SeedDMS

Self-Hosted

Open-source document management system for organizing and securing files

Overview

SeedDMS is an open-source DMS that lets teams store, version control, and share documents with role-based access. It supports metadata tagging, full-text search, workflow automation for approvals, and custom permissions. Deployable via Docker (simplified setup) or LAMP stack (Linux/Apache/MySQL/PHP), it gives full control over data privacy and storage. Ideal for small businesses and teams needing a self-hosted solution to centralize documents without SaaS lock-in, it offers a user-friendly interface and integrates with basic productivity 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:
  seeddms:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: seeddms
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Document version control and history tracking
Role-based access control (RBAC) for secure sharing
Full-text search and metadata tagging
Workflow automation for approval processes
Docker and LAMP stack deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is SeedDMS hard to install?

SeedDMS is accessible to users with moderate technical skills. Docker deployment (pre-configured containers) simplifies setup, while manual installation needs LAMP stack knowledge. Official docs offer step-by-step guides for both methods—Docker is recommended for beginners.

? Is it a good alternative to Microsoft SharePoint?

SeedDMS is a strong self-hosted alternative for teams prioritizing privacy and cost savings. While SharePoint has advanced enterprise features (Office 365 integration, collaborative tools), SeedDMS excels at core DMS functions (versioning, permissions) without subscription costs and full data control.

? Is it completely free?

Yes! SeedDMS is licensed under GPLv2, so it’s fully open source and free to use, modify, and self-host. All core features are available without hidden fees—costs only apply to hosting (server/cloud) or optional maintenance.

Top Alternatives

Microsoft SharePoint Search Google

Google Drive Business Search Google

Dropbox Business Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Document Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data storage)
⊕ No subscription fees (100% open source)
⊕ Robust permission management for sensitive docs
⊕ Supports custom workflows for document approvals

Cons

⊖ Requires technical setup (server or Docker knowledge)
⊖ Interface feels outdated compared to modern SaaS tools
⊖ Limited third-party integrations (vs proprietary alternatives)
⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced workflow configurations