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Document Types#

Document types in Paperless-ngx help categorize and organize your documents for better searchability and management.

What are Document Types?#

Document types are labels that classify documents based on their content or purpose. They're optional but recommended for better organization.

Creating Document Types#

  1. Navigate to Document Types
  2. Click Create
  3. Enter a Name (e.g., "Invoice", "Receipt", "Contract")
  4. Optionally add a Match pattern for automatic assignment
  5. Choose a Matching Algorithm if using auto-matching
  6. Save the document type Paperless

Auto-Assignment#

Document types can be automatically assigned using:

  • Auto matching: Based on document content
  • Filename patterns: Using regex or simple text matching
  • Consumption rules: Apply types during document ingestion Paperless

Match Patterns#

Common patterns: - invoice - Matches documents containing "invoice" - ^contract - Matches documents starting with "contract" - receipt|bill - Matches documents containing "receipt" OR "bill"

Managing Document Types#

  • Edit: Modify existing types from the document types list
  • Delete: Remove unused types (documents keep their assignments)
  • Bulk assign: Select multiple documents and assign types in document list Paperless

Best Practices#

  • Use consistent naming conventions
  • Start with broad categories, refine as needed
  • Combine with tags for more granular organization
  • Set up matching patterns for frequently scanned document types

Common Document Types#

  • Financial: Invoice, Receipt, Bank Statement, Tax Document
  • Legal: Contract, Agreement, Legal Notice
  • Personal: ID Document, Medical Record, Insurance Policy
  • Business: Report, Proposal, Meeting Notes