sist2

Self-Hosted

Lightweight self-hosted file search engine

Overview

sist2 is a fast, lightweight self-hosted search engine built to index and search local files across storage devices or networks. It supports diverse formats (documents, media, archives), extracts metadata/text, and offers flexible storage via Elasticsearch or SQLite. Deployable via Docker for quick setup, it features an intuitive web UI for filtering results by type, size, or content. Ideal for privacy-focused users, it avoids cloud dependencies and works well on small servers with minimal resource usage.

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:
  sist2:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: sist2
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Supports wide range of file formats (docs, media, archives)
Lightweight with minimal resource footprint
Docker deployment for hassle-free setup
Flexible storage options (Elasticsearch or SQLite)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is sist2 hard to install?

sist2 is easy to install using Docker, which simplifies setup with pre-built images. For non-Docker users, it requires compiling from source or downloading binaries, which may need basic technical knowledge. The official documentation provides clear steps for both methods.

? Is it a good alternative to cloud-based file search tools?

Yes—sist2 is an excellent privacy-focused alternative. It indexes local files without sending data to third parties, making it ideal for sensitive information. However, it lacks collaborative features found in cloud tools like Google Drive Search.

? Is sist2 completely free?

Yes, sist2 is open-source under the MIT License. It is completely free to use, modify, and distribute with no hidden costs or subscription fees.

Top Alternatives

Google Drive Search Search Google

Dropbox Search Search Google

Windows Search Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Search Engines

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no cloud data sharing)
⊕ Open-source and free to use
⊕ Indexes local files across devices/networks
⊕ Intuitive web interface for easy searching

Cons

⊖ Requires initial indexing time for large file libraries
⊖ Limited advanced search features compared to enterprise tools
⊖ May need basic technical knowledge for custom configurations