Paperless stores Library items (the receipts, documents, and other items stored in Paperless) in what we call a Paperless library file.

What is stored in a Paperless library

The Paperless library file stores a number of things, including the following:

• Library Item Source Files. These are all of the .PDF-, .RTF-, and other files that exist in your Paperless library.

• The Library Database. The library database stores two types of information:

  • Metadata. Metadata is all of the information entered into fields in the Details Pane.

  • Library Configuration Information. All of the field assignments, autofill values, and other information specific to your Paperless library are stored here.

The Paperless library file format

Paperless library files are package files. A package file is a folder that Finder handles as though it was a file. For example: double-clicking a package (like a Paperless library file) opens the file in the file's default application (which, for a Paperless library is Paperless).

Because a package file is a folder, though, it is also possible to browse its contents in Finder.

Although we typically recommend against browsing a library file in Finder, we may recommend browsing within a library file to resolve specific issues in Paperless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I store my Paperless library file?

We provide a list of recommendations for where to store a Paperless library in this knowledge base article.

How can I relocate the Paperless library file?

You can change the data location by selecting a new location by quitting Paperless, locating your library file, and dragging it to a different location. Once the file has been moved, double-click it to open it in Paperless.

How can I move my library information to a new Mac?

We outline how to move a Paperless library to a new Mac in this knowledge base article.

How can I navigate within the Paperless library file in Finder?

Typically we recommend against navigating within the Paperless library file in Finder.

For information on navigating within the library file, please see this knowledge base article.

Where can I find more information about the Paperless library file?

For more general information on the Paperless library file, see the section of the Paperless knowledge base, dedicated to the Paperless library file.