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SPECIFICTION
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k3d

k3d.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.1 #7 of 23 in Local Kubernetes Tools

What it is

k3d is a free, community-driven wrapper that runs k3s, Rancher Lab’s minimal Kubernetes distribution, inside Docker. It creates single-node and multi-node clusters for local Kubernetes development and can support hot-reloading, Tilt build-deploy-test workflows, and Drone CI service use. Docker is required, while kubectl is used to interact with clusters. For k3d v5.x.x, the overview specifies Docker v20.10.5 or later and runc v1.0.0-rc93 or later. A registries.yaml file configures registries, authentication, and certificates, and documentation covers local registries managed by k3d. Services can be exposed through Ingress or NodePort by mapping container ports to the host. Covered k3s integrations include CoreDNS, local-path-provisioner, Traefik, and the Klipper service load balancer. Installation options include release binaries, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, and Go. k3d runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted setups. It is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product.

Spec sheet

Purpose
k3d is a lightweight wrapper for running k3s, Rancher Lab’s minimal Kubernetes distribution, in Docker.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Support
The overview directs users to the Rancher community Slack and its #k3d channel for discussion.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Cluster configuration
A registries.yaml file can configure registries for a cluster, and the configuration can include registry authentication and certificates.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Cluster creation
It creates single-node and multi-node k3s clusters in Docker, including for local Kubernetes development.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Community status
k3d is community-driven and is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Development and CI use
The overview lists demo use cases including code hot-reloading, a build-deploy-test cycle using Tilt, and running k3d as a service in Drone CI.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Docker version
The overview says k3d v5.x.x requires at least Docker v20.10.5 with runc at least v1.0.0-rc93 to work properly.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Ingress
The service guide notes that k3s deploys Traefik as its default ingress controller and demonstrates accessing an Ingress through a mapped host port.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Installation
The maker lists installation options including GitHub release binaries, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, and Go.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Kubernetes integrations
The k3s features guide covers CoreDNS, local-path-provisioner, Traefik, and the Klipper service load balancer in k3d.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Local registries
The documentation describes creating and using local container image registries, including registries managed by k3d.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Related tools
The overview links to a VS Code extension for handling k3d clusters and a Linux graphical interface called k3x.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Requirements
Docker is required to use k3d, and kubectl is used to interact with the Kubernetes cluster.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io
Service exposure
The service guide documents exposing services through Ingress or NodePort by mapping container ports to the host.Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io

Plans and prices

Free Free Community driven project · sponsorships support development Read 7 Oct 2026 · k3d.io

Every k3d plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Creates single- and multi-node clusters
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Supports local container registries
  • Ingress and NodePort exposure documented
  • Multiple installation methods

Limits

  • Docker is required
  • kubectl is required for cluster interaction
  • Not an official Rancher product
  • Requires specified Docker and runc versions

Who it suits

It suits developers and CI users who need local Kubernetes clusters inside Docker. Teams comfortable with Docker and kubectl can use its cluster, registry, and service-exposure workflows.

Verdict

k3d provides a free way to run k3s clusters in Docker for local development and CI scenarios. Its community status, Docker dependency, and documented version requirements should shape deployment planning.

Where Specifiction places it

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