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.

The Compose Specification on Docker Docs is the Docker Compose implementation. If you wish to implement your own version of the Compose Specification, see the Compose Specification repository.

Note

Compose V1 no longer receives updates and is not available in new releases of Docker Desktop.

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.