• SEARCH
  • VIEW
  • DOWNLOAD
  • HUMAN

How to search and retrieve documents with your AI

Connect Paperless-ngx to your AI client to turn your local document archive into a searchable knowledge base.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I find specific files in my archive using AI?

Your AI uses the Paperless-ngx tools to scan document metadata and OCR text for specific keywords or patterns. Once it finds a match, it can show you a preview or grab the file for you. You'll see exactly how it handles your archive below.

The outcomes.

Where your files end up.

The AI moves through your archive to deliver exactly what you asked for.

SEARCH

Found matches

The AI identifies files that match your specific text or metadata queries. You get a list of relevant documents to choose from.

VIEW

Instant previews

The AI pulls up a visual preview of the document. This lets you confirm it's the right file without downloading it first.

DOWNLOAD

Local copies

The AI retrieves the actual file from your Paperless-ngx instance. You can then save it or move it to another folder.

HUMAN

Manual cleanup

The AI cannot organize or delete files in your archive. You still handle the actual filing and management in Paperless-ngx.

The workflow

What your AI does when you ask for a file.

The AI acts as a bridge between your natural language questions and your Paperless-ngx database.

  1. Scan the archive

    The AI looks through your document list to find files that match your description or specific tags.

    list_documents

  2. Identify the file

    Once it finds a match, the AI pulls the specific details for that document to confirm it's correct.

    get_document

  3. Show the content

    The AI generates a visual preview so you can read the document directly in your chat interface.

    preview_document

  4. Fetch the file

    If you need the actual PDF or image, the AI pulls the file from your storage for you.

    download_document

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin interacting with your Paperless-ngx archive.

Starting points

These are just ideas. Swap out the bracketed text with your actual document names or tags.

Paperless-ngx Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ATPPyZ9x84oVznA3DvTkjjQfOt5pNtonNux3XF3j/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Paperless-ngx capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "paperless-ngx-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ATPPyZ9x84oVznA3DvTkjjQfOt5pNtonNux3XF3j/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find all documents in my archive tagged with 'Invoices'.

  • Show me a preview of the electricity bill from last July.

  • List all documents that mention 'Tax Return' in their OCR text.

  • Download the PDF for the lease agreement I uploaded yesterday.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Paperless-ngx once, then ask.

Just provide your Paperless-ngx credentials. Your login stays encrypted, and you can start chatting with your files immediately.

Connect Paperless-ngx to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves.

  • 01

    Can the AI delete files from my Paperless-ngx instance?

    No. The AI only has tools to list, get, preview, and download files. It cannot delete or modify your documents.

  • 02

    Can the AI add new tags to my documents?

    No. The AI can read existing metadata and OCR text, but it cannot change or add tags to your files.

  • 03

    Does the AI see the full text of my documents?

    Yes. The AI uses the OCR text and metadata provided by Paperless-ngx to find and understand your files.

  • 04

    Can I see the document without downloading it?

    Yes. You can ask the AI to show you a preview of a specific document.

  • 05

    How does the AI find text inside a scanned PDF?

    It relies on the OCR text that Paperless-ngx has already processed and indexed within your archive.

  • More questions about Paperless-ngx? See everything the Paperless-ngx Connector can do

Connect Paperless-ngx to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more