Google Drive

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Google Drive

A curated collection of the 20 best self hosted alternatives to Google Drive.

Google Drive is a cloud storage and file synchronization service by Google that lets users store, access, share, and collaborate on files and folders across devices, with integrated Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, search, and backup features.

Alternatives List

#1
Syncthing

Syncthing

Open-source, secure, peer-to-peer file sync that keeps folders identical across devices without a central cloud server.

Syncthing screenshot

Syncthing is a continuous file synchronization tool that keeps selected folders in sync between two or more devices. It uses a peer-to-peer model (no mandatory central server), focusing on privacy, resiliency, and cross-platform support for desktops, servers, and mobile devices.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer folder synchronization between trusted devices (device IDs) without relying on a central storage provider
  • Encrypted transport (TLS) and device authentication via cryptographic device identities
  • Web-based GUI for configuration/monitoring plus a REST API and event stream for automation/monitoring integrations
  • NAT traversal and relay support to connect devices across networks (global discovery and optional relay usage)
  • Versioning options for deleted/overwritten files (simple, staggered, trash can, external)
  • Per-folder controls: ignore patterns, file/folder permissions handling, rescan intervals, selective folder sharing
  • Cross-platform binaries and packaging for common OSes; runs well on headless servers

Use Cases

  • Sync a “working files” directory between a laptop and a home server without using Dropbox/Drive
  • Keep a replicated copy of important folders across multiple machines as a lightweight redundancy layer
  • Maintain shared folders between a small number of trusted devices (e.g., family/workstations)

Limitations and Considerations

  • It is not a multi-user collaboration/groupware platform; sharing is based on explicitly trusted device pairs
  • Conflicts can occur with concurrent edits; Syncthing creates conflict copies rather than merging content

Syncthing fits users who want direct device-to-device synchronization with strong transport security and operational transparency. It’s especially useful when you want cloud-like syncing behavior while keeping storage and control on your own devices.

78.9kstars
4.9kforks
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#2
copyparty

copyparty

A lightweight, portable web-based file server with uploads, WebDAV, search, and optional media indexing—designed to run anywhere with minimal dependencies.

copyparty screenshot

copyparty is a lightweight, portable file server you can run from a single folder to share, browse, and upload files over HTTP. It focuses on being easy to deploy while still offering power-user features like WebDAV, indexing, and flexible access controls.

Key Features

  • Web UI for browsing, downloading, and uploading files (including drag-and-drop)
  • WebDAV support for mounting as a network drive and syncing with WebDAV clients
  • Share links and directory publishing with configurable permissions
  • User authentication and per-path access control (read/write/admin-style rules)
  • Optional indexing for faster browsing/search and media-oriented views (e.g., galleries)
  • Single-binary / single-folder style deployment with cross-platform support
  • Command-line configuration with extensive runtime options (ports, bind, users, perms)

Use Cases

  • Quickly share files on a LAN/Wi‑Fi network without setting up a full NAS stack
  • Provide a WebDAV endpoint for lightweight file access from desktops/mobile clients
  • Host a simple personal file drop/upload area for a team, event, or temporary project

Limitations and Considerations

  • Feature set is optimized for lightweight file serving; it is not a full sync platform like Dropbox/Drive.
  • Some advanced capabilities (indexing/media features) may require extra configuration depending on usage.

copyparty is a good fit when you want a small, fast file server that can be started quickly and still supports structured access control and WebDAV. It’s commonly used for ad-hoc sharing, home-lab file serving, and lightweight team file drop scenarios.

40.5kstars
1.7kforks
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#3
Puter

Puter

A self-hostable personal cloud that provides a web-based desktop, file storage, apps, and multi-user access in the browser.

Puter screenshot

Puter is a self-hostable “personal cloud” that runs as a web-based desktop environment in the browser. It combines a file manager, app launcher, and user accounts to provide a lightweight, desktop-like experience for accessing files and web apps from anywhere.

Key Features

  • Browser-based desktop UI with windows, launcher, and desktop-like workflows
  • File manager with upload/download and folder organization
  • Multi-user support with accounts and user home directories
  • App model for running/installing web apps inside the desktop environment
  • Web access from any device without a native client

Use Cases

  • Personal or family private cloud for browsing and organizing files via a familiar desktop UI
  • Lightweight “web OS” portal for hosting internal tools as apps for a small team
  • Kiosk/remote workstation experience where users only need a browser

Limitations and Considerations

  • Desktop-like UX is best suited to light productivity and web apps; it is not a full VM/remote desktop replacement
  • Feature set and APIs may change as the project evolves; review release notes before upgrades

Puter is a good fit when you want a simple, browser-first desktop experience on top of your own storage and services. It’s especially useful as a unified entry point for files and lightweight web applications under a familiar UI paradigm.

38.5kstars
3.4kforks
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#4
Paperless-ngx

Paperless-ngx

Self-hosted document management system that ingests scans and emails, performs OCR, extracts metadata, and provides fast full-text search with tags and workflows.

Paperless-ngx screenshot

Paperless-ngx is a self-hosted document management system (DMS) focused on turning paper and digital files into searchable, organized records. It ingests documents from multiple sources, runs OCR and text extraction, and provides a web UI and API to manage, find, and automate document handling.

Key Features

  • Automated ingestion (“consume” folder) plus upload via web UI and REST API
  • OCR and text extraction for searchable PDFs/images (typically via Tesseract)
  • Full-text search with filters (tags, correspondents, document types, dates, fields)
  • Metadata model: correspondents, document types, tags, custom fields, and rules
  • Email ingestion (IMAP) to automatically import attachments and assign metadata
  • Document workflows: matching rules, automatic tagging, and metadata assignment
  • Multi-user support with permissions/roles and an admin interface
  • Preview and download originals/archived PDFs; versioned/organized storage
  • Integrations via API and container-first deployment (Docker/Compose)

Use Cases

  • Personal “paperless” home archive for bills, receipts, manuals, and letters
  • Small office record-keeping with consistent naming, tagging, and search
  • Automatic import pipeline from scanner + email for invoices and statements

Limitations and Considerations

  • OCR quality and language support depend on installed OCR language packs and scan quality
  • Accurate auto-classification relies on well-tuned matching rules and consistent inputs

Paperless-ngx is well-suited for users who want reliable OCR-backed search, structured metadata, and automated ingestion to maintain a long-term, searchable archive. Its strong import options and rule-based processing make it practical for both home and small-team document workflows.

35.5kstars
2.2kforks
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#5
Nextcloud

Nextcloud

Open-source, self-hosted content collaboration: file sync & share, groupware, chat, and optional office collaboration with strong admin and compliance controls.

Nextcloud screenshot

Nextcloud is an open-source, self-hosted content collaboration platform centered on secure file sync and sharing, with an extensible app ecosystem for groupware and teamwork. It provides a web interface, desktop/mobile clients, and enterprise-grade administration features so organizations can keep data on their own infrastructure.

Key Features:

  • File sync & share with web UI plus desktop/mobile clients
  • Sharing controls (public links, passwords, expiration, permissions)
  • Versioning, recycle bin, and file locking to reduce conflicts
  • Extensible “Apps” ecosystem (Calendar/Contacts, Talk, Forms, etc.)
  • WebDAV support and external storage backends (e.g., S3-compatible, SMB/CIFS)
  • User/group management and fine-grained access control
  • Integration options such as SSO/SAML/OIDC via apps and LDAP/AD via integration
  • Server-side encryption options and security hardening features (configurable)

Use Cases:

  • Replace public cloud drives (e.g., Dropbox/Google Drive) with an on-prem/private cloud
  • Organization-wide file collaboration with controlled external sharing
  • Internal “digital workplace” combining files, chat/video (Talk), and groupware apps

Limitations and Considerations:

  • Performance and scalability depend heavily on database, caching, and storage setup
  • Some capabilities (office collaboration, SSO, advanced security) rely on additional apps/services
  • Requires ongoing maintenance (updates, backups, monitoring) like any self-hosted platform

Nextcloud is typically used as a private cloud foundation for file collaboration and related teamwork apps. Its modular architecture and broad integration options make it adaptable, but a well-sized deployment and proper tuning are important for best results.

33.8kstars
4.7kforks
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#6
File Browser

File Browser

Web file manager for browsing, uploading, downloading, sharing, and managing files with per-user permissions, optional authentication, and a JSON/CLI-driven configuration.

File Browser screenshot

File Browser is a lightweight web application that lets you manage files on a server from a browser. It provides a familiar file-manager UI for browsing, uploading/downloading, editing, renaming, and organizing content within configurable root directories, with optional multi-user access controls.

Key Features

  • Web UI for browsing, searching, previewing, uploading, downloading, renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files/folders
  • User management with per-user scopes (root paths) and permission controls (read/write/admin)
  • Shareable links for files/folders (configurable behavior) for simple distribution
  • Built-in file editing in the browser (useful for config files, notes, small text assets)
  • Optional authentication modes and reverse-proxy friendly deployment
  • Single-binary server with JSON configuration and a command-line interface for setup/admin tasks

Use Cases

  • Provide a simple “web drive” to access server files from anywhere
  • Manage content directories for small websites, media folders, or NAS-like shares
  • Share files/folders with teammates or clients via generated links

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not designed as a full sync client ecosystem (no native desktop/mobile sync like Drive/Dropbox)
  • Large-scale collaboration features (real-time editing, office docs) are out of scope

File Browser fits best when you want a fast, minimal web file manager that is easy to deploy and administer. It’s commonly used as a lightweight alternative to cloud drives for server-side file access and basic sharing.

32.8kstars
3.6kforks
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#7
Cloudreve

Cloudreve

Cloudreve is a self-hosted cloud storage and file sharing platform with a web UI, multi-user management, and support for local, S3, and other storage backends.

Cloudreve screenshot

Cloudreve is a self-hosted cloud storage and file management platform that provides a web-based drive experience for individuals and teams. It focuses on flexible storage backends, user/group management, and link-based sharing so you can run a “personal cloud” on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Web-based file manager with uploads/downloads, folder browsing, and search
  • Multi-user support with user/group management and permission controls
  • Link sharing for files/folders (commonly including expiration and access control options)
  • Multiple storage backends (commonly including local storage and S3-compatible object storage)
  • WebDAV support for mounting the storage as a network drive in desktop/mobile clients
  • Admin dashboard for configuration, storage policies, and basic system management
  • Extensible deployment options (commonly distributed as a single binary and via containers)

Use Cases

  • Replace hosted personal cloud drives for private file storage and sharing
  • Team file drop/share portal with controlled access and expiring links
  • Front-end gateway that unifies multiple storage backends under one web UI

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced collaboration features (real-time co-editing) generally require external office suites/integrations rather than being built-in

Cloudreve is a practical choice when you want a modern “cloud drive” experience with strong storage-backend flexibility and standard access methods like WebDAV. It fits both personal and small-team deployments where file sharing and centralized management are the primary needs.

26.5kstars
3.8kforks
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#8
Seafile

Seafile

Self-hosted file sync and sharing platform with libraries, fine-grained permissions, web/mobile clients, versioning, and optional end-to-end encryption.

Seafile screenshot

Seafile is a file sync and sharing platform designed for teams and organizations that need fast synchronization, reliable collaboration, and strong control over access to data. It organizes content into “libraries”, supports cross-platform clients, and provides web-based file management with sharing and auditing features.

Key Features

  • Library-based syncing with selective sync and on-demand download (client dependent)
  • File sharing via links and internal sharing with permission controls
  • File versioning and restore, including history for libraries/files
  • Client-side encryption option for libraries (end-to-end encrypted libraries)
  • Web interface for browsing, uploading, previewing, and managing libraries
  • User/group management and role-based permissions for shared libraries
  • Audit and activity logs for tracking access and changes (edition dependent)
  • WebDAV access for integrating with desktop apps and workflows
  • APIs and integrations for automation and custom clients

Use Cases

  • Team file collaboration replacing consumer cloud drives with tighter control
  • Secure document distribution with expiring share links and permissions
  • Central file sync across desktops and mobile devices with version recovery

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some enterprise features (e.g., advanced auditing/administration) may be edition- or license-dependent.
  • End-to-end encrypted libraries can limit server-side features such as full-text indexing/preview depending on client capabilities.

Seafile is a strong fit for organizations prioritizing efficient sync, structured sharing via libraries, and optional end-to-end encryption. With multiple access methods (web, desktop/mobile clients, WebDAV, API), it can serve both end users and integration-heavy environments.

14.2kstars
1.6kforks
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#9
Filestash

Filestash

Web-based file manager that connects to existing storage (SFTP, WebDAV, S3, SMB, FTP) with sharing links, previews, and optional collaborative editing.

Filestash screenshot

Filestash is a web-based file manager that lets you browse, upload, download, preview, and share files from many existing backends (such as SFTP, WebDAV, S3-compatible object storage, FTP, and SMB). It is designed as a single, user-friendly web UI in front of heterogeneous storage systems, with optional capabilities like in-browser editing and access control.

Key Features

  • Connects to multiple storage backends (commonly including SFTP, FTP/FTPS, WebDAV, SMB, and S3-compatible object storage)
  • Modern web file manager UI: folder navigation, search, uploads, downloads, rename/move/copy, and bulk actions
  • File previews for common formats (images, video/audio in-browser when supported, text, PDFs)
  • Share functionality (public/shared links) and access controls depending on backend and configuration
  • Optional online editing and collaborative editing via integrations (e.g., OnlyOffice)
  • Authentication options and configuration for multi-user environments
  • Runs as a single web app (often deployed via Docker) acting as a gateway to existing storage

Use Cases

  • Provide a browser-based UI for SFTP-only servers to non-technical users
  • Unified access portal for mixed storage (e.g., S3 + SMB + WebDAV) inside an organization
  • Lightweight alternative to “cloud drive” UIs to browse and share files without migrating storage

Limitations and Considerations

  • Feature depth (permissions, versioning, advanced sharing) depends on the underlying storage backend and configured connectors
  • Some advanced capabilities (e.g., office-suite collaboration) require external services/integrations

Filestash is well-suited when you already have storage in place and want a clean web interface, previews, and convenient sharing on top. Its connector-based approach makes it practical for teams managing multiple protocols and storage systems without forcing data migration.

13.4kstars
946forks
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#10
SFTPGo

SFTPGo

Self-hosted SFTP/FTP/WebDAV server with web admin, virtual users, storage backends, and auditing for secure file exchange and managed file transfer workflows.

SFTPGo screenshot

SFTPGo is a configurable file transfer server focused on secure managed file transfer for teams and applications. It provides virtual users, fine-grained permissions, and multiple supported protocols so you can expose a controlled file exchange endpoint without giving shell access.

Key Features

  • Supports multiple protocols: SFTP, FTP/S (FTPS), WebDAV, and HTTP/S file sharing endpoints
  • Web-based administration UI plus a REST API for automation and provisioning
  • Virtual users with per-user home directories, quotas, bandwidth limits, and granular permissions
  • Pluggable storage backends (local filesystem and cloud/object storage backends supported by the project)
  • Key-based and password authentication; SSH host keys and TLS configuration for secure transport
  • Auditing/visibility features such as logs and user activity tracking for compliance needs
  • Event-driven extensibility (hooks/notifications) for integrating with external systems and workflows

Use Cases

  • Provide a managed SFTP/FTPS dropbox for partners/vendors with per-user permissions and quotas
  • Replace ad-hoc file exchange (shared SMB folders or personal cloud drives) with audited transfers
  • Offer automated file ingress/egress for applications via REST API provisioning and scripted clients

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not a general-purpose sync client/server; it is oriented to file transfer and controlled sharing rather than real-time collaboration

SFTPGo is well-suited for organizations that need standards-based file transfer (SFTP/FTPS/WebDAV) with centralized user management and automation. It combines a straightforward deployment with administrative controls commonly needed for managed file transfer scenarios.

11.6kstars
891forks
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#11
ownCloud

ownCloud

Self-hosted file sync and sharing platform with web/mobile/desktop clients, WebDAV access, sharing controls, versioning, and enterprise-grade security and auditing.

ownCloud screenshot

ownCloud is a file sync and sharing (EFSS) server for hosting private cloud storage on your own infrastructure. It provides web, desktop, and mobile access to files, plus secure sharing and collaboration features aimed at organizations that need control, compliance, and extensibility.

Key Features

  • Web interface plus desktop and mobile sync clients for accessing and syncing files
  • WebDAV support for standards-based file access and mounting as a network drive
  • File sharing with link sharing, password protection and expiration (configurable policies)
  • Versioning and recycle bin/trash to recover previous versions and deleted files
  • User and group management with role-based administration and storage quotas
  • External storage backends (e.g., S3-compatible/object storage, SMB/CIFS, FTP) via storage apps
  • Activity stream, notifications, and auditing capabilities (feature set depends on edition/apps)
  • App/plugin ecosystem to extend functionality (e.g., collaboration, storage, auth, integrations)

Use Cases

  • Internal “private Dropbox/OneDrive” for organizations needing data residency and policy control
  • Secure partner/customer file delivery with expiring, password-protected share links
  • Central file access layer over mixed backends (local storage, SMB shares, object storage)

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced enterprise capabilities (governance, compliance features, certain integrations) may require paid enterprise components/support depending on deployment and edition
  • Scaling and performance depend heavily on backend storage, caching, and database tuning; production setups typically require careful ops planning

ownCloud is a mature EFSS platform suited to teams that want a standards-based file platform (notably WebDAV) with flexible storage backends and administrative controls. It fits best where extensibility, policy enforcement, and infrastructure control are primary requirements.

8.7kstars
2.1kforks
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#12
HedgeDoc

HedgeDoc

Self-hosted, real-time collaborative Markdown editor for teams, with note sharing, history, and flexible publishing via links and permissions.

HedgeDoc screenshot

HedgeDoc is a web-based, collaborative Markdown note editor designed for teams to write together in real time. It focuses on fast note creation, easy sharing, and flexible publishing, while still supporting structured organization and access control.

Key Features:

  • Real-time collaborative editing for Markdown documents
  • Markdown preview and formatting helpers, including syntax highlighting for code blocks
  • Multiple sharing and publishing modes (private notes, shared links, published notes)
  • Note history/revisions to track and restore changes
  • User accounts and team collaboration features (permissions depend on configuration)
  • External authentication support via common identity providers (e.g., LDAP/OAuth/OIDC depending on setup)
  • Export/share notes in common formats (e.g., Markdown) and embed-friendly published views

Use Cases:

  • Collaborative meeting notes, sprint notes, and incident write-ups
  • Lightweight internal documentation and how-to pages for teams
  • Publishing announcements or public notes with shareable URLs

Limitations and Considerations:

  • Advanced wiki-style information architecture (hierarchical pages, strong interlinking, graph views) is not the primary focus compared to dedicated wiki platforms.

HedgeDoc is well-suited when you want a simple, fast, multi-user Markdown editor with real-time collaboration and straightforward ways to share or publish notes. It fits teams that value “write together now” workflows over heavyweight document management.

6.8kstars
516forks
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#13
OpenCloud

OpenCloud

Enterprise-ready file sharing and content collaboration with sync, sharing, and integrations, built as a modern successor to ownCloud/Nextcloud-style platforms.

OpenCloud screenshot

OpenCloud is a self-managed content collaboration platform focused on secure file sharing, synchronization, and teamwork around documents and folders. It targets organizations that need an open, extensible alternative to proprietary cloud drives with enterprise-friendly deployment options.

Key Features

  • File management with sharing links and permission controls
  • Sync capabilities for keeping files aligned across devices (via clients/integrations)
  • Web-based user experience for browsing, previewing, and organizing content
  • Integration-oriented architecture (connectors/APIs) for embedding into existing environments
  • Admin/operations tooling for running the service in organizational settings

Use Cases

  • Replace proprietary cloud drives for internal document sharing and collaboration
  • Provide a managed file-sharing service for teams, departments, or customers
  • Act as a storage and sharing layer integrated into an existing IAM/SSO and app stack

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some collaboration features commonly found in suites (e.g., full office editing) may rely on external integrations rather than being built-in.

OpenCloud is suited for teams wanting a modern, open platform for file sync and share with an emphasis on extensibility and controlled operations. It fits well when you need ownership of storage, identity integration, and predictable governance over shared content.

4.6kstars
158forks
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#14
SilverBullet

SilverBullet

Self-hosted, markdown-based personal knowledge base with backlinks, full-text search, and a programmable extension system for automations and custom commands.

SilverBullet screenshot

SilverBullet is a markdown-first personal knowledge base (PKM) and wiki that runs in your browser with a server-backed file store. It focuses on fast note navigation (links, backlinks, search) and on extensibility: you can automate workflows and customize behavior using scripts and plug-ins.

Key Features

  • Markdown-based pages stored as plain files, editable in a web UI
  • Wiki-style linking with backlinks for knowledge graph-style navigation
  • Full-text search across pages
  • Extensible architecture: plug-ins and user scripts to add commands, panels, and behaviors
  • Built-in command palette for quick navigation and actions
  • Templates/snippets and metadata via frontmatter for structured notes
  • Multi-device access via the web interface (single server, many clients)

Use Cases

  • Personal wiki for meeting notes, project journals, and daily logs
  • Team “lightweight wiki” for documentation where plain markdown files are preferred
  • Power-user note system with custom commands (e.g., automations, page generators)

Limitations and Considerations

  • Extension power comes with a learning curve (scripting/plug-ins) for advanced customization
  • Best suited to wiki/PKM workflows; not a full project management suite

SilverBullet is a good fit if you want a browser-based markdown wiki that stays file-oriented while still being highly customizable. Its link-centric navigation and programmable extension model make it especially useful for users who want to tailor their note-taking system to their own workflows.

4.5kstars
330forks
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#15
Papra

Papra

Papra is a self-hosted document management app for organizing scanned documents with OCR, tagging, and full‑text search in a clean web UI.

Papra screenshot

Papra is a document management system focused on turning scanned paperwork into a searchable, well-organized archive. It provides a web interface to upload/import documents, extract text with OCR, and find files quickly using metadata and search.

Key Features

  • Upload and manage documents in a web UI (designed for personal/household paperwork)
  • OCR text extraction to make scanned PDFs/images searchable
  • Full-text search across extracted content
  • Metadata organization (e.g., titles/dates) and tagging/labels for browsing
  • Document preview and structured library views for quick retrieval
  • Docker-based deployment for straightforward installation and updates

Use Cases

  • Digitize and archive household paperwork (invoices, letters, contracts) with fast search
  • Store and search scanned records (receipts, warranties, medical/insurance documents)
  • Maintain a personal “paperless” archive with tags and OCR for retrieval

Limitations and Considerations

  • Feature set is oriented toward individual/personal workflows; advanced enterprise DMS features (complex workflows, retention policies, e-signature) may be limited.

Papra is a practical choice if you want a lightweight DMS centered on scanning + OCR + search rather than heavy enterprise document workflows. It fits well for building a private, searchable archive of everyday documents.

3.2kstars
158forks
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#16
FileGator

FileGator

FileGator is a PHP-based web file manager for uploading, downloading, previewing, and managing files via a browser with multi-user auth and configurable storage backends.

FileGator screenshot

FileGator is a self-contained web application that provides a browser-based file manager for uploading, downloading, organizing, and previewing files on a server. It is designed as a lightweight alternative to full sync-and-share platforms, focusing on easy deployment and a familiar file-explorer UI.

Key Features

  • Web-based file manager: browse, create folders, rename, move/copy, delete, and search
  • Upload/download with drag-and-drop UI and bulk operations
  • File preview for common formats (e.g., images, text) directly in the browser
  • User authentication with role/permission configuration (deployments can restrict access)
  • Pluggable storage layer (local filesystem and additional adapters depending on configuration)
  • Internationalization support and configurable UI options
  • API/extension points for integrating FileGator into other workflows (via its internal architecture)

Use Cases

  • Provide a simple “upload portal” for teams/clients to exchange files via a browser
  • Manage files on a server/NAS from any device without SSH/SFTP
  • Offer a lightweight web file browser for internal tools, kiosks, or lab environments

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not a full sync-and-share platform (no desktop sync client; collaboration features are limited compared to suites like Dropbox)

FileGator fits best when you need a straightforward, browser-based file manager with uploads, previews, and access control, without the operational overhead of a full document collaboration stack. It’s commonly used as a simple web UI on top of server storage for internal sharing and administration.

2.9kstars
434forks
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#17
Papermerge

Papermerge

Self-hosted document management system that imports scans/PDFs, performs OCR, and provides full-text search, tagging, and folder-based organization for a paperless workflow.

Papermerge screenshot

Papermerge is a document management system (DMS) designed for building a “paperless” archive from scanned documents and PDFs. It focuses on automated OCR and search so you can quickly find documents by their content, then organize them with folders, tags, and metadata.

Key Features

  • OCR processing for PDFs/images and extraction of searchable text
  • Full-text search across your document library
  • Folder-based organization with tags for flexible classification
  • Document import/upload workflow optimized for scanned paperwork
  • Multi-user support with access controls for shared instances
  • Web UI for browsing, previewing, and managing documents

Use Cases

  • Home “paperless” archiving for bills, receipts, manuals, and letters
  • Small team document repository with searchable scans and tagging
  • Back-office digitization of incoming mail with OCR-based retrieval

Limitations and Considerations

  • OCR quality depends on scan quality/language models and may require tuning

Papermerge is a practical choice if your primary need is OCR-driven search and straightforward organization of scanned documents. It fits individuals and small organizations aiming to replace manual filing with searchable digital archives.

2.8kstars
301forks
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#18
Chibisafe

Chibisafe

Self-hosted file and image sharing with albums, expiring links, and an API—built for quick uploads and easy sharing.

Chibisafe screenshot

Chibisafe is a self-hosted file sharing service focused on quickly uploading and sharing images and other files via a clean web UI and a developer-friendly API. It is commonly used as a lightweight alternative to hosted image/file hosts, with support for direct links and shareable pages.

Key Features

  • Web UI for uploading and managing files
  • Direct file links and share pages for easy sharing
  • Album/gallery organization for grouping uploads
  • Configurable retention options such as expiring links (where supported by configuration)
  • Public API intended for integrations and automation (e.g., upload from scripts)
  • Docker-based deployment for straightforward installation and updates

Use Cases

  • Personal or team image hosting for sharing screenshots and media
  • Private file drop for sharing files via links without relying on third-party hosts
  • Backend for automated uploads from scripts or tools using the API

Limitations and Considerations

  • Primarily focused on lightweight sharing/hosting; it is not a full document management system (advanced workflows, rich permissions, etc.)

Chibisafe fits users who want a simple, fast, link-based sharing workflow with the option to integrate uploads into tooling via an API. It is a practical choice for personal servers, small teams, and homelabs that need predictable control over uploaded content.

2.5kstars
299forks
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#19
Gokapi

Gokapi

Gokapi is a lightweight file-sharing server that provides expiring links, download statistics, and an admin UI for managing uploads and retention policies.

Gokapi screenshot

Gokapi is a lightweight web application for securely sharing files via links. It focuses on simple uploads, configurable retention, and visibility into how shared files are being accessed, making it suitable for personal and small-team “send a file” workflows.

Key Features

  • Web UI for uploading files and generating shareable download links
  • Expiration and retention controls (time-based validity and automatic cleanup)
  • Download tracking and basic statistics (e.g., number of downloads)
  • Optional password protection for shared files/links
  • Admin interface for managing uploads, users/settings, and storage behavior
  • Works well behind a reverse proxy and supports custom domain setups

Use Cases

  • Replace ad-hoc transfers via public services for sending large files to clients
  • Share one-off downloads inside a team with expirations and simple tracking
  • Provide temporary download links for build artifacts or documents

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed for straightforward file sharing rather than full sync/collaboration (not a Dropbox-style platform)
  • Feature scope is intentionally minimal; advanced enterprise governance/workflows are out of scope

Gokapi aims to be easy to deploy and operate while still providing the essentials—expiring links, optional access controls, and visibility into downloads. If you need a small, focused file-sharing service with an admin UI and retention controls, it fits well.

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#20
Docspell

Docspell

Docspell is a document management system that organizes scanned/imported files with OCR, metadata extraction, tagging, and full-text search, plus automated ingest workflows.

Docspell screenshot

Docspell is a self-hosted document management system focused on collecting, organizing, and finding documents such as scans, invoices, letters, and PDFs. It provides OCR, metadata extraction, and a workflow-oriented “collect/organize” model with powerful search.

Key Features

  • Ingest documents through multiple channels (web upload and automated “collective”/watch-folder style imports)
  • OCR pipeline for searchable text (commonly via Tesseract) and extraction of document text
  • Full-text search across OCR and document metadata
  • Tagging, custom metadata, and structured organization (e.g., correspondents, document dates)
  • Duplicate detection support (hash-based) to avoid storing the same document twice
  • Email-based workflows/notifications are supported via integrations and job execution (depending on setup)
  • REST API for automations and integration with other tools
  • Multi-user support with accounts/collections separation

Use Cases

  • Paperless home archive: scan mail and receipts, auto-OCR, then search later by content
  • Small business bookkeeping support: store invoices/contracts and quickly retrieve by vendor/date
  • Team document repository for shared operational documents with consistent tagging

Limitations and Considerations

  • OCR quality depends heavily on input scans and the configured OCR engine/language packs
  • Feature set is oriented toward document intake/search rather than full collaborative editing

Docspell fits users who want a robust pipeline from “incoming documents” to “indexed, searchable archive” with automation-friendly ingestion. It’s particularly strong when paired with a scanner or watch-folder/import workflow to minimize manual filing effort.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running