Best document management systems
Apps that turn scanned paper and digital files into a searchable, tagged archive with OCR, from personal paperless setups to organisation-wide document systems.
9 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All document management systems
- MaAlternatives to Mayan EDMS
Open-source, self-hosted document management system with versioning, workflows and detailed permissions.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted - PaAlternatives to Paperwork
Free, open-source desktop app that scans paper documents and makes them searchable with OCR.
Open sourceLinux, Windows - Alternatives to Docspell
Self-hosted, open-source document organiser that OCRs files and fills in tags and metadata automatically.
Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Self-hosted, Android - Alternatives to Laserfiche
Enterprise document management, records management and process automation, in the cloud or self-hosted.
PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, iOS, Android, Self-hosted - Alternatives to M-Files
Metadata-driven document management system for businesses, with Microsoft 365 integration and built-in AI.
PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, iOS, Android, Self-hosted - Alternatives to DocuWare
Business document management and workflow automation, strongest at invoice processing and digital archiving.
PaidSelf-hostableWeb, iOS, Android, Self-hosted - Alternatives to NetDocuments
Cloud document and email management system built for law firms and legal teams.
PaidWeb, Windows, iOS, Android - Alternatives to iManage
Document and email management platform for law firms and professional services.
PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android - Alternatives to EagleFiler
One-time-purchase Mac app for archiving and searching files, email, web pages and notes.
PaidmacOS
Our picks by need
Best for most people
Mayan EDMSBest for a free option
PaperworkBest for open source
DocspellBest for self-hosting
LaserficheBest for Mac
iManageBest for Windows
M-FilesBest for Linux
PaperworkBest for iPhone and Android
DocuWareCommon questions
What are the best document management systems?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading document management systems right now are Mayan EDMS, Paperwork, Docspell, Laserfiche and M-Files.
Are there free document management systems?
Yes. Mayan EDMS (open source), Paperwork (open source) and Docspell (open source) have a free option, out of 3 free or freemium apps we track.
Which document management systems are open source?
Mayan EDMS, Paperwork and Docspell.