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Mayan EDMS

Open-source, self-hosted document management system with versioning, workflows and detailed permissions.

Open sourceSelf-hostableDocument management systems

Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web, Self-hosted

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Is Mayan EDMS free?

Yes, free and open source

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About Mayan EDMS

Mayan EDMS is a long-running open-source document management system aimed at organisations rather than households. It has been developed since 2010 and runs as a self-hosted web application, typically with Docker. Beyond storing and OCRing documents, it keeps multiple versions of each file with separate access control, models document workflows with states and transitions, creates rule-based smart links between related documents, and has a permission for every action a user can take. Almost every part of the system is configurable, and a REST API allows integration with existing software. The software is free to download and use; Mayan EDMS LLC sells support plans, migration help and training. That depth makes it heavier to set up and learn than home-focused tools like Paperless-ngx, so it suits teams with formal document processes more than one person scanning bills.

Best for: Organisations that need document versioning, workflows and strict access control on their own servers.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Document versioning with per-version access control
  • Workflows and fine-grained permissions for formal processes
  • Mature project with paid support available

Why people leave

  • Heavier to install and learn than home-focused tools
  • No hosted version; you run and maintain the server

Mayan EDMS vs Docspell, Paperwork and Nextcloud

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

AttributeMayan EDMSDocspellPaperworkNextcloud
PricingOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen source
Verified price———From €71.29 per user/year (100 users)
Free planFree appFree appFree appFree app
Open sourceYesYesYesYes
Self-hostableYesYesNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Self-hostedWeb, Self-hosted, AndroidLinux, WindowsWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

Top Mayan EDMS alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1Docspell logo
    Docspell

    Simpler self-hosted archive with automatic metadata and mailbox import.

    64.8
  2. 2Pa
    Paperwork

    Desktop-only option for one person who doesn't need a server.

    61.8
  3. 3Nextcloud logo
    Nextcloud

    Self-hosted file platform with versioning, tags, retention rules and OCR apps, enough when you mostly need shared document storage.

    51.2
  4. 4Laserfiche logo
    Laserfiche

    Commercial option with vendor support, records management and no-code workflows when self-running gets heavy.

    42.3
  5. 5M-Files logo
    M-Files

    Commercial DMS with vendor support, Microsoft 365 co-authoring and built-in AI, for firms that outgrow self-managed tools.

    42.3

Why people left Mayan EDMS

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Mayan EDMS: common questions

What is Mayan EDMS?

Mayan EDMS: Open-source, self-hosted document management system with versioning, workflows and detailed permissions. Best for organisations that need document versioning, workflows and strict access control on their own servers. Available for Web, and you can host it yourself.

Is Mayan EDMS free?

Yes. Mayan EDMS is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Mayan EDMS open source?

Yes. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Mayan EDMS run on?

Mayan EDMS is available for Web and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to Mayan EDMS?

The highest-ranked Mayan EDMS alternatives right now are Docspell, Paperwork and Nextcloud. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

Mayan EDMS vs Docspell: what's the difference?

Both Mayan EDMS and Docspell are free and open source. Only Docspell runs on Android.

See all 5 Mayan EDMS alternatives