Node.js is a JavaScript runtime used to build fast and scalable web applications, APIs, and backend services.
With Cloudways, the server setup and deployment process is simplified, so you can focus on building and running your application instead of managing the hosting environment manually.
How to Launch a Node.js Application on Cloudways
Cloudways Node.js lets you launch, deploy, and manage Node.js applications from the Cloudways Platform.
You can connect your GitHub account, import your application repository, choose your preferred plan, review the build settings, and deploy the app with a few simple steps.
Step #1 - Go to Node.js from the Cloudways Platform:
Log in your Cloudways Platform, and from the home screen, select Node.js from the left-side menu.
You can also click Launch Now from the Introducing Node.js card if it appears on your dashboard.
This will start the Node.js application launch process.
If you have clicked on the Node.JS icon on the left side bar menu, you need to click Add Node.js App as shown below.
Step #2 - Choose Your Node.js Plan:
On the Choose Your Plan screen, select the plan that fits your application needs.
Each plan shows the following details:
Monthly price — the cost of the selected plan.
vCPUs — the virtual CPU power assigned to your application.
RAM — the memory available for your application.
Disk Size — the storage space available for your files and application data.
Network — the maximum network speed supported by the plan.
You will also see included features such as:
Enterprise CDN — helps deliver content faster to visitors.
DDoS Protection — helps protect your application from large traffic-based attacks.
Malware Protection — helps scan and protect your application from malicious files or threats.
After selecting your preferred plan, click Proceed.
Step #3 - Select a GitHub Repository to Import:
On the Select Git repository to import screen, choose the GitHub repository that contains your Node.js application.
A repository is the place where your application code is stored on GitHub.
You can:
Use the search bar to find a specific repository.
Select the repository you want to deploy.
Click the three-dot menu to refresh repositories or disconnect GitHub.
Click Learn more if your repository is missing and you need help with GitHub access settings.
After selecting the repository, click Continue.
Step #4 - Review Build Settings:
On the Review build settings screen, review the application setup before deployment.
You will see the selected GitHub repository and the available deployment options.
Review or update the following settings:
Framework Preset
Select the framework used by your application, such as React. A framework is a set of tools used to build your application.Branch
Select the Git branch you want to deploy. A branch is a version of your code inside your GitHub repository.Node Version
Select the Node.js version required by your application, such as Node 22 LTS. LTS means Long-Term Support, which is a stable version recommended for most users.Root Directory
Confirm the folder where your application code is located. If your application is in the main repository folder, the root directory may appear as /.
Note:
Cloudways does not automatically fetch or select the framework preset from your repository. You need to manually choose the correct framework preset, such as React, based on how your Node.js application is built. Selecting the correct framework helps Cloudways apply the right build and output settings during deployment.
Step #5 - Review Build and Output Settings:
In the Build and output settings section, Cloudways shows the default build settings based on your selected framework.
These settings define how your application will be built before it goes live.
Click Change if you need to update the build command or output folder based on your application requirements.
For many users, the default settings will work if the framework and repository are correctly detected.
Step #6 - Add Environment Variables, If Needed:
In the Environment variables section, click Add if your application needs environment variables.
Environment variables are values your application uses without storing them directly in the code. For example, these can include API keys, database details, or app configuration values.
If your application does not need any environment variables, you can leave this section unchanged.
Step #7 - Add Environment Variables from the Modal:
After clicking Add, the Set environment variables modal appears. Use this modal to add the values your application needs during the build process.
In this modal, you can:
Enter the Key and Value for the environment variable. The Key is the variable name, and the Value is the information your application will use.
Turn on the Sensitive toggle if the value is private, such as an API key, password, secret token, or database password. When a variable is marked as sensitive, its value is hidden after saving and cannot be viewed again. You can still remove the variable later if needed.
Click Add more to add multiple environment variables from the same modal.
Click Import .env if you already have an .env file. An .env file is a simple file that stores environment variables for your application.
Use Remove to delete an environment variable row from the modal.
Click Save after adding the required variables.
Important:
Sensitive values are hidden after saving. Make sure you enter the correct value before saving because you will not be able to view it again later.
Step #8 - Add a Custom Domain, If Needed:
In the Temporary domain section, Cloudways provides a temporary domain for your Node.js application.
You can use this temporary domain to access and test your application after deployment.
Click Add Custom Domain if you want to connect your own domain, such as example.com.
After you add the custom domain, Cloudways will ask you to point your domain to the Cloudways Cloudflare zone. This is done by updating your domain’s DNS records.
DNS records are settings that tell the internet where your domain should open from. You may need to add one of the following records:
A record — points your domain to an IP address.
CNAME record — points your domain to another domain name.
Follow the DNS instructions shown on the Cloudways Platform and update the records from your domain registrar or DNS provider.
You can also skip this step during deployment and add a custom domain later from the application overview page.
Note:
Your custom domain will not start working immediately after adding it to Cloudways. You must also update the required DNS records, such as the A record or CNAME record, so the domain points to the correct Cloudways Cloudflare zone.
Step #9 - Select Server Location:
In the Location section, choose the server location where your Node.js application will be hosted.
Choose a location close to most of your website visitors. This can help reduce loading time and improve the user experience.
For example, if most of your visitors are in the United States, you may choose a US-based location such as New York.
Deploy the Node.js Application
After reviewing all settings, click Deploy Now.
Cloudways will start setting up your Node.js server and building your application.
Step #10 - Wait for Deployment to Complete:
On the deployment screen, you can view the deployment progress.
Cloudways will show the selected deployment settings if you click the dropdown, such as:
Node.js version
Root directory
Build and output settings
GitHub author
Branch
Framework
Commit ID
The deployment process may take a few minutes.
You will see progress stages such as:
Setting up your Node.js Server
Building your application
Keep the tab open while Cloudways completes the setup. Once the process is complete, your Node.js application will be ready to use.
Your Node.js application is now deployed on Cloudways. You can use the temporary domain to test your application or connect a custom domain when you are ready to make it live.
Node.JS Applications Page
After your Node.js app is launched, you can view it from the Node.js Web App page.
From this page, you can:
View all your Node.js applications in one place.
Check the application name, plan, server location, and creation date.
Use Sort by to arrange applications by date created.
Click Add Node.js App to launch another Node.js application.
Click the three-dot menu next to an application to manage it.
The three-dot menu gives you the following options:
Stop — temporarily stop the selected Node.js application.
Restart — restart the application if you need to refresh its services.
Delete — permanently remove the application from your Cloudways account.
Note:
Only delete an application if you are sure you no longer need it, as this action may remove the app and its related data.
That’s it! We hope this article was useful.
Need Help?
If you need assistance, feel free to:
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