What is RDE

RDE (Ruizi Desktop Environment) is an open-source web desktop environment that turns Linux servers into feature-rich cloud desktops. Access a Windows-like experience through your browser, with file management, Docker apps, system monitoring, and more.

Why RDE?

• No desktop environment needed: No GNOME/KDE overhead — operate via the web
• Access anywhere: Open in any browser — phone, tablet, or desktop
• Feature-rich: File manager, Docker app store, media playback, download manager, and more
• Free & open source: All core features are free, licensed under GPL-3.0

Core Features

🖥️ Web Desktop Experience

A Windows-like window manager with drag, resize, maximize, minimize, taskbar, and context menus. Supports iframe, component, and popup window types for a true desktop feel in the browser.

📁 File Management

A full-featured file manager with upload, download, preview, and sharing. Large files use TUS protocol for resumable uploads supporting 10GB+ files.

🐳 Docker App Store

Visually manage Docker containers and images. One-click deploy common applications without memorizing complex command-line arguments.

💻 Web Terminal

A web terminal built on xterm.js + WebSocket + PTY. Full Linux Shell in the browser with multi-session management and theme switching.

📦 More Built-in Apps

• Download Manager: Aria2-based, supports HTTP/BT/magnet links
• Music Player: Lyrics display, audio visualization, multiple play modes
• Video Player: Multi-format playback, ffmpeg live HLS transcoding
• Photos: Photo metadata extraction, thumbnail generation, Synology-like experience
• Retro Games: WebAssembly emulator for NES/SNES/GBA/PS1 and more
• Flatpak Apps: Run Linux GUI apps in the browser

🔌 Plugin System

A plugin mechanism using Unix Socket HTTP communication with hot-swappable loading to easily extend functionality.

Tech Stack

Layer	Technology
Backend	Go, Gin, GORM, SQLite
Frontend	Svelte 5, SvelteKit, Tailwind CSS v4, Vite
Containers	Docker API
Downloads	Aria2 RPC
Plugins	Unix Socket HTTP

Architecture Overview

Browser → RDE Server (Go + SQLite)
          ├── Desktop Environment (SvelteKit)
          │   ├── Window Manager
          │   ├── Taskbar
          │   └── App UI
          ├── Feature Modules
          │   ├── File Management
          │   ├── Docker Management
          │   ├── Terminal Service
          │   ├── Download Manager
          │   └── Backup & Restore
          └── Plugin System

Premium Services

All open-source features of RDE are free forever. Optional paid premium services include:

• Docker Mirror Acceleration: Built-in registry reverse proxy for faster image pulls in China
• Cloud Backup: Automatic backup of system config and user data to the cloud
• AI Assistant: DeepSeek-powered intelligent chat
• Android Emulator: Run Android apps in the cloud desktop
• Virtual Machines: QEMU/KVM virtual machine management

See Membership Plans for details.

Next Steps

• Quick Start — Install and get running in 5 minutes
• Installation — Detailed deployment guide