# Create a database

Create a standalone PostgreSQL or MariaDB database on one of your servers. It gets its own user and password and runs independently of your sites.

## Before you start

- An active server of the type **WordPress & apps** or **Mixed projects**. If you don't have one yet, you can create it from the database form. See [Create a server](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/create-a-server).
- A role that can manage servers. Viewers can't create databases. See [Roles and permissions](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/roles-and-permissions).

## What you get

A standalone database runs in its own container on your server. It is separate from the databases Nuvlo creates for WordPress sites, so you can use it for an application, an analytics tool or anything else that needs a database.

- A dedicated database user and a generated password. The user is named after the database with `_user` added, for example `production_db_user`.
- Data that stays in place when the container restarts.
- Private access: the database only listens on the server itself. From your computer you reach it through an SSH tunnel.

## Step 1: Open the database form

Click **Create** at the top of the dashboard and choose **Database**. You can also open [Databases](https://app.nuvlo.dev/dashboard/databases) and click **Create database** at the top right.

![The Create menu open with the Database option](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/create-a-database--create-menu.webp)

## Step 2: Name the database

Enter a **Database name**. It must start with a lowercase letter and can have up to 48 lowercase letters, numbers or underscores. System names such as `postgres` or `mysql` are reserved.

Pick the name with care. It becomes part of the database user's name, and the form gives you no way to rename it later.

## Step 3: Choose a server

Open **Server** and pick where the database should run. The list only shows running **WordPress & apps** and **Mixed projects** servers that have an IP address.

If you don't have a compatible server, the form shows **No compatible server yet**. Click **Create a server for databases**. When the new server is ready, you come back to this form with it already selected.

## Step 4: Pick the engine and memory limit

Under **Database engine**, choose **PostgreSQL 18** or **MariaDB 12.3**. MariaDB is compatible with MySQL, so pick it when your software expects MySQL.

Under **Memory limit**, choose **512 MB**, **1 GB** or **2 GB**. This is the most memory the database may use on the server. Leave enough room for the sites and apps that share the server.

![The Database details step with a name, server, engine and memory limit filled in](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/create-a-database--details.webp)

## Step 5: Review and create the database

Click **Review database**. Check the name, server, engine and memory limit. **Access** shows that the database is private to the server, and **Backups** shows that Nuvlo doesn't back up standalone databases yet.

Click **Create database**. Nuvlo prepares the database and checks that it is healthy. This can take a few minutes, so keep the page open.

> **Warning:** Standalone databases aren't backed up by Nuvlo yet. Export the data regularly yourself, for example with `pg_dump` or `mariadb-dump` through an SSH tunnel.

## Step 6: Check that the database is running

When it's ready, Nuvlo opens [Databases](https://app.nuvlo.dev/dashboard/databases). The list shows every database on your servers: the database name and its user, what uses it, the **Engine**, the **Server** and the **Status**.

A new database can show **Starting** for a moment before it switches to **Running**. Reload the page to read the list from your servers again.

## If creation fails

If an error appears, click **Create database** again without changing anything. Nuvlo checks whether the first attempt already created the database and continues from there, so you don't end up with two. Changing a setting starts a new attempt.

Each server can hold only one database with a given name. If the name is already taken on that server, choose another name.

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Source: https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/create-a-database