1. Ensure Node.js is Installed via WHM

Log into WHM: https://your-server-ip:2087
Go to EasyApache 4 > Currently Installed Packages > Customize
In Additional Packages, search for nodejs18 or nodejs20 and enable it.
In Apache Modules, search for mod-passenger and enable it.

2. Create a cPanel User

WHM > List Accounts > Create a New Account > set domain, username, password, email

3. Log Into cPanel as That User

Go to: https://your-server-ip:2083

4. Upload Your App Project Files

Go to: File Manager
Upload and unzip your project folder inside the home directory (e.g., /home/your-cpanel-username/pdf-tools-all-in-one).

5. Add Domain and Update DNS Records

cPanel > Domains > Domains > Create a New Domain
- Enter the domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) (If not already done)
- Set the Document Root to your app’s folder (e.g., /pdf-tools-all-in-one) (If not already done)
Update DNS Records: In your domain registrar’s DNS settings, add:
- Record 01:
  - Type: A Record | Name: @ | Points to: your-server-ip
- Record 02:
  - Type: CNAME Record | Name: www | Points to: yourdomain.com

6. Create Node.js Application

In cPanel, under the Software section, you’ll see either Setup Node.js App or Application Manager, depending on your OS.

Option A : Setup Node.js App

A-1. Create Node.js App

Go to cPanel > Software > Setup Node.js App
Click Create Application
- Node.js Version ➡️ 18 LTS (or 20)
- Application Mode ➡️ Production
- Application Root ➡️ /pdf-tools-all-in-one (The directory where your app files are located.)
- Application URL ➡️ The domain you added earlier (e.g., yourdomain.com)
- Application Startup File ➡️ app.js
- Environment Variables ➡️ Leave this section as it is.
Click Create, then Start

A-2. Install Dependencies

In Node.js App section, click Run NPM Install

A-3. Build Your App (via SSH)

open a terminal and log in to your VPS using the following command:

ssh root@your-server-ip

ssh [email protected]

and enter password (VPS login password)

Navigate to the project directory and install the dependencies using the following commands:

cd /home/your-cpanel-username/pdf-tools-all-in-one

npm run build

PS: Replace your-cpanel-username with your cPanel username

A-4. Restart the App

In Setup Node.js App, click Restart

Then visit your domain to check if it's working: https://yourdomain.com

A-5. Updating the code

After making changes to the code.
Open a terminal, navigate to the project directory and run the command: npm run build
Click Restart
Refresh the page

Option B : Application Manager

B-1. Create Node.js App

cPanel > Software > Application Manager
Click Register Application
- Application Name ➡️ pdftools
- Deployment Domain ➡️ yourdomain.com (The domain you added earlier)
- Base Application URL ➡️ /
- Application Path ➡️ pdf-tools-all-in-one
- Deployment Environment ➡️ Production
Click Deploy

B-2. Install Dependencies

Click Ensure Dependencies

B-3. Build Your App (via SSH)