M-Files
M-Files: A wide-platform document management system built around metadata, governance, and workflows. Ranked #11 of 65 in Document Management Software by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Paid; best for metadata-driven enterprise document management.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forMetadata-driven enterprise document management
- Free planNo
- Access control levelGranular
- Founded2002 · Tampere, Finland
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Metadata connects documents with people, projects, and processes.
- Granular permissions, version history, OCR, audits, and workflows.
- Integrations span Microsoft 365, Salesforce, SAP, and signing tools.
Where it doesn't
- Essentials starts at $65 per seat per month.
- Advanced governance and secure external collaboration require Enterprise.
- Metadata-first organization may not suit folder-based working preferences.
Our verdict on M-Files
M-Files is a document management platform for organizations that need to organize, find, secure, and govern business information. Its metadata-driven model connects documents with people, projects, and processes instead of relying primarily on folder structures. Document-driven teams in professional services, engineering, manufacturing, energy, utilities, and regulated organizations can use it across cloud, self-hosted, and hybrid deployment options. The platform is available through web, desktop, mobile, browser extension, API, and self-hosted environments.
The published plans show Essentials at $65 per seat per month, billed monthly as displayed on the pricing page. It includes a context-first document management foundation, native Microsoft 365 experiences, M-Files Aino AI assistance, workflow automation, security and access controls, and version control with lifecycle management. Enterprise adds advanced governance and compliance, advanced security controls, advanced version control, extended audit logging, no-code document automation, and secure external collaboration. The plan structure makes Essentials the entry point for core document control, while Enterprise is intended for organizations with broader governance and collaboration requirements.
M-Files stands out through the depth of its information controls and platform connections. Metadata organization is paired with version rollback, granular and automatic permissions, OCR for images and PDFs, audit trails, graphical workflows, electronic signatures, and mobile access for iOS and Android. Integrations include Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Salesforce, SAP, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat Sign, and DocuSign, with REST-like Web Service and ActiveX/COM APIs also available. Choose M-Files if metadata, governance, integrations, and deployment flexibility matter more than a simple folder-based repository. Teams wanting the advanced compliance and external-collaboration capabilities should consider Enterprise.
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M-Files pricing
All 2 M-Files plans and prices →
M-Files fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Version history | Yes |
| Access control level | Granular |
| OCR | Yes |
| Audit logs | Yes |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Ios_android |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, 2FA |
| Support | Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 100+ integrations: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Salesforce … See all → |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | m-files.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
M-Files integrations
M-Files lists 100+ integrations on its own site — the 12 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint Online
- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Workspace
- Salesforce
- SAP
- Adobe Acrobat Sign
- DocuSign
- Amazon S3
- Network Folders
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
See all M-Files integrations →
Alternatives to M-Files
- Microsoft SharePointA Microsoft-integrated document management platform with granular control and workflow automation.9.3
- BoxA wide cloud content workspace for teams that need storage, workflows, and administration.9.1
- OpenText Documentum Content ManagementA governed repository for large enterprises managing complex, regulated content.9.0
See all M-Files alternatives →
Also Ranked In
M-Files is ranked in 7 of our directories.
- #6Paperless Office Software21 tools ranked
- #8Cloud Document Management Software28 tools ranked
- #9Document Workflow Software32 tools ranked
- #9Enterprise Content Management - Midmarket Software20 tools ranked
- #11Enterprise Content Management Systems30 tools ranked
- #16Enterprise Content Management - Enterprise Software26 tools ranked
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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