Guide · open source and self-hosting
An open-source virtual office your team can actually make its own.
NestWork is an open-source 2D virtual office for small teams. Its application code, free visual library and optional commercial asset packs stay clearly separated so every deployment remains understandable and license-compliant.
What “open source” means in NestWork
Code
AGPL-3.0 application
The frontend, API and collaboration engine are public. Distributed or hosted modifications must respect the license.
Visuals
Free NestWork library
Original floors, walls, furniture, characters and emotes are distributed separately under CC BY 4.0.
Optional
Modern Interiors by LimeZu
The commercial pack is not included. Every user must purchase their own license before adding it to a private instance.
Imports
Your own artwork
The decorator also accepts private assets, so an office does not depend on one catalog.
A familiar web architecture rather than a black box
NestWork is still a real-time product. Open source does not remove the need for infrastructure.
- Next.js serves the browser interface and shared workspaces.
- Express and Socket.IO synchronize presence, movement and messages.
- PostgreSQL stores accounts, workspaces and persistent conversations.
- WebRTC carries audio, video and screen sharing between members.
- A TURN relay improves reliability on restrictive networks.
Self-hosting gives control, not magic
A production instance needs public HTTPS URLs, distinct secrets, database backups, controlled migrations and a TURN relay. The repository includes a full deployment guide for Vercel, Render, Neon and Cloudflare TURN.
The operator must also follow updates, protect credentials and monitor availability. A guided pilot reduces the initial burden for small teams without an infrastructure specialist.
A strong fit when you want to adapt the product
- Choose the region and hosting providers.
- Audit how accounts, messages and calls work.
- Build offices with free assets or private artwork.
- Modify the product instead of waiting for a closed roadmap.
- Keep open code and commercial assets clearly separated.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you choose.
Do I need to code to use NestWork?
Not for everyday use. Self-hosting does require someone comfortable with web deployments, PostgreSQL, environment variables and domains.
Are LimeZu assets included in the repository?
No. Modern Interiors is a separate commercial pack. NestWork includes its own free library and only supports LimeZu in deployments that hold the required license.
Can NestWork be used without paying?
The code and original assets are available under their respective licenses. Test infrastructure may fit within free provider tiers, while reliable daily use can require paid hosting.
Where is the data stored?
In the PostgreSQL database and infrastructure chosen by whoever deploys the instance. NestWork does not force one hosting provider.
Sources and method
Licenses, asset exclusions and deployment instructions can be checked directly in the public repository.
Test open source in a real shared office.
We can prepare an instance and guide the first sessions before your team decides how it wants to operate the product.
Apply for the pilot