Resolving the docker: 'compose' is not a docker command Error on M1 Macs

Discover how to fix the `docker: 'compose' is not a docker command` error on your M1 Mac when using Docker Desktop.
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Resolving the docker: 'compose' is not a docker command Error on M1 Macs

If you're using Docker on an M1 Mac and have recently faced the frustrating message, docker: 'compose' is not a docker command, you are not alone. This issue arises after newer installations of Docker Desktop and can leave users puzzled despite appearing to have everything set up correctly. Fortunately, we have got you covered with a clear solution to get you back on track!

Understanding the Problem

The docker: 'compose' is not a docker command error typically signals a couple of potential issues, including:

Docker Compose Version: You might be using a version of Docker Compose that’s not properly recognized, especially since Docker has shifted to using Compose V2 (a plugin) in its recent releases.

PATH Configuration: Even if Docker Compose appears to be installed correctly, it might not be functioning as expected—this can happen with different installed versions.

Common Symptoms

Running docker compose or docker-compose produces an error.

You may find that you can run other Docker commands without issue.

Step-By-Step Solution

Here are the steps you can follow to fix the docker: 'compose' is not a docker command error effectively.

1. Install Rosetta 2

Firstly, if you haven't already, ensure that Rosetta 2 is installed on your M1 Mac. This software allows applications built for Intel Macs to run on Apple Silicon Macs effectively.

Open your terminal and enter the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Adjust Docker Compose Settings

Next, you'll need to access the Docker Desktop settings and make adjustments to the Compose settings.

Open Docker Desktop.

Navigate to Settings (or Preferences).

Go to the General tab.

Look for the option that says Use Docker Compose V2 and uncheck it.

By disabling the V2 option, you revert to the previous version of Docker Compose, which may be the root of the errors you’re experiencing.

3. Confirm Installation Paths

Ensure that Docker Compose is in your PATH. You can check with the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You should see an output similar to:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This output indicates that Docker Compose is correctly configured. If this file exists, your configuration looks good, and the issue might lie with the Compose version being used.

4. Final Checks

After making these adjustments:

Restart Docker Desktop.

Try executing docker compose or docker-compose again in your terminal.

Conclusion

These steps should help resolve the docker: 'compose' is not a docker command error and allow you to use Docker Compose on your M1 Mac without any hassle. If you continued to have issues, make sure that you’re running the latest version of Docker Desktop, which might resolve any remaining compatibility problems.

Additionally, ensuring that you switch between the versions of Docker Compose as needed can significantly impact functionality. The community remains a great resource for ongoing troubleshooting, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if issues persist!

Happy Dockerizing!