How to Install Paperless-ngx on Alpine Linux Latest

Paperless-ngx is an open-source Document Management System that allows you to store, manage and organize digital documents in a convenient manner. In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Paperless-ngx on Alpine Linux Latest.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you should have the following:

• A server running Alpine Linux Latest.
• A user account with sudo privileges.
• Basic knowledge of the terminal/command line.

Step 1: Update the System

The first step is to update the system to the latest packages and patches. You can update the system by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apk update && sudo apk upgrade

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Paperless-ngx requires certain dependencies to run smoothly. Install these dependencies by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apk add build-base python3 python3-dev py3-pip libffi-dev libxml2-dev

Step 3: Install Postgresql and Create a Database

Paperless-ngx requires a PostgreSQL database to store and manage documents. To install PostgreSQL, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apk add postgresql postgresql-client

Next, create a new PostgreSQL database by running the following command:

sudo -u postgres createdb paperlessng

Step 4: Install Paperless-ngx

You can now install Paperless-ngx by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo pip3 install paperless-ng

Step 5: Configure Paperless-ngx

Paperless-ngx requires some configuration before it can be used. You need to create a configuration file by running the following command in the terminal:

paperless config create

This will create a default configuration file paperless.conf in the directory /etc/paperless-ng. Open the file using your preferred text editor and make necessary changes.

The important configuration options to set are:

• DATABASE_URL: The URL of the PostgreSQL database. Set it to postgres:///paperlessng.
• MEDIA_ROOT: The directory where uploaded documents will be stored. Set it to /var/lib/paperless-ng/media/.

Step 6: Create a Systemd Unit File

To manage Paperless-ngx using systemd, you need to create a unit file /etc/systemd/system/paperless.service. Open the file using your preferred text editor and add the following lines:

[Unit]
Description=Paperless-ng

[Service]
EnvironmentFile=/etc/paperless-ng/paperless.conf
WorkingDirectory=/var/lib/paperless-ng/
ExecStart=/usr/bin/python3 -m paperless.server
User=paperless
Group=paperless

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

This unit file will ensure that Paperless-ngx starts automatically after boot and stays running.

Step 7: Create a User Account

Create a paperless user account to run Paperless-ngx by running the following command:

sudo adduser -D -H -G paperless -s /sbin/nologin paperless

Step 8: Start and Enable the Service

You can start and enable the Paperless-ngx service using the following commands:

sudo systemctl start paperless
sudo systemctl enable paperless

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install Paperless-ngx on Alpine Linux Latest. Once you have completed the steps outlined in this tutorial, you will be able to store, manage and organize your digital documents easily and efficiently.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!