> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.carto.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.carto.com/carto-self-hosted/quickstarts/quickstart-kubernetes-kots.md).

# Standard Orchestrated container deployment

<img src="/files/7CB4nZG6kAUHKqcs0AXw" alt="Standard Orchestrated container deployment" width="52">

This quickstart walks you through the minimum steps to deploy CARTO Self-Hosted on a Kubernetes cluster using the Kots Admin Console. For a production-ready installation with full options and explanations, use the [Standard Orchestrated container deployment guide](/carto-self-hosted/deployment/kubernetes-kots.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Quickstarts are not suitable for production. For a production-grade installation with full configuration options, use the [Deployment Guides](/carto-self-hosted/deployment.md).
{% endhint %}

## Before you begin

Complete every item below before starting. Each prerequisite has a dedicated setup guide. Do not skip them.

* [ ] **License file** (`license.yaml`) received from CARTO Support → [License / Customer Package](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/license.md)
* [ ] **Kubernetes cluster** meets the hardware requirements for Standard Orchestrated deployments → [Hardware & Software Requirements](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/hardware-requirements.md)
* [ ] **Metadata database** (PostgreSQL 14+) provisioned and reachable from the cluster → [Metadata Database prerequisites](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/metadata-database.md)
* [ ] **Object storage buckets** created, CORS configured, and permissions set (**Temp Bucket** + **Assets Bucket**) → [Object Storage prerequisites](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/object-storage.md)
* [ ] **Network egress** open for all required CARTO services → [Network egress requirements](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/network/egress.md)
* [ ] `kubectl` installed and connected to your cluster
* [ ] A domain with DNS control and an SSL/TLS certificate ready

## Steps

1. **Install the Kots plugin** for kubectl:

   ```bash
   curl https://kots.io/install | sudo bash
   ```
2. **Install CARTO** into your namespace and set an Admin Console password when prompted:

   ```bash
   kubectl kots install carto -n <namespace>
   ```
3. **Open the Admin Console** and log in, then upload your license:

   ```bash
   kubectl kots admin-console -n <namespace>
   # Go to http://localhost:8800
   ```
4. **Configure required settings:**
   * **Metadata database** — host, database, and credentials for your external PostgreSQL (plus its CA certificate for TLS).
   * **Access to CARTO** — your domain and SSL certificate. On GKE/EKS the default access mode provisions a load balancer from a cloud-managed certificate (enable the Gateway API on GKE).
   * **Cloud Storage** — your own buckets (see [Configure your own buckets](/carto-self-hosted/configuration/data-and-storage/configure-your-own-buckets.md)).
5. **Run preflight checks and deploy.** Review the checks on the dashboard, resolve any failures, then click **Deploy**.
6. **Point DNS** to the deployment's external IP. For the default access mode:

   ```bash
   # GKE
   kubectl get gateway -n <namespace> -o jsonpath="{.items[0].status.addresses[0].value}"
   ```

{% hint style="info" %}
For optimal load balancer configuration and cloud provider recommendations, see [Load balancing best practices](/carto-self-hosted/best-practices/deployment/load-balancing-best-practices.md).
{% endhint %}

## Verify first success

Once deployment completes, confirm the following:

* [ ] All pods are running: `kubectl get pods -n <namespace>`
* [ ] The CARTO application loads at your configured domain over HTTPS
* [ ] You can log in with your admin credentials
* [ ] A basic map renders successfully

If any check fails, see [Troubleshooting](/carto-self-hosted/operations/troubleshooting.md) and [Debug mode and logs](/carto-self-hosted/operations/troubleshooting/debug-mode-and-logs.md).

## Next steps

For a production-ready installation with full configuration options and post-install validation, follow the [Standard Orchestrated container deployment guide](/carto-self-hosted/deployment/kubernetes-kots.md).


---

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