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Caddyfile Import

Migrating from another Caddy setup? Import your existing Caddyfile configurations with one click. Your existing work transfers seamlessly—no need to start from scratch.

Overview​

Caddyfile import parses your existing Caddy configuration files and converts them into Charon-managed hosts. This enables smooth migration from standalone Caddy installations, other Caddy-based tools, or configuration backups.

Supported Configurations​

  • Reverse Proxy Sites: Domain → backend mappings
  • File Server Sites: Static file hosting configurations
  • TLS Settings: Certificate paths and ACME settings
  • Headers: Custom header configurations
  • Redirects: Redirect rules and rewrites

Why Use This​

Preserve Existing Work​

  • Don't rebuild configurations from scratch
  • Maintain proven routing rules
  • Keep customizations intact

Reduce Migration Risk​

  • Preview imports before applying
  • Identify conflicts and duplicates
  • Rollback if issues occur

Accelerate Adoption​

  • Evaluate Charon without commitment
  • Run imports on staging first
  • Gradual migration at your pace

How to Import​

Step 1: Access Import Tool​

  1. Navigate to Settings → Import / Export
  2. Click Import Caddyfile

Step 2: Provide Configuration​

Choose one of three methods:

Paste Content:

example.com {
    reverse_proxy localhost:3000
}

api.example.com {
    reverse_proxy localhost:8080
}

Upload File:

  • Click Choose File
  • Select your Caddyfile

Fetch from URL:

  • Enter URL to raw Caddyfile content
  • Useful for version-controlled configurations

Step 3: Preview and Confirm​

The import preview shows:

  • Hosts Found: Number of site blocks detected
  • Parse Warnings: Non-fatal issues or unsupported directives
  • Conflicts: Domains that already exist in Charon

Step 4: Execute Import​

Click Import to create hosts. The process handles each host individually—one failure doesn't block others.

Import Results Modal​

After import completes, a summary modal displays:

CategoryDescription
CreatedNew hosts added to Charon
UpdatedExisting hosts modified (if overwrite enabled)
SkippedHosts skipped due to conflicts or errors
WarningsNon-blocking issues to review

Example Results​

Import Complete

✓ Created: 12 hosts
↻ Updated: 3 hosts
○ Skipped: 2 hosts
⚠ Warnings: 1

Details:
  ✓ example.com → localhost:3000
  ✓ api.example.com → localhost:8080
  ○ old.example.com (already exists, overwrite disabled)
  ⚠ staging.example.com (unsupported directive: php_fastcgi)

Configuration Options​

Overwrite Existing​

SettingBehavior
Off (default)Skip hosts that already exist
OnReplace existing hosts with imported configuration

Import Disabled Hosts​

Create hosts but leave them disabled for review before enabling.

TLS Handling​

Source TLS SettingCharon Behavior
ACME configuredEnable Let's Encrypt
Custom certificatesCreate host, flag for manual cert upload
No TLSCreate HTTP-only host

Migration from Other Caddy Setups​

From Caddy Standalone​

  1. Locate your Caddyfile (typically /etc/caddy/Caddyfile)
  2. Copy contents or upload file
  3. Import into Charon
  4. Verify hosts work correctly
  5. Point DNS to Charon
  6. Decommission old Caddy

From Other Management Tools​

Export Caddyfile from your current tool, then import into Charon. Most Caddy-based tools provide export functionality.

Partial Migrations​

Import specific site blocks by editing the Caddyfile before import. Remove sites you want to migrate later or manage separately.

Limitations​

Some Caddyfile features require manual configuration after import:

  • Custom plugins/modules
  • Complex matcher expressions
  • Snippet references (imported inline)
  • Global options (applied separately)

Troubleshooting​

IssueSolution
Parse errorCheck Caddyfile syntax validity
Missing hostsEnsure site blocks have valid domains
TLS warningsConfigure certificates manually post-import
Duplicate domainsEnable overwrite or rename in source