Cinnamon Linux Desktop in Docker

A containerised Cinnamon Linux desktop accessible via VNC, built with the help of Claude AI and inspired by the How-To Geek article I run a full Linux desktop in Docker just because I can.

What's inside

• Ubuntu 22.04 base image
• Cinnamon desktop environment
• TigerVNC for remote desktop access
• noVNC for optional browser-based access
• Brave Browser — privacy-focused web browser
• LibreCAD — open source 2D CAD application

Prerequisites

• Docker installed
• Docker Compose installed

Setup

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/ZuluPilgrim/cinnamon-vnc.git
   cd cinnamon-vnc

2. Create your environment file

   cp .env.example .env

   Edit .env and set a strong VNC password:

   VNC_PASSWORD=your-secure-password
   BIND_IP=127.0.0.1
   

   ⚠️ Never commit .env to version control — it is already listed in .gitignore.

Running

Build the image (required on first run or after any changes to the Dockerfile):

sudo docker compose build --no-cache

Start the container:

sudo docker compose up -d

Connect with any VNC client (e.g. TigerVNC Viewer, RealVNC) at:

localhost:5901

Stopping

sudo docker compose down

Credits

• Inspired by the How-To Geek article: I run a full Linux desktop in Docker just because I can by Ali Haider
• Built with the assistance of Claude AI by Anthropic