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Extensibility Documentation and Resources

Explore our comprehensive guides on extending Podman Desktop:

What are Extensions?

Extensions in Podman Desktop allow users to enhance and customize their container management experience. They enable new functionalities such as:

  • Adding support for different container engines like Docker, Lima, or Kubernetes.
  • Providing command-line integrations with tools like Helm or Kubectl.
  • Introducing UI elements such as custom actions, badges, views, and workflows.
  • Automating tasks and integrating with external services.

Getting Started with Extensions

You can easily extend the capabilities of Podman Desktop by installing or developing extensions. Here’s how:

1. Install Extensions

Browse the Extensions Catalog to find and install pre-built extensions.

2. Develop Your Own Extension

Want to create something new? Check out our guide on Developing an Extension to learn how to build and contribute your own.

3. Publish Your Extension

Share your extension with the community by publishing it to the catalog. Learn more about the process here.

Visualizing Extension Capabilities

Extensibility diagramExtensibility diagram

Extend Podman Desktop with Docker Desktop Extensions

Podman Desktop can also leverage Docker Desktop UI extensions through a built-in wrapper that intercepts API calls, making integration seamless. Use Docker Desktop extensions to further enhance Podman Desktop’s capabilities.

Extend with Docker Desktop extensionsExtend with Docker Desktop extensions