Document Import via WebDAV
Paperless-ngx includes a built-in WebDAV server so you can upload new documents from any compatible WebDAV client or scanner. Go to your Paperless-ngx instance settings (gear icon), enable WebDAV, and set a secure WebDAV password. Then configure your scanner or WebDAV client with:
- WebDAV URL:
[Your Paperless-ngx URL]/webdav/, e.g.https://paperless-ngx-demo.srv.camp/webdav/ - Username:
paperless - Password: your Paperless-ngx instance password
Many modern scanners support direct WebDAV uploads. You’ll typically find WebDAV settings under network or cloud services in your scanner’s menu. Here’s the step-by-step setup for the Epson ES-580W:
- Connect to the scanner in your browser: Enter your scanner’s IP address in the browser address bar. Find the IP on the scanner itself under Settings → Network settings → Network status → Wi-Fi status.
- Sign in: Click Administrator login in the top right. The default username is
admin; the password is on a sticker on the back of the scanner. - Import the certificate: Some scanners don’t accept Let’s Encrypt certificates out of the box. Import the root certificates manually: go to Network security → CA certificate and import ISRG Root X1 and ISRG Root X2.
- Restart the network: After importing both certificates, click Restart network or restart the scanner to apply the changes.
- Set date and timezone: Go to Device management → Date and time. Make sure the date, time, and timezone are correct. Click Retrieve data to sync with your browser, then save with OK.
- Add a WebDAV contact: Go to Scan → Contacts and select a free slot to create a new WebDAV destination. Click Edit, give it a name (e.g. “Paperless-ngx”), and set the type to SharePoint (WebDAV). Enter your WebDAV credentials:
- Add to favorites: On — puts the contact on the scanner’s display for quick access
- Secure connection: HTTPS
- Save to:
[Your Paperless-ngx URL]/webdav/, e.g.paperless-ngx-demo.srv.camp/webdav/ - Username:
paperless - Password: your Paperless-ngx instance password
- Certificate validation: Enable
- Proxy server: configure if your network requires it; otherwise Do not use
- Save and test: Click Apply. Select the WebDAV contact on your scanner to scan directly into Paperless-ngx.
Open Finder and choose Go → Connect to Server. Enter your Paperless-ngx WebDAV URL — e.g. https://paperless-ngx-demo.srv.camp/webdav/ — and click Connect. Sign in with username paperless and your WebDAV password. You can now upload documents directly from Finder into Paperless-ngx.
PowerShell is the most reliable way to map the WebDAV import folder as a network drive. Replace X: with your preferred drive letter, INSTANZ with your Paperless-ngx address, and PASSWORD with your password:
net use X: https://INSTANZ.srv.camp/webdav/ /user:paperless 'PASSWORD' /persistent:yes
Example:
net use X: https://paperless-ngx-demo.srv.camp/webdav/ /user:paperless 'S3cure!Passw0rd' /persistent:yes
The Paperless-ngx inbox folder appears as a network drive and you can upload documents directly from Windows Explorer.
Important for WebDAV import and export on WindowsWhen using both WebDAV import and WebDAV export on Windows, credential conflicts can occur when Windows caches the login. The WebDAV server requires the same password for both import and export — using different passwords causes authentication errors. Make sure both connections use the same password.