Quick Start

Do you have a Kubernetes cluster?

• Yes — how should worker nodes run?

  • On the existing cluster's node pool → Use the Shared Nodes guide.

  • Dedicated per tenant for GPU or regulated workloads → Use the Private Nodes guide.

• No — what's your environment?

  • Local development or CI → Use the Docker (vind) guide.

  • Bare metal or VMs → Use the Standalone guide.

Choose your guide

Shared Nodes

You have a Kubernetes cluster and want isolated environments for your team. No extra infrastructure. Works with OSS CLI or Platform.

Private Nodes

You need hardware-level isolation per tenant for GPU workloads or regulated environments. Requires vCluster Platform (free mode OK).

Docker (vind)

You want an ephemeral cluster for local development or CI. No Kubernetes required — just Docker.

Standalone

You're building a managed Kubernetes platform from bare metal or VMs. Bootstrap a Control Plane Cluster and install Platform in one pass.

Not sure which path fits your environment? Read What is vCluster? to understand the deployment models and tradeoffs.