Papermerge

Self-Hosted

Open-source document management system for scanned documents

Overview

Papermerge is an open-source document management system focused on organizing scanned documents (invoices, receipts, forms) with OCR text extraction, full-text search, and tagging. It supports PDF, JPG, and PNG files, enabling users to digitize physical docs efficiently. Deployment options include Docker (simplest setup), bare metal, or cloud hosting. Key features: role-based access control, version history, automated workflows via webhooks, and integration with Nextcloud/S3. Self-hosted to ensure data privacy, it’s ideal for individuals or small teams needing a cost-effective alternative to proprietary document tools.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  papermerge:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: papermerge
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

OCR text extraction for scanned documents
Full-text search and tagging for easy organization
Role-based access control for team collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Papermerge hard to install?

Papermerge is easy to install via Docker (official images available), which handles dependencies. Bare metal setup requires Python and PostgreSQL/MySQL, but detailed documentation simplifies the process. Most users find Docker deployment straightforward even with minimal technical knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Adobe Acrobat DC?

Yes, for users prioritizing self-hosting and privacy. Papermerge excels at scanned document management (OCR, organization) but lacks some of Acrobat’s advanced editing features (e.g., form creation). It’s ideal for digitizing physical docs without cloud reliance.

? Is it completely free?

Papermerge is 100% free under the Apache 2.0 open-source license. All core features (OCR, search, access control) are available without hidden fees or subscription plans.

Top Alternatives

Adobe Acrobat DC Search Google

Microsoft SharePoint Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Document Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
⊕ No subscription fees (open-source license)
⊕ Flexible deployment (Docker, bare metal, cloud)

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills for setup
⊖ OCR accuracy varies with document scan quality
⊖ Lacks advanced PDF editing features (e.g., form creation)