ONLYOFFICE Docs, DocSpace, and Workspace are different server products, so installing an “OnlyOffice” app from a third-party ZimaOS store does not automatically give you the groupware product you expected. If you want rooms and collaborative document spaces, look at DocSpace. If you want the broader portal with documents, projects, CRM, and optional mail, look at Workspace. ONLYOFFICE Docs by itself is primarily the document-editing server.
The source thread correctly caught this distinction: the visible third-party entries appeared to be document-server packages, not full DocSpace or Workspace. Current ONLYOFFICE documentation now provides separate Docker installation paths and resource requirements for each product.
First Choose the Right ONLYOFFICE Product
| Product | Main purpose | Typical self-hosted use |
|---|---|---|
| ONLYOFFICE Docs | Document editors / Document Server | Integrate editors into Nextcloud, ownCloud, or another platform |
| ONLYOFFICE DocSpace | Room-based document collaboration | Invite users to rooms with review/edit/form permissions |
| ONLYOFFICE Workspace | Broader collaboration portal | Documents, projects, CRM, users, control panel, optional mail |
Why a Document Server App Is Not DocSpace
ONLYOFFICE Docs exposes the editor backend. It does not automatically provide the DocSpace room model or the complete Workspace portal.
The current ONLYOFFICE Docs Docker guide documents the standalone Document Server container and JWT configuration.
DocSpace Is a Multi-Service Collaboration Platform
The current ONLYOFFICE DocSpace Community guide provides an official Docker script that installs the services DocSpace requires.
ONLYOFFICE currently lists at least four CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 40GB free storage, and swap for DocSpace Community. Plan more headroom if the ZimaOS host also runs media, databases, VMs, or AI workloads.
Workspace Is Heavier Than a Single App Container
ONLYOFFICE Workspace Community includes Community Server, Control Panel, ONLYOFFICE Docs, and optionally Mail. The official Docker Compose path launches multiple components rather than one simple web container.
The ONLYOFFICE Workspace Compose guide is a better reference than trying to turn a single Document Server manifest into Workspace.
Can You Run DocSpace or Workspace on ZimaOS?
ZimaOS supports importing Docker Compose stacks, so the container model is compatible in principle. The harder question is whether the vendor installer expects to manage host-level Docker settings, swap, DNS, ports, and filesystem paths in ways that fit an appliance OS.
For a clean deployment, prefer an official Compose stack you can inspect and adapt rather than running an installation script that assumes a conventional mutable Debian/Ubuntu host.
Check Ports Before Deployment
ONLYOFFICE services often expect standard HTTP/HTTPS ports and multiple internal components. If ZimaOS or another application already uses a host port, change the published host mapping or reverse-proxy design rather than stopping unrelated system services.
Plan Persistent Storage and Backups
Persist databases, service configuration, uploaded documents, certificates, and application state according to the official product documentation. A container image is replaceable; the collaboration data is not.
The Docker Compose guide helps translate a multi-service upstream stack into a ZimaOS-style deployment.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Docs if you already have Nextcloud/ownCloud and only need browser editors.
- Choose DocSpace if collaboration revolves around shared rooms, permissions, review, and co-editing.
- Choose Workspace if you want a broader business portal with projects, CRM, documents, and optional mail.
FAQ
Is ONLYOFFICE Document Server the same as DocSpace?
No. Docs/Document Server provides the editors. DocSpace adds its own collaboration portal, rooms, users, and services.
Can I install Workspace as one Docker container?
The current official Workspace deployment uses multiple components and provides a Docker Compose workflow. Treat it as a multi-service stack.
How much RAM should I plan for?
Current ONLYOFFICE guidance lists at least 8GB RAM for Workspace Community and DocSpace Community, with 12GB recommended for Workspace. Leave additional headroom for other ZimaOS services.
Why did the third-party store entry not give me groupware?
It was likely packaging ONLYOFFICE Docs/Document Server rather than the full DocSpace or Workspace product.
