M-Files review

M-Files describes itself as a metadata-driven document management system, and that is the main reason to pick it. Instead of filing a contract in one folder, users tag it with the customer, project and document type, and it appears in every view that needs it. M-Files says AI scans existing documents to tag metadata automatically, which helps when importing years of shared-drive files. Its document management page lists permission controls, master record data inserted into documents, OCR for print documents, workspaces built around how the business works, and electronic signatures. Built-in governance enforces compliance and retention policies. M-Files also works with Microsoft 365, bringing its metadata and governance into Teams, SharePoint, Outlook and Copilot. The company says more than 6,000 organizations use it, with industry solutions for accounting, tax and audit, consulting, engineering and manufacturing. Pricing is not published as self-serve plans; the pricing page did not load for our checker, so the price check is pending.

Who it is for

Accounting, consulting, engineering and manufacturing firms that need governed, metadata-based document control.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Metadata tags that let users find documents regardless of where they are stored
• AI that scans existing documents to tag metadata automatically
• Permission controls and built-in governance for compliance and retention
• Optical character recognition for scanned paper and electronic signatures
• Use of M-Files content inside Teams, SharePoint, Outlook and Copilot

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Metadata approach avoids deep folder trees
• Strength: Industry solutions for accounting, engineering, manufacturing and more
• Strength: Works alongside Microsoft 365 rather than replacing it
• Weakness: No published self-serve prices
• Weakness: Metadata design needs upfront setup
• Weakness: Sales-led buying and implementation

Key facts

• Customers: 6,000+ organizations, per M-Files
• Approach: Metadata-driven, with AI auto-tagging
• Pricing: Quote based, USD check pending

Where it ranks

M-Files is No. 5 in our Best Document Management Software verdict.