Practical overview
When it fits
Use RTL when you already operate a supported Lightning node and want a browser-based interface for its management.
Who it is for
- Operators of LND, Core Lightning or Eclair Lightning nodes.
- Self-hosters who can configure a web application and provide the node's required authentication details.
Documented uses
- Manage Lightning node operations through a browser-based interface.
- Configure RTL to connect with a supported Lightning node implementation.
Requirements & limits
RTL is a self-hosted application. Its repository is public and declares the MIT license.
- The documentation requires a functioning and synced node for the described LND setup.
- RTL needs its own configuration file for server settings and app authentication.
- Node credentials and paths must be configured; the example includes an LND admin macaroon path.
- Core Lightning and Eclair have separate setup instructions.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Prepare RTL configuration for an LND node
Set up the configuration file RTL requires before starting its server.
Before you start
- A functioning and synced LND node.
- A local RTL checkout and the node's admin macaroon and lnd.conf paths.
Steps
Obtain the RTL code from its repository or choose a version from the releases page.
Install the project dependencies with the documented npm installation command.
Rename Sample-RTL-Config.json in the RTL directory to RTL-Config.json.
Edit the configuration using the example, including the LND admin macaroon path and node details.
Expected outcome
An RTL-Config.json file prepared with the settings and authentication information RTL needs to start its server.
Guide limitations
- These steps cover configuration preparation, not starting the server or verifying a successful connection.
- Core Lightning and Eclair use separate setup instructions.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 13 October 2026
- Original website title
- Ride-The-Lightning/RTL · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

