Migrate Docker Compose to Kubernetes Visually
Move from Docker Compose to Kubernetes without writing manifests. Import services, map dependencies visually, set resource limits, and deploy — all from a drag-and-drop canvas.
The Compose-to-Kubernetes pain
You have a working Docker Compose file. Multiple services, volume mounts, environment variables, port mappings — it all runs fine on your laptop or a single host.
Now your team needs to scale. Kubernetes is the target, but the migration means:
- Translating each service into a Deployment manifest
- Writing Service resources for networking and port exposure
- Mapping volumes to PersistentVolumeClaims
- Wiring environment variables and ConfigMaps
- Adding resource limits, health checks, and other production requirements Compose didn't need
It is doable, but manual YAML authoring slows the migration and steepens the learning curve for teams new to Kubernetes.
Visual Compose migration with KubeOrch
KubeOrch provides a visual path from Compose to Kubernetes. Instead of converting line by line, you work on a canvas where services, connections, and configurations are explicit.
Import your Compose project
KubeOrch can help you bring in service definitions from Docker Compose or Git repositories. For details on import workflows, see the official documentation.
Map services on the canvas
Each Compose service becomes a node on the visual canvas. You see the topology explicitly: which containers exist, how they connect, and where data flows. Adjust service names, images, and environment variables in the UI.
Auto-layout and dependency wiring
KubeOrch's auto-layout arranges services and draws connections based on your dependencies. Instead of hand-editing Service selectors and DNS names, the platform wires discovery for you.
Add resource limits and production settings
Compose does not enforce CPU and memory limits. On Kubernetes, resource management is critical. KubeOrch lets you set requests and limits per service without touching raw YAML.
Deploy and iterate visually
Deploy the migrated topology to your Kubernetes cluster, stream real-time logs, and iterate on the canvas when you need to adjust replicas, add services, or refine configurations.
Why teams choose visual migration
No manifest expertise required
Developers familiar with Compose can migrate without learning Kubernetes YAML structure first
See the full topology
A visual canvas makes multi-service dependencies explicit — no grep-ing config files
Faster iteration
Add services, adjust resources, and redeploy from the same UI
Production-ready defaults
Templates include health checks, resource limits, and best practices
Common migration questions
Does this work with any Kubernetes cluster?
Yes. KubeOrch deploys to standard Kubernetes clusters — self-hosted, cloud-managed, or local (kind, minikube).
What happens to my Compose file?
Your Compose file stays unchanged. KubeOrch helps you model the same services on Kubernetes. You can keep the Compose file for local development if you prefer.
Can I use orchcli for the migration?
Yes. KubeOrch provides orchcli for command-line workflows alongside the visual UI. Refer to the CLI documentation for details.
Do I need to delete my old Compose setup?
No. Run both in parallel if needed. Many teams keep Compose for local dev and use Kubernetes (via KubeOrch) for staging and production.
Ready to migrate from Compose to Kubernetes?
Start with a visual canvas instead of hand-written manifests. Free and open source.