paperless-ngx
Turn scanned paperwork into a searchable archive with Paperless-ngx, a community-supported document management system.
- Stars
- 48k
- Forks
- 3.3k
- Last update
- 5 Nov 2026
Overview
Paperless-ngx transforms physical documents into a searchable online archive for scanning, indexing and storing paperwork. It supports self-hosting, but documents are stored without encryption, so a trusted host and backups are important.
Who it's for
Tech stack
Features and benefits
Key features
- Searchable online document archive
- Scanning, indexing and archiving of documents
- OCR listed among the repository topics
- Interface available in many languages
- Docker Compose deployment with an install script
- Docker Compose files configured to use the GitHub container registry
- Migration from Paperless-ng by replacing the Docker image
- Public demo for trying the application
Why it helps in Pakistan
- Find archived paperwork through search instead of manually checking paper files.
- Reduce reliance on physical document storage.
- Keep the archive on a trusted local server rather than an untrusted host.
- Use the documented Docker setup to simplify initial deployment.
Pakistan use cases
- 01
A Pakistani accounting office can archive scanned invoices and tax records for later searching.
- 02
A Karachi shop can maintain a searchable archive of supplier paperwork.
- 03
A Lahore business can digitise administrative documents instead of relying only on paper files.
- 04
A household in Islamabad can keep scanned personal records on a trusted local server with backups.
Requirements
- Hardware
- A trusted host; the README recommends a local server with backups.CPU, RAM and storage sizing: Check the official docs
- Operating system
- Check the official docs
- Skills
- Ability to run the documented shell installation command and configure Docker Compose.Ability to maintain a trusted server and backups.
- Accounts needed
- Installation account requirements: Check the official docsPublic demo credentials: demo / demo
Setup guide
Commands are copied from the project's README and official docs.
- 1
Prepare a trusted host
Use a trusted host. The README recommends a local server with backups. For operating system, hardware and prerequisite installation details, Check the official docs.Not fully covered in the README. Check the official docs before running this step.
- 2
Run the installation script
Configure a Docker Compose environment using the documented script:bash -c "$(curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/paperless-ngx/paperless-ngx/main/install-paperless-ngx.sh)" - 3
Complete setup and verify access
Check the official docs for configuration prompts, initial account creation and access details; these steps are not specified in the supplied README.Not fully covered in the README. Check the official docs before running this step.
Works with
GitHub container registry
The provided Docker Compose files are configured to pull the application image from this registry.
What it costs
| Software | Free to self-host under the GPL-3.0 licence. |
|---|---|
| Hosting | Hosting costs depend on document storage, processing needs and backups. Hardware requirements are not stated in the supplied README; check the official docs and current provider prices before sizing a server. |
FAQ
Can I try Paperless-ngx before installing it?
Yes. The public demo uses login demo / demo. Its content is reset frequently, and you should not upload confidential information.
Are stored documents encrypted?
The README says information is stored in clear text without encryption. Never run it on an untrusted host; the recommended approach is a local server with backups.
Can I migrate from Paperless-ng?
Yes. The README describes migration by replacing the Docker image and links to a dedicated migration guide.
Does it support Urdu?
The README says the application is available in many languages, but does not confirm Urdu support. Check the official documentation and translation project.
What is the easiest documented installation method?
The README recommends Docker Compose and provides an install script to configure the environment.
Troubleshooting
The installation script or container fails to start.
Check command output, container logs and installed dependency versions; see the official docs for installation requirements.
The application cannot be reached after setup.
Check whether the containers are running and review configured ports and network settings; see the official docs.
A Paperless-ng migration does not work as expected.
Review the official migration guide before making further changes. The README describes switching to the Paperless-ngx Docker image.
Documents disappear from the public demo.
Demo content is reset frequently. Use your own installation for persistent records, and never upload confidential documents to the demo.
Official links
Get it set up for you
Don't want to install it yourself? A Jugaad maker can set up paperless-ngx for your business. Payment is held in Safe Deal until it works.
No maker offers a setup gig for this yet. Post a request and makers will quote.
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Built by paperless-ngx and contributors on GitHub. All credit goes to the authors. GitHub stats refresh daily. Jugaad does not host, copy or sell this code.
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