OrbStack Best Practices

OrbStack is a fast Docker and Linux VM runtime for macOS. Replaces Docker Desktop with better performance and seamless macOS integration.

Core Commands

# Machine lifecycle
orb list                               # List machines
orb create ubuntu:noble myvm           # Create (distro:version name)
orb create --arch amd64 ubuntu x86vm  # x86 emulation via Rosetta
orb create ubuntu myvm -c cloud.yml   # With cloud-init
orb start/stop/restart/delete myvm
orb default myvm                       # Set default machine

# Shell and exec
orb                           # Shell into default machine
orb -m myvm -u root           # Specific machine + user
orb -m myvm ./script.sh       # Run command in machine