If you’ve tried building a Docker image and encountered this cryptic error:
failed to solve with frontend dockerfile.v0: failed to create LLB definition
…you’re not alone. This error often stops Docker users in their tracks—especially those using newer Docker versions with BuildKit enabled.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what this error means, why it occurs, and how to fix it with practical steps.
💥 What Is “frontend dockerfile.v0”?
The message refers to BuildKit, Docker’s advanced image build engine. When Docker builds your image, it processes your Dockerfile using something called the frontend—in this case, dockerfile.v0, the default frontend for interpreting Dockerfiles.
So when you see:
failed to solve with frontend dockerfile.v0
It means BuildKit was unable to process or resolve part of your Dockerfile.
🔍 Common Causes and Fixes
✅ 1. Invalid Syntax or Command in Dockerfile
This is the most common cause.
Example:
COPY file.txt /app
If file.txt doesn’t exist in the build context, you’ll get:
failed to solve with frontend dockerfile.v0: failed to create LLB definition: file not found
✅ Fix:
Make sure:
- All files used in
COPYorADDexist in the build context - You are running the build from the correct directory
✅ 2. Running the Build Outside the Build Context
Build context is the folder passed to docker build, usually ".".
If you reference files outside of that folder, Docker won’t find them.
✅ Fix:
Ensure the command is run from the right directory:
docker build -t my-image .
Also, don’t try to COPY ../../somefile.txt—Docker can’t access paths outside the context.
✅ 3. BuildKit Compatibility Issues
If you’re using a Dockerfile or flags not fully compatible with BuildKit, it may fail unexpectedly.
✅ Fix:
You can try disabling BuildKit temporarily:
DOCKER_BUILDKIT=0 docker build -t my-image .
Or explicitly enable it (for newer features):
DOCKER_BUILDKIT=1 docker build -t my-image .
✅ 4. Corrupted or Outdated Docker Version
Some older Docker versions had bugs with BuildKit and frontends.
✅ Fix:
Update Docker:
- On macOS: Open Docker Desktop → Preferences → Check for Updates
- On Linux:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade docker-ce
✅ 5. Dockerfile Frontend Cache Issue
Sometimes BuildKit’s cache causes strange resolution failures.
✅ Fix:
Try building with no cache:
DOCKER_BUILDKIT=1 docker build --no-cache -t my-image .
🛠 Example Troubleshooting Session
Let’s say you see this error:
failed to solve with frontend dockerfile.v0: failed to create LLB definition: file not found
Your Dockerfile says:
COPY config.yaml /app/config.yaml
But config.yaml doesn’t exist in your current directory.
✅ Solution:
- Ensure
config.yamlis in the same directory as your Dockerfile - Re-run the build from that directory:
docker build -t my-app .
📌 Additional Debug Tips
- Run with
--progress=plainto see detailed output:
DOCKER_BUILDKIT=1 docker build --progress=plain -t my-image .
- Use
lsto inspect your context directory before building
📝 Conclusion
The error "failed to solve with frontend dockerfile.v0" usually signals a problem in your Dockerfile, missing files, or issues with BuildKit. With the right diagnosis—checking file paths, context, and BuildKit flags—you can fix the problem quickly and continue building confidently.
🔑 Summary
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Missing file in COPY | Ensure file exists in build context |
| Invalid Dockerfile syntax | Double-check commands and spacing |
| BuildKit bug or mismatch | Try DOCKER_BUILDKIT=0 or update Docker |
| Using paths outside context | Keep all needed files inside the build folder |
| Cache corruption | Add --no-cache to your build |