The 10 best open source and free document sharing tools in 2025

Need secure document sharing without the hefty price tag? With 68% of businesses losing over $10,000 annually due to inefficient document sharing (IBM Security Report 2024), finding the right solution is crucial. We've tested and ranked the top 10 open source document sharing tools for 2025 that offer enterprise-grade features for free. From self-hosted to cloud-based options, here's everything you need to know.

What is open source document sharing?

Open source document sharing refers to document sharing platforms where the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. Unlike proprietary solutions, these tools provide complete transparency about how your documents are processed, stored, and secured. You can self-host the software on your own infrastructure, customize it to your needs, and avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining enterprise-grade security and functionality.

Why use open source document sharing?

Open source document sharing tools offer complete transparency and control over your data that proprietary software can't match. You're not locked into a vendor's roadmap or pricing changes, and you can see exactly how your documents are handled because the code is open for review. Security researchers worldwide constantly audit the code, making it more secure over time.

If you have technical expertise, you can customize the platform to fit your exact needs—something impossible with closed-source solutions. Open source tools also give you the freedom to self-host everything on your own servers, ensuring your sensitive documents never leave your infrastructure. This provides complete control over security, compliance, and data sovereignty, whether you're a small business cutting costs or a large enterprise needing complete data control.

Quick overview of open source and free document sharing tools

1. Papermark: Open source document sharing platform with page-by-page analytics

2. NextCloud: Self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform with extensive document management capabilities

3. OwnCloud: Open-source cloud storage and file sharing solution with fine-grained access controls

4. Cryptpad: Zero-knowledge, encrypted collaborative document editor and sharing platform

5. OnlyOffice: Complete office suite with document management and collaboration features

6. LibreOffice Online: Web-based collaborative document editing and sharing solution

7. OpenDocMan: Free document management system for organizing and sharing documents securely

8. Pydio Cells: Modern document sharing platform with advanced security features

9. Seafile: File synchronization and sharing system focused on performance and reliability

10. FileRun: Self-hosted file sharing and sync solution with a clean, user-friendly interface

Types of document sharing tools

Open source document sharing tools can be categorized into several types, each serving different use cases and requirements. Understanding these categories helps you choose the right solution for your specific needs.

Papermark

Website: papermark.com

Papermark stands out as a modern, SOC2, HIPAA, and GDPR-compliant document sharing platform that combines enterprise-grade security with powerful analytics. Built for businesses handling sensitive information, it offers military-grade encryption, granular access controls, and comprehensive tracking capabilities while maintaining an intuitive user experience. Perfect for secure sharing of confidential materials, pitch decks, and sensitive documents with complete control and visibility. For enterprise needs, Papermark also offers secure virtual data rooms with advanced features like dynamic watermarking, NDA signing, and unlimited storage.

Quick overview: Share documents in 5 simple steps

1. Upload 📤 Upload your document to our secure, encrypted platform
2. Protect 🔒 Add password protection and customize access controls
3. Share 🔗 Generate and share a secure, trackable link
4. Track 📊 Monitor who views your document in real-time
5. Control ⚙️ Manage access and revoke permissions anytime

Advanced security features

• Dynamic watermarking: Automatically add viewer details to prevent unauthorized sharing
• Granular access controls: Set precise permissions for each viewer
• Password protection: Add an extra layer of security to sensitive documents
• Link expiration: Set automatic access cutoffs for time-sensitive materials
• Custom security policies: Define and enforce organization-wide security rules

Real-time analytics and insights

• Page-by-page tracking: See exactly which pages capture attention
• Viewer analytics: Know who viewed what and when
• Engagement metrics: Track time spent on each section
• Real-time notifications: Get instant alerts when documents are opened
• Analytics dashboard: Comprehensive view of document performance

Professional features

• Custom branding: Your domain, your look
• Version control: Track changes and updates
• API access: Build custom integrations
• Data room capabilities: Organize documents for due diligence
• Bulk operations: Manage multiple documents efficiently
• Advanced search: Find anything instantly
• Self-hosting option: Complete control over your infrastructure

Papermark pricing

• Free plan (€0/month): Get started with core features
• Pro (€24/month): Advanced features for growing teams
• Business (€59/month): Enhanced security and analytics
• Data Rooms (€99/month): Complete virtual data room solution with unlimited storage, NDA signing, and advanced security features

Papermark on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/mfts/papermark

Papermark's open-source nature means complete transparency in how your documents are handled, with a thriving community constantly improving security and features. Whether you're sharing investor updates, client deliverables, or sensitive internal documents, Papermark provides the perfect balance of security, usability, and control.

NextCloud

Website: nextcloud.com

NextCloud is a comprehensive self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform that gives you complete control over your data. It functions as a more secure alternative to commercial cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, with added features for document collaboration, communication, and project management.

NextCloud features

• Complete file sharing system
• Real-time document collaboration
• Calendar and contact management
• Video conferencing capabilities
• Mobile and desktop sync clients
• User and group permissions
• Full-text search functionality
• Extensible app ecosystem
• End-to-end encryption options
• Federation between NextCloud instances

NextCloud limitations

• Requires server setup and maintenance
• Performance depends on hosting resources
• Learning curve for administrators
• Limited built-in document editing features

NextCloud on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/nextcloud/server

OwnCloud

Website: owncloud.com

OwnCloud is a pioneer in open-source file sharing solutions, offering a robust platform for document sharing and synchronization. It provides a secure, compliant way to access, share and collaborate on files, with granular permissions and extensive integration options.

OwnCloud features

• Universal file access platform
• Granular permissions system
• Document collaboration tools
• Automated file tagging
• Virtual file system support
• LDAP/Active Directory integration
• Comprehensive audit logging
• Custom branding options
• Web, mobile, and desktop access
• Federation capabilities

OwnCloud limitations

• Server maintenance required
• Enterprise features may require paid support
• Mobile apps with limited functionality
• Can be resource-intensive

OwnCloud on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/owncloud/core

OwnCloud community metrics

• Over 200,000 installations worldwide
• Available in 40+ languages
• Active in 100+ countries
• Large developer community

Cryptpad

Website: cryptpad.org

Cryptpad is a privacy-focused collaborative editor and document sharing platform that uses zero-knowledge encryption. All content is encrypted in your browser before reaching the server, ensuring that even the server administrators cannot access your documents. This makes it ideal for sharing highly sensitive information.

Cryptpad features

• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Collaborative document editing
• Rich text, spreadsheets, presentations
• Kanban boards and code editors
• Password-protected sharing
• Document expiration settings
• Anonymous access options
• Self-hosting capability
• No account required for basic use
• Commenting and suggestion features

Cryptpad limitations

• Limited formatting options compared to office suites
• No offline editing capabilities
• Fewer integration options
• Performance can slow with large documents

Cryptpad on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/xwiki-labs/cryptpad

OnlyOffice

Website: onlyoffice.com

OnlyOffice is a comprehensive office suite and document collaboration platform that offers exceptional Microsoft Office compatibility. It includes powerful document editors with real-time co-authoring capabilities and can be integrated with various document management systems or used as a standalone solution.

OnlyOffice features

• Full-featured document editors
• High MS Office format compatibility
• Real-time collaboration tools
• Document management system
• Built-in chat and commenting
• Form and template creation
• Document version history
• Mail merge capabilities
• Digital rights management
• Available as cloud or self-hosted solution

OnlyOffice limitations

• Complex deployment for self-hosted version
• Higher resource requirements
• Some advanced features require paid versions
• Mobile editing experience limited

OnlyOffice on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/ONLYOFFICE/DocumentServer

OnlyOffice community edition

• Free Community Edition available
• Enterprise edition with additional features
• Open-source core components
• Active developer community

LibreOffice Online

Website: libreoffice.org

LibreOffice Online is the cloud version of the popular open-source office suite, allowing for collaborative document editing and sharing through a web browser. It provides a familiar interface for users of the desktop version while adding real-time collaboration capabilities.

LibreOffice Online features

• Complete office suite functionality
• Native support for open document formats
• Real-time collaborative editing
• Extensive language support
• Document commenting system
• Version history tracking
• Integration with file sharing platforms
• No account required for document access
• Export to multiple formats
• Template support

LibreOffice Online limitations

• Requires technical setup
• User interface less polished than alternatives
• More limited mobile support
• Fewer cloud integrations

LibreOffice Online on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/LibreOffice/online

LibreOffice community

• One of the largest open source communities
• Regular release cycles
• Extensive documentation
• Active in localization efforts

OpenDocMan

Website: opendocman.com

OpenDocMan is a free, web-based document management system specifically designed for managing, sharing, and tracking documents in a multi-user environment. It offers a straightforward approach to document organization with robust security features.

OpenDocMan features

• Document check-in/check-out system
• Version control with history
• Fine-grained user permissions
• Document categorization
• Full-text search capabilities
• Automated email notifications
• Document expiry management
• Custom metadata fields
• Batch import/export tools
• Document approval workflows

OpenDocMan limitations

• Less modern interface
• Limited preview capabilities
• No real-time collaboration
• Basic mobile experience

OpenDocMan on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/opendocman/opendocman

Pydio Cells

Website: pydio.com

Pydio Cells is a modern, microservice-based document sharing platform with advanced security features. It combines the user-friendliness of consumer cloud sharing solutions with the security and compliance requirements of businesses.

Pydio Cells features

• Microservices architecture
• Advanced security policies
• Automated document workflows
• Activity streams and notifications
• Public sharing with fine-grained controls
• Full-text search capabilities
• Custom metadata management
• Comprehensive audit trail
• GDPR compliance tools
• OAuth and SSO integration

Pydio Cells limitations

• Complex setup process
• Higher system requirements
• Steeper learning curve
• Community version with fewer features than enterprise

Pydio Cells on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/pydio/cells

Seafile

Website: seafile.com

Seafile is a high-performance file synchronization and sharing system with a focus on reliability and speed. It offers advanced features like library encryption, online file editing, and efficient handling of large files and repositories.

Seafile features

• File library organization
• Library-level encryption
• Wiki collaboration system
• Online document editor
• Efficient delta sync
• Built-in file preview
• Two-factor authentication
• File locking mechanism
• Selective sync capability
• Desktop and mobile clients

Seafile limitations

• Less intuitive interface for new users
• Limited integration with third-party tools
• Community edition lacks some enterprise features
• Server setup requires technical knowledge

Seafile on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/haiwen/seafile

Seafile community edition

• Free and open-source Community Edition
• Professional edition with additional features
• Regular security updates
• Strong focus on performance optimization

FileRun

Website: filerun.com

FileRun is a self-hosted file sharing and sync solution with an exceptionally clean, user-friendly interface. It aims to provide a simple yet powerful file management experience while maintaining high security standards.

FileRun features

• Intuitive, responsive interface
• File preview for numerous formats
• Shared links with password protection
• WebDAV access support
• User access control lists
• File versioning system
• Image editing capabilities
• Online document editing
• Full-text search functionality
• Low system requirements

FileRun limitations

• Smaller development community
• Fewer enterprise integration options
• Limited workflow automation
• Less extensive documentation

FileRun on GitHub

To GitHub: https://github.com/filerun

FileRun license

• Free for personal use (up to 3 users)
• Affordable commercial licenses
• No feature limitations in free version
• Active development cycle

Conclusion

The landscape of open source document sharing tools in 2025 offers diverse solutions for different needs and experience levels. From user-friendly platforms like Papermark and FileRun to comprehensive collaboration suites like NextCloud and OnlyOffice, users can choose based on their specific requirements. For businesses requiring secure document sharing with analytics, Papermark provides an excellent balance between security and functionality.

When selecting an open source document sharing tool, consider these factors:

• Ease of deployment and maintenance
• Security and privacy features
• Collaboration capabilities
• Platform compatibility
• Integration requirements
• Community support and updates
• Resource requirements

Remember that the best choice depends on your specific use case, technical expertise, and security requirements. Regular updates and proper server maintenance are crucial for maintaining security, regardless of the chosen solution.

Frequently asked questions