diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9f1c82f..c0e1597 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ git clone https://git.beatrice.wtf/panic.haus/frame-deploy
 cd frame-deploy
 ```
 
-### 2. Configure the backend
+### 2. Configure
 
 ```bash
 cp backend.env.example backend.env
@@ -33,6 +33,12 @@ Edit `backend.env` and at minimum set:
 | `FRONTEND_BASE_URL` | Same URL (used in email links) |
 | `SMTP_*` | Optional — needed for email verification |
 
+`VITE_API_BASE_URL` for frame-cms defaults to `http://localhost:8080`. Override it in `docker-compose.yml` or via env:
+
+```bash
+VITE_API_BASE_URL=https://api.example.com docker compose up -d
+```
+
 ### 3. Pull images and start
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 0e46e67..06f0cd4 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ services:
     restart: unless-stopped
     depends_on:
       - frame-backend
+    environment:
+      VITE_API_BASE_URL: ${VITE_API_BASE_URL:-http://localhost:8080}
     ports:
       - "${CMS_PORT:-3000}:80"
     healthcheck: