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Instant Linux boxes via SSH. Create stock boxes or OCI image-backed VMs, scale to zero, and pay only for what you use.
Creating box... Box 'dev1' created successfully (x2) URL: https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev Email: dev1-a1b2c3d4@in.shellbox.dev Connect with: ssh dev1@shellbox.dev
Image prepared: docker.io/library/debian:bookworm-slim Digest: sha256:abc123... Status: ready
Creating box... Box 'debbox' created successfully (x1) URL: https://debbox-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev Email: debbox-a1b2c3d4@in.shellbox.dev Connect with: ssh debbox@shellbox.dev
Starting box... Connected! root@dev1:~# _
NAME SIZE SRC STATE URL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- dev1 x2 stock running [keepalive] https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev debbox x1 oci stopped https://debbox-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev cronbox x1 stock stopped [cron 60m/5m] https://cronbox-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev
Name: debbox State: stopped Size: x1 Source: oci Image ref: docker.io/library/debian:bookworm-slim Image digest: sha256:abc123...
OCI-backed boxes are normal microVMs. The image supplies the filesystem contents; Docker runtime behavior such as CMD, ENTRYPOINT, EXPOSE, and health checks is not preserved.
Current OCI support focuses on public linux/amd64 Ubuntu-like images (Ubuntu, Debian, and derivatives) with apt-get. See the FAQ for current compatibility notes.
Duplicating box... Box 'myapp-backup' created from 'myapp' URL: https://myapp-backup-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev Connect with: ssh myapp-backup@shellbox.dev
Account Balance
==============================
Funds added: $30.00
Funds refunded: $10.00
Usage costs: $1.50
------------------------------
Current balance: $18.50
Active Boxes (3 slots):
------------------------------
dev1 x2 running $0.0400/hr
debbox x1 stopped $0.0007/hr
Total burn: $0.0407/hr
At current usage: ~454 hours remaining
Add $10.00 to your account
========================================
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https://pay.paddle.com/...
Scan QR code or visit URL to complete payment.
Your account will be credited automatically.
Key added successfully ══════════════════════════════════════ Fingerprint: SHA256:xK4r...9Qm2 Type: ssh-ed25519 Comment: ariel@work-laptop This key can now manage your boxes.
{"boxes": [{"name": "dev1", "size": 2, "source": "stock", "backend": "fc", "state": "running", "mode": "keepalive", "url": "https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev", "email": "dev1-a1b2c3d4@in.shellbox.dev"}, ...]}
Most commands support --json for scripting and automation. Run ssh shellbox.dev help --json for the full schema reference.
Instant Linux boxes via SSH. Manage stock boxes, OCI-backed boxes, and billing through simple commands. Minimum top-up: $10. Boxes stop when balance falls below $5, deleted at $0.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| create <name> [xN] [--fc|--ch] | Create a new stock box (x1-x8 size, default x1) |
| create-from-oci <name> <image-ref> [xN] [--fc|--ch] | Create a box from a prepared OCI image |
| duplicate <src> <name> | Copy a stopped box (inherits size) |
| rename <name> <new> | Rename a box |
| list | List your boxes |
| show <name> | Show detailed box metadata |
| image <prepare|status> <image-ref> | Manage OCI image preparation |
| ssh <name>@shellbox.dev | Connect to a box |
| keepalive <name> | Toggle keepalive (box stays running on disconnect) |
| wakeup <name> [min] | Toggle wakeup (auto-start on HTTP, stop after idle) |
| cron <name> <int> [run] | Toggle cron (periodic wake, run webhook, stop) |
| stop <name> | Force-stop a box (clears keepalive, preserves wakeup/cron) |
| delete <name> | Delete a box |
| key [list|add|remove] | Manage SSH keys (multi-device access) |
| billing | Show your account balance and usage |
| funds <amount> | Add funds to your account (min $10) |
| refund <amount> | Refund funds from your account |
| payments | Show payment history |
| promocode <code> | Redeem a promo code for free credits |
| help | Show this help |
| help --json | Show JSON schema reference for all commands |
| about | About Shellbox |
Full SFTP support enables IDE integration with VSCode Remote SSH and Zed.
Each box has an email address (e.g. dev1-a1b2c3d4@in.shellbox.dev). Inbound mail reception is handled by Cloudflare, which forwards incoming mail to https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev/email on your box.