Getting Started

Prerequisites

Before using Axilon AI Desktop, ensure the following are in place:

Requirement	Details
Docker	Docker Desktop (or Docker Engine) must be installed and running on your machine. The application uses Docker to run Ignition gateway containers.
Ignition Gateway	A running Ignition gateway that is accessible from the current machine on the network. The gateway is used as the backend for the Designer session.
Administrator Access	The application must be run as an administrator (elevated privileges) to manage Docker containers and network resources.
Gateway Backup	A .gwbk (Ignition Gateway backup) file is required to start a new container. This file initializes the gateway with your project configuration.
Network Ports	The default ports (8090/8091 for the gateway, 6080/6081 for the display) must be available. You can configure custom ports if these are in use.
Global Settings	On first launch, you will be prompted to configure global settings (AI provider, workspace directory). Complete this setup before starting a container. See Configuring Global Settings.

The Docker Start Page

When you first open Axilon AI Desktop (or when no Docker container is connected), the center panel displays the Docker Start Page. This page has two tabs:

• Continue Existing -- Reconnect to a running Ignition container.

• Start New -- Launch a fresh Ignition container.

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Starting a New Container

Steps

1. On the Docker Start Page, select the Start New tab.

2. Choose an Ignition Version:

   Version	Description
   8.1	Long Term Support
   8.3.3	Latest Supported Release

3. Select a Gateway Backup (.gwbk file) by clicking the folder icon. This file is required to initialize the gateway.

4. Optionally configure Container Settings:

   • Instance Name -- A label for the container (default: axilon). The full container name follows the pattern {instanceName}-ignition-{version}.

   • Gateway Port -- The host port mapped to the Ignition gateway.

   • Display Port -- The host port mapped to the noVNC display.

   • Port Forwarding -- Comma-separated list of additional host ports forwarded to the container (e.g., 4840, 5432, 1883).

5. Review any warnings:

   • A container name conflict warning appears if a container with the same name is already running. Starting will replace it.

   • A port conflict warning appears if the chosen ports are in use by another container.

6. Click "Start Gateway" (or "Replace & Start Gateway" if there is a name conflict).

7. A loading screen appears while the container initializes. Once complete, the Ignition Designer loads in the center panel.

If Starting Fails

An error banner is displayed with the failure message. Review the error, correct any issues (e.g., Docker not running, port conflicts), and try again.

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Reconnecting to an Existing Container

Before You Begin

At least one Ignition container must be running.

Steps

1. On the Docker Start Page, the Continue Existing tab is selected by default.

2. If running containers are found, select one from the Container dropdown.

3. Review the container details: version, gateway port, and display port.

4. Click "Connect".

5. Once connected, the Ignition Designer loads in the center panel.

If no running containers are found, a message prompts you to start a new one or click "Refresh" to re-scan.