FastGPT (29,266 Stars) 2026: Build an AI Knowledge Base Q&A System with Workflow in Minutes

FastGPT (29,266 stars) is the popular knowledge-base Q&A platform that combines RAG, workflow orchestration and multi-model support. Here is how to deploy and build a Q&A bot.

💡 What You Will Learn

FastGPT (29,266 stars) is the popular knowledge-base Q&A platform that combines RAG, workflow orchestration and multi-model support. Here is how to deploy and build a Q&A bot.

📜 Table of Contents

• The short answer
• What it gives you
• Deploy with Docker
• Build your first knowledge base
• Practical tips
• FAQ

The short answer

labring/FastGPT (29,266 stars, TypeScript) is an open-source AI knowledge-base platform. You upload documents, FastGPT chunks and embeds them, and you get a RAG-powered Q&A system with a visual workflow editor - supporting OpenAI, Claude, and domestic models like Qwen and DeepSeek.

What it gives you

• Knowledge base: upload PDF/Word/Markdown, auto chunking and embedding
• RAG Q&A: accurate answers grounded in your documents
• Visual workflow: drag-and-drop to build complex AI apps
• Multi-model: OpenAI, Azure, Qwen, DeepSeek, and local endpoints
• Team sharing: manage users and apps in one console

Deploy with Docker

git clone https://github.com/labring/FastGPT.git
cd FastGPT/projects/app/data
cp config.json config.local.json   # edit models
cd ../../..
docker compose up -d
# Open http://localhost:3000 (default admin: root / 1234)

Build your first knowledge base

1. Create a Knowledge Base, upload your documents.
2. Wait for embedding - check the status per file.
3. Create an App (Simple mode): select the knowledge base.
4. Test: ask a question and verify answers cite your docs.
5. Publish: embed the chat widget or API into your site.

Practical tips

• Configure chunk size per document type - code and contracts need different settings.
• Use the workflow mode when simple Q&A is not enough (multi-step, tool use).
• Set a strong admin password immediately after first login.

FAQ

Is it free? The community edition is open source (Apache-2.0); the commercial edition adds advanced features.

Does it support Chinese documents well? Yes - it is built by a Chinese team and handles CJK content natively.

Can I use local models? Yes - configure OpenAI-compatible endpoints (Ollama, vLLM) in the config.

❓ FAQ

Is it free?

The community edition is open source (Apache-2.0); the commercial edition adds advanced features.

Does it support Chinese documents well?

Yes - it is built by a Chinese team and handles CJK content natively.

Can I use local models?

Yes - configure OpenAI-compatible endpoints (Ollama, vLLM) in the config.