and storage limits.
After clicking on 'Help me Choose' option, you can now decide the most suitable server type with the help of the following side drawer:
Once complete, your new server and selected application will be deployed within a few minutes.
Important Note:
If your source server was MariaDB, you cannot select MySQL. Likewise, if your source server was MySQL, you cannot select MariaDB.
*MySQL 8.4 will soon become available on Cloudways Platform.
Step #3:
Once the installation is complete, click the www button on your target server to view your newly deployed application.
Existing Server
Step #1:
Log in to your Cloudways Platform using your email and password.
From the top navigation menu, click on Servers.
Select the server where you want to install the new application.
Now, click on the Grid icon located in the bottom right corner of the screen and then select Add App.
Step #2:
Select your desired application from the drop-down list.
Type the name of your app. In this example: Test 1, you can name anything you want.
Select your project. You may have created a project already after registering on Cloudways; you can choose that or create a new one.
Click on the Add Application button once done.
Important:
If you receive a warning about upgrading PHP or MySQL/MariaDB due to application requirements, please refer to this guide for step-by-step instructions.
Once the installation is complete, your high-performance application will be ready within a few minutes. You’ll also receive a notification confirming the successful deployment.
Note:
Ensure that the MySQL service is running during the application installation process. If it’s not active, the installation will fail, and you’ll encounter the following error:
“MySQL service must be running to complete this operation.”
Step #3:
You can view your new application once the installation is completed on the server by clicking the www button on the target server.
Cloudways Autonomous
Deploying an application using Cloudways Autonomous is quick and effortless. Before you begin, please confirm whether you’ve already subscribed to a server plan:
I Have Not Subscribed to a Plan
Step #1:
Log in to your Cloudways Platform using your email and password.
Once logged in, select your preferred Server Plan and then click Select Plan to proceed.
Next, click Confirm Plan.
Step #2:
Type the name of your application.
Select your desired server location from the drop-down.
Select your desired application from the drop-down list.
Next, click Launch Application.
Once done, your desired application will be deployed in the next few minutes.
Step #3:
Once the installation is complete, you can view your new application by following these steps:
From the left-side menu, click Applications.
Select your newly deployed application from the list.
I Have Already Subscribed to a Plan
Step #1:
Log in to your Cloudways Platform using your email address and password.
Next, click Add Application.
Step #2:
Type the name of your application.
Select your desired server location from the drop-down.
Select your desired application from the drop-down list.
Next, click Launch Application.
Once done, your selected application will be deployed within a few minutes.
Step #3:
After the installation is complete, follow these steps to access your application:
Navigate to the Applications tab from the left-hand menu.
Select your newly launched application from the list to open its management dashboard.
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Quick Tip:
Launch WordPress and other applications instantly with our 1-click install feature—get started in seconds.
Effortlessly deploy applications and get the most out of your Cloudways experience.
That’s it! We hope this article was helpful.
Need Help?
If you need assistance, feel free to:
Visit the Cloudways Support Center
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Or create a support ticket anytime.
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