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To install Paperless-ngx on Ubuntu with Docker Compose, first install Docker Engine and the Compose plugin, then use either the project’s guided installer or its manual Compose files. The official Paperless-ngx instructions require Docker and Docker Compose but do not specify a minimum Ubuntu release; check Docker’s current Ubuntu installation guidance for host-specific prerequisites. This walkthrough covers a new installation, persistent storage, startup, and first login.
Choose the guided installer or manual Compose setup
| Route | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Guided installer | Asks configuration questions, creates files, pulls the image, starts containers, and creates the superuser. | A quicker setup when you are comfortable letting the script handle those steps. |
| Manual Compose | Lets you choose a Compose template and directly edit mounts, ports, and environment settings. | More control over the deployment and its configuration. |
Both routes are documented by the Paperless-ngx setup guide. The manual route below makes the storage and port settings easier to inspect before starting.
Prepare Docker and Compose on Ubuntu
Install Docker Engine and Docker Compose on the Ubuntu host before proceeding. Paperless-ngx’s setup instructions establish these as prerequisites but do not identify a supported Ubuntu minimum or give Ubuntu-specific Docker installation commands. Use Docker’s current official Ubuntu instructions for the release on your machine rather than assuming a particular release or package procedure.
Set up the Compose files
Option 1: Run the guided script
The project documents this invocation:
bash -c "$(curl --location --silent --show-error https://raw.githubusercontent.com/paperless-ngx/paperless-ngx/main/install-paperless-ngx.sh)"The script downloads and runs an installer from the project repository. If you do not want to run internet-hosted code directly in a shell, inspect the script first. Follow its prompts to configure the installation; it handles file creation, image pull, container startup, and superuser creation. See the setup guide for the project’s route and details.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Option 2: Configure Compose files yourself
-
Choose one of the project’s
docker-compose.*.ymltemplates for the database backend you want, save it in your installation directory asdocker-compose.yml, and downloaddocker-compose.envand.envinto that same directory. The project recommends PostgreSQL for new installations. Template selection and file setup are covered in the setup guide. -
If you need parsing support for Office documents or email files, select a template with
-tikain its filename. Tika and Gotenberg are optional services for those parsing use cases, not requirements for a basic installation. See Paperless-ngx configuration.Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
Review the host-to-container mounts and edit the host paths for folders such as
consumeandmediato locations that persist if containers are replaced. Choose paths included in your backup plan. The setup guide shows these paths as customizable.Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Check the host-side port mapping. The container listens on port
8000by default; the host port can be changed, for example to map host port8010to container port8000. In that example, access the web interface through host port 8010, not 8000.Rank #3
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
If the account running Paperless cannot write to the consumed-document folder, set
USERMAP_UIDandUSERMAP_GIDindocker-compose.envto the appropriate host account IDs. Get the numeric values withid -uandid -g. The documented defaults are 1000 for each, so check rather than assume they match your account. Paperless changes folder ownership to these IDs. Details are in the setup guide and configuration reference.
Review environment settings and secrets
Put Docker-specific Paperless environment settings in docker-compose.env; Docker does not use paperless.conf for this Compose deployment. Review credentials and secrets handling before exposing the service. The setup documentation supports Docker secrets through settings suffixed with _FILE; avoid placing real credentials in public examples. See configuration and the setup guide.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The bundled Compose deployment includes a Redis-compatible message broker. Valkey is the default in the bundled files; the project FAQ and configuration reference note that Redis-compatible alternatives can work. Most basic deployments can use the bundled service without adding a separate broker. Sources: configuration and FAQs.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Pull the images and start Paperless-ngx
In a terminal, change to the directory containing the Compose files, then run:
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
docker compose pull
docker compose up -dThe first command pulls the required images; the second starts the services in the background. The setup guide says images are pulled from GitHub Container Registry by default. Docker Hub can be used instead if you change the image setting. The Compose files include the broker required by the stack. See the setup guide.
Open the web interface and create an account
On the Ubuntu host, open http://127.0.0.1:8000 if you kept the default host port. If you changed the mapping, use the host and port you configured; to reach the service from another device, use the Ubuntu machine’s address in place of 127.0.0.1. On first access, Paperless-ngx prompts you to create a superuser. Because that account has full access to documents and other objects, the setup guide suggests considering a separate, normal account for everyday use. See Setup.
Troubleshoot document consumption and plan backups
New files on some network mounts are not detected
The default consumer watches for filesystem events. On filesystems without inotify support, including some NFS mounts, that watcher may not detect new files. Set PAPERLESS_CONSUMER_POLLING_INTERVAL to a positive value to enable polling, as described in the setup guide.
Protect documents and application data
Keep the persistent document folders and application data in your backup plan, and make a restorable backup before upgrading. Paperless-ngx’s administration documentation describes the exporter for documents and metadata; consult it alongside the current setup and migration notes when planning recovery or a move. See Administration and Setup.
Quick Recap
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