Self-hosting
Self-hosting isn't available yet. We're building it for release in Q1 2027. This page describes what it will be, so you can plan ahead. The details may change before it ships, and the setup steps will be published with the release.
Self-hosting lets your Blotch Smart Frame take its picture from a server on your own network instead of from Blotch. It's for when a Frame can't or shouldn't reach the internet: an office or school network that keeps devices inside, a workshop with no connection, or a use where sending anything to our servers isn't an option.
It is deliberately simple. The server shows the Frame whatever image is in a folder, and a settings file beside the image says how long the Frame should sleep before it asks again. What goes in that folder, and when, is up to you: a script, a scheduled job, a home automation system, or anything else that can write a file. There's no Console, no Widgets and no schedule on a self-hosted Frame. You draw the picture, and the Frame shows it.
What you'll need
- A computer, a Raspberry Pi or a server on your network to run the server on.
- A static IP address or a name on your network for it, so your Frame can always find it.
- Something of your own that puts a new image and its settings in the folder when you want the Frame to change.
How it will work
Your Frame wakes up, asks the server for its picture, shows it, and sleeps for as long as the settings say. Architecture describes the pieces and how they fit together.
Setting it up
The release will come with a guide. In outline:
- Download and run the server on your computer or server.
- Put an image and a settings file in its folder.
- Point your Frame at your server on the local network.
Stay in the loop
We'll announce the release on Discord. If you have a use for self-hosting we should know about, email help@blotch.ink and tell us what you need from it.