# Mailtrain — Self-Hosted Newsletter and Mailing List Manager

> Run your own email newsletter platform with list management, template editing, automation, and detailed analytics — all without per-subscriber fees.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Mailtrain — Self-Hosted Newsletter and Mailing List Manager

## Quick Use
```bash
git clone https://github.com/Mailtrain-org/mailtrain.git
cd mailtrain
cp config/default.toml config/production.toml
# Edit production.toml: set MySQL credentials and SMTP
npm install --production
NODE_ENV=production node index.js
# Open http://localhost:3000 — default login: admin / test
```

## Introduction
Mailtrain is a self-hosted newsletter application that removes the recurring per-subscriber cost of SaaS email platforms. Built on Node.js and MySQL, it handles list management, campaign creation, and delivery analytics entirely on your own infrastructure.

## What Mailtrain Does
- Manages multiple subscriber lists with custom fields and segments
- Creates and sends campaigns using a drag-and-drop or code-based template editor
- Tracks opens, clicks, bounces, and unsubscribes with built-in analytics
- Supports RSS-to-email campaigns that auto-send when new content is published
- Provides automation workflows for triggered and drip email sequences

## Architecture Overview
Mailtrain v2 is a Node.js application backed by MySQL or MariaDB. It connects to any SMTP relay (Postfix, Amazon SES, Mailgun) for actual delivery. A built-in job queue handles campaign sending in batches to respect rate limits. The frontend uses React for the campaign editor and list management views.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Requires Node.js 14+, MySQL 8+ or MariaDB 10+, and an SMTP relay
- Docker images are available for quick deployment with docker-compose
- Configure SMTP credentials, sending rate, and bounce handling in the TOML config file
- Set up DKIM, SPF, and DMARC on your sending domain for best deliverability
- Use the built-in zone editor to manage multiple sending domains

## Key Features
- Unlimited subscribers and sends with no SaaS pricing tiers
- Visual template editor with merge tags and conditional content blocks
- Automation workflows for welcome series, drip campaigns, and triggers
- Import and export subscribers via CSV with field mapping
- GPG encryption option for subscriber-facing emails

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Listmonk** — Go-based alternative, simpler but fewer automation features
- **Mautic** — full marketing automation suite, heavier to operate
- **Postal** — focused on transactional email, less newsletter-oriented
- **Sendy** — inexpensive one-time license, ties you to Amazon SES
- **Mailchimp** — SaaS with polished UX but escalating per-subscriber costs

## FAQ
**Q: Which SMTP providers work with Mailtrain?**
A: Any standard SMTP relay including Postfix, Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, and self-hosted options.

**Q: How does Mailtrain handle bounces?**
A: It supports VERP and webhook-based bounce processing. Bounced addresses are automatically flagged or unsubscribed based on your policy.

**Q: Can I migrate from Mailchimp?**
A: Yes. Export your Mailchimp list as CSV and import it into Mailtrain with field mapping. Templates can be copied as raw HTML.

**Q: Is there an API for integrations?**
A: Mailtrain exposes a REST API for managing lists, subscribers, and campaigns programmatically.

## Sources
- https://github.com/Mailtrain-org/mailtrain
- https://mailtrain.org/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/a9a565bd-3f97-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: Script Depot