Overview

New to Compose?

Find more information about the key features and use cases of Docker Compose or try the get started guide.

The Compose Specification is the latest and recommended version of the Compose file format. It helps you define a Compose file which is used to configure your Docker application’s services, networks, volumes, and more.

Legacy versions 2.x and 3.x of the Compose file format were merged into the Compose Specification. It is implemented in versions 1.27.0 and above (also known as Compose V2) of the Docker Compose CLI.

Note

Compose V1 no longer receives updates and will not be available in new releases of Docker Desktop after June 2023.

Compose V2 is included with all currently supported versions of Docker Desktop. For more information, see Migrate to Compose V2.

Use the following links to navigate key sections of the Compose Specification.

Status of the Specification

Read about the status of the specification.

The Compose application model

Learn about the Compose application model.

The Compose file

Understand the Compose file.

Version and name top-level element

Understand version and name attributes for Compose.

Services top-level element

Explore all services attributes for Compose.

Networks top-level element

Find all networks attributes for Compose.

Volumes top-level element

Explore all volumes attributes for Compose.

Configs top-level element

Find out about configs in Compose.

Secrets top-level element

Learn about secrets in Compose.