Frontbacked local development server
Build and test Frontbacked themes on your computer with FQL, FRL, accounts, saved records, uploads and simulated payments.
Install or update
Use Node.js 22.13 or newer on the 22.x line, or Node.js 24 or newer, with npm:
npm install -g frontbacked-server@latest
frontbacked-server --version
Run your theme
Open a terminal in the theme folder that contains your HTML and backend/index.frl:
frontbacked-server
Visit http://localhost:3000. To choose another port:
frontbacked-server --port 3100
Press Ctrl+C to stop. Run frontbacked-server --help for command usage. No repository checkout or separate language packages are needed to use the installed server.
Explore your local site
- /fb-admin — set up a local administrator, inspect records and try theme settings.
- /__frontbacked/mailbox — read simulated verification, password reset and notification emails.
- /__frontbacked/wallet — use the local crypto simulator while checking payment flows.
Auth provider buttons use local simulations. Local crypto payments do not use a blockchain or real funds. SMTP is optional when you want to check actual email delivery.
Local data is stored in .frontbacked/ inside your theme folder. Keep that folder out of Git and keep it when updating the installed server. Each theme folder has its own local site data.
After changing a schema, use Clear local records in the local administration area's Local development bar if you need a fresh dataset. A full records reset removes local accounts, including administrators. A backup is saved in .frontbacked/database/backups/ before records are cleared. Stop the server before restoring a backup.
Keep building
Read the local development guide, install the VS Code extension, and follow Your first theme.
Use the local server for development. Verify hosted integrations in a Frontbacked preview before publishing your theme.
Automatic starter
Run frontbacked-server in a completely empty folder to create Studio, a styled theme with pages for FQL state, email/Google/GitHub accounts, private note CRUD, file uploads, payments, jobs, editable content, and light/dark skins.
mkdir my-theme
cd my-theme
frontbacked-server
Existing folders, including those with hidden files, are served without adding starter files. Generate before git init. The generated README maps the examples and explains local simulated sign-in, email, and payments. Enable a payment method in site administration before trying checkout.