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Docker Sandboxes

Table of contents

Docker Sandboxes run AI coding agents in isolated environments on your machine or on Docker-managed cloud infrastructure. Use the sbx CLI to create and manage either kind of sandbox.

The sbx CLI and local sandbox compute are free to use, including for commercial work. Cloud compute is metered through a Docker Agentic Platform plan. Model-provider charges are separate.

Organization admins can centrally manage sandbox network, filesystem, and MCP policies, for local sandboxes across developer machines. Available on a separate paid subscription.

Get started

Install the sbx CLI and sign in, then choose where to run your agent:

EnvironmentUse it forStart here
Local sandboxesWork with files and supported hardware on your machineGet started locally
Cloud sandboxesRun on Docker-managed compute without local virtualizationGet started in the cloud

The two environments have separate credentials, network policies, and lifecycle controls. See Compare local and cloud sandboxes before adapting a workflow.

Learn more

The following guides describe local sandbox workflows. For cloud workflows, see Cloud sandboxes.

  • Agents — supported agents and per-agent configuration
  • Workflows — patterns for Git, local development, authentication, agent skills, and automation
  • Configuration — manage credentials, declare project environments, turn on GPU passthrough, and configure an upstream proxy
  • Integrations — connect editors and apps like VS Code and Cursor to a sandbox over SSH
  • MCP gateway — register MCP servers and connect them to sandboxed agents
  • Customize — reusable templates and declarative kits for extending or tailoring sandboxes
  • Architecture — microVM isolation, workspace mounting, networking
  • Security — isolation model, credential handling, and network policies
  • CLI reference — full list of sbx commands and options
  • Troubleshooting — common issues and fixes
  • FAQ — login requirements, telemetry, etc

Feedback

Your feedback shapes what gets built next. If you run into a bug, hit a missing feature, or have a suggestion, open an issue at github.com/docker/sbx-releases/issues.