Self-Hosted Document Management
To go paperless and manage documents yourself, Paperless-ngx is the clear leader: import or scan documents, and it OCRs, tags, and makes them searchable. Docspell and Mayan EDMS are heavier alternatives for more complex needs.
Updated 2026-06-03 · by Jonathan Caruso
Top pick
Paperless-ngx
Paperless-ngx turns a pile of PDFs and scans into a searchable, tagged archive. It OCRs everything, auto-tags by rules, and has a clean UI with good mobile support. For nearly everyone going paperless at home, it is the answer.
The options
Paperless-ngx
GPL, freeImport or scan documents; it OCRs, tags, and makes them fully searchable.
Visit Paperless-ngx site- Runs on
- Docker, ~2 GB RAM
- Pick it if
- You want the standard, friendly paperless archive for a home or small office.
Docspell
GPL, freeA document organizer with strong automatic processing and metadata.
Visit Docspell site- Runs on
- Docker, ~2 GB RAM, JVM-based
- Pick it if
- You want heavier automatic processing and linking between documents.
Mayan EDMS
Apache, freeA full enterprise-style document management system with workflows.
Visit Mayan EDMS site- Runs on
- Docker, heavier, needs Postgres
- Pick it if
- You need formal workflows, permissions, and enterprise DMS features.
How to choose
For a household or small office going paperless, Paperless-ngx is almost always the right call. It is friendly, well-documented, actively developed, and does the core job (OCR, tagging, search) better than anything else in the space. Most people never need to look further.
Step up to Docspell for heavier automatic processing, or Mayan EDMS if you genuinely need enterprise features like formal workflows and granular permissions. Those add real complexity, so only reach for them when Paperless-ngx's simplicity actually limits you.
The verdict
Run Paperless-ngx. For going paperless at home or in a small office it is the clear leader: OCR, tagging, and search that just work, with a friendly UI. Step up to Docspell for heavier processing or Mayan EDMS for enterprise workflows, but only if Paperless-ngx's simplicity genuinely limits you.
FAQ
What is the best self-hosted document management?
Paperless-ngx, for almost everyone. It OCRs and tags your documents, makes them searchable, and is friendly to set up and use. Docspell and Mayan EDMS exist for heavier or enterprise needs.
Does Paperless-ngx do OCR?
Yes. It runs OCR on imported documents and scans so the text becomes searchable, and it can auto-tag and sort by rules you define.
Can I import existing PDFs?
Yes. You can bulk-import existing PDFs and scans and Paperless-ngx will OCR and index them. A consume folder also auto-imports anything you drop in.