Open-Source Document Management Systems (DMS)

Document management systems (DMS) are used to manage and organize documents digitally.

They let you store, search, and version documents. Typical users include companies and public authorities that want to establish paperless processes.

File sync and sharing focuses on sharing files and making them available across devices. Virtual data rooms focus on controlled document exchange with access restrictions and activity records.

For contract-related processes, contract management adds approvals and term monitoring to document management. Electronic signatures are used for signing, while PDF software covers editing individual documents.

Features

Below is an overview of common features of document management systems.

Versioning and revision control

Permission and role management

User management

OCR and full-text search

Audit trail

Process automation

Audit-proof archiving

Digital signatures

Email integration

Collaboration

Mobile support

Custom metadata fields

Products

Below is an overview of popular open-source software in the category «Open-Source Document Management Systems (DMS)». The list is sorted alphabetically.

Well-known proprietary examples include DocuWare, Laserfiche, M-Files, Microsoft SharePoint, PaperOffice and ShareFile.

Alfresco Community

Alfresco Community manages business documents with search, collaboration tools and integrations with other systems.

  • DMS

Docspell

Docspell imports documents, including by email, recognizes their text, and makes them findable through full-text search. The application can be self-hosted.

  • DMS

Mayan EDMS

Mayan EDMS combines document management with OCR, workflows, and access permissions. A REST API connects other systems.

  • DMS

OpenDocMan

OpenDocMan is a web-based document management system built with PHP. The open-source software can be self-hosted or used as SaaS.

  • DMS

Paperless-ngx

Paperless-ngx turns paper documents into a searchable digital archive and organizes your filing through a web interface.

  • DMS

Papermerge DMS

Papermerge DMS processes and manages scanned documents in a document management system.

  • DMS

Papra

Papra stores documents centrally and makes them easy to find again. The application combines document management and archiving.

  • DMS

SeedDMS

SeedDMS manages document versions and makes content findable through full-text search. Optional workflows complement the web application.

  • DMS
 My own product

SimpleDMS

SimpleDMS organizes documents with tags and workspaces. Small businesses can store and find files in shared or private spaces.

  • DMS

TagSpaces

TagSpaces organizes files and folders with tags and offers file previews, search, and notes in Markdown, HTML, or plain text.

  • DMS

Teedy

Teedy manages documents with OCR, versioning, and search. Roles and permissions control access.

  • DMS