Skip to main content
Image Creator is usually the optimal way to add packages to Minimus images, but when you need the extra freedom to test out options and decide which packages you will need, direct package access is available. Package access allows you to add Minimus packages directly in your Dockerfile or install them in a running container so you can experiment within the Minimus ecosystem.

​
Creator vs. package access comparison

With Image Creator, Minimus handles all of the following by default: When using package access to install packages ad-hoc, all of the above processes must be handled manually by the user.

​
Requesting package access

Package access is not enabled by default, so you’ll need to request access to have it enabled for your tenant. Visit the Tokens page in your Minimus console and select the option to Request package access.
Request Package Access
Fill out the contact form and our team will follow up with you shortly thereafter.
Request Package Access Contact Form

​
Authenticating to Minimus Package Repository

  1. Create a token with package access scope. See tokens
    Package Access Token
  2. Run a Minimus docker container as root and make sure the container includes apk. Usually, any Minimus dev image fits the bill. For example, you can run bash with the latest-dev tag: 
    docker run -it -u root reg.mini.dev/bash:latest-dev
  3. In the container, authenticate to the Minimus package registry:
    package access command
    export HTTP_AUTH="basic:packages.mini.dev:minimus:mini_dkj***"
apk update
    Once authenticated, the session will remain active until the token expires.
  4. Once logged in, add packages as usual. For example, you can add git: 
    apk add --no-cache --repository=https://packages.mini.dev/os git
Last modified on February 23, 2026