open-webui-docs/docs/getting-started/quick-start/tab-python/Venv.md

Using Virtual Environments

Create isolated Python environments using venv.

Venv Steps

1. Create a Virtual Environment:

   python3 -m venv venv
   

2. Activate the Virtual Environment:

   • On Linux/macOS:

     source venv/bin/activate
     

   • On Windows:

     venv\Scripts\activate
     

3. Install Open WebUI:

   pip install open-webui
   

4. Start the Server:

   open-webui serve
   

:::tip 'open-webui: command not found'? If your terminal says the command doesn't exist:

1. Ensure your virtual environment is activated (Step 2).
2. If you still get an error, try running it via Python directly: python -m open_webui serve
3. If you want to store your data in a specific place, use: DATA_DIR=./data open-webui serve :::

Uninstall

1. Delete the Virtual Environment: Simply remove the venv folder:

   rm -rf venv
   

2. Remove Data (WARNING: Deletes all data): Delete your data directory (usually ~/.open-webui unless configured otherwise):

   rm -rf ~/.open-webui