10 Best Document Version Control Software
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Managing documents can be a headache, especially if you struggle to keep track of multiple document versions and ensure everyone on your team is on the same page. Thankfully, document version control software is available to ease this burden.
In my experience, the right tool can transform how you handle documents by reducing errors and improving collaboration. In this article, I've independently tested and reviewed a range of software solutions to bring you an unbiased list of the best options.
Here, you'll find my top picks, each chosen for their unique strengths. Whether you're looking for user-friendly interfaces or specific industry compliance, there's something here for you. By the end of this article, you should know which tool will best help you make your document management simpler and more efficient.
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Compare Specs Side-By-Side
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top document version control software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | M-Files M-Files organizes and stores documents for efficient information handling | Best for metadata-driven organization | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
2 | LogicalDOC LogicalDOC organizes and retrieves documents for multilingual teams globally | Best for multilingual support | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
3 | isoTracker isoTracker automates version control and ensures documents comply with industry standards | Best for compliance-focused industries | 60-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
4 | Virtual Cabinet Virtual Cabinet ensures secure client communication for legal and accounting firms | Best for secure client portals | Free demo available | From $42/user/month | Website |
5 | QT9 QMS QT9 QMS helps improve processes and maintain compliance in quality management | Best for quality management teams | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
6 | Collabora Online Collabora Online enables real-time collaboration and efficient document management | Best for real-time document editing | Free plan available | From $24.34/user/year | Website |
7 | Qualityze Suite Qualityze Suite manages quality processes to ensure ISO compliance and regulation | Best for compliance with ISO standards | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
8 | Paradigm 3 Paradigm 3 streamlines complex document processes with customized workflows | Best for customizable workflows | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
9 | OpenKM OpenKM offers customizable document handling and storage for flexible needs | Best for open-source adaptability | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website |
10 | Document Locator Document Locator integrates directly with familiar tools like Word and Excel | Best for integration with Microsoft Office | Free demo available | $41/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
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This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Document Version Control Software Reviews
Below are detailed summaries of the best document version control software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a clear look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
M-Files is a document management platform designed to help businesses organize, store, and track their files efficiently. Instead of relying on traditional folder structures, it categorizes documents based on metadata, making information easier to find and manage.
Why I picked M-Files: The platform’s metadata-driven approach allows your team to find documents based on content, not just location. This feature reduces time spent searching for files and improves workflow efficiency. M-Files also offers version control, which helps ensure that your team works with the most current documents available. Additionally, compliance support features help meet industry regulations, providing peace of mind.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a check-out and check-in functionality that prevents conflicting edits by allowing only one user to modify a document at a time. Additionally, M-Files offers advanced document comparison tools that can enable you to compare different versions or documents to identify changes and maintain accuracy.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Salesforce, SharePoint, SAP, QuickBooks, Google Drive, Microsoft Dynamics, Outlook, AutoCAD, and DocuSign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reduces file search time
- Strong compliance support
- Metadata-driven document organization
Cons:
- May need frequent updates
- Initial setup is complex
LogicalDOC is a document management system designed for businesses that operate in multilingual environments. It facilitates document organization and retrieval while catering to global teams with diverse language needs.
Why I picked LogicalDOC: LogicalDOC offers extensive multilingual support, making it ideal for teams operating in diverse linguistic environments. The system's interface is available in multiple languages, which allows your team members to work in their preferred language. Additionally, LogicalDOC employs specialized indexing algorithms to manage documents in various languages and ensure accurate retrieval regardless of the document's language.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include version control that automatically manages multiple versions of a document as changes occur and role-based access control to ensure that only authorized personnel can access or modify certain documents.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and SharePoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports global teams
- Advanced search capabilities
- Intuitive user interface
Cons:
- Limited mobile functionality
- Regular updates needed
isoTracker is a cloud-based document control software designed for small to medium businesses. It automates version control and ensures compliance with standards like ISO 9001.
Why I picked isoTracker: isoTracker provides automated document approval workflows that ensure only the latest versions are accessible. With daily backups and encryption, your documents remain secure. Additionally, the system offers fine-grained access control, allowing you to define who can view or edit specific documents.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a central online repository for documents that makes it easy for your team to access files from anywhere at any time. The software also supports uploading individual documents or bulk uploads to save you time when managing large volumes of files.
Integrations include quality management tools and other business systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable document change control
- Cost-effective subscription
- Easy setup process
Cons:
- Integration options may be limited
- Limited to small-to-medium businesses
Virtual Cabinet is a document management software designed for businesses that require secure client communication. It particularly caters to industries like legal and accounting, where document security is paramount.
Why I picked Virtual Cabinet: Virtual Cabinet provides you with secure client portals for safe document sharing and collaboration, ensuring sensitive info stays protected but accessible to authorized users. It additionally includes document version control so your team always works with the latest versions, and audit trails for transparency and accountability in document handling.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include automatic version numbering, which ensures each document revision is clearly labeled to prevent confusion over file updates. Built-in document rollback lets you instantly restore previous versions. The system also supports version approval workflows, which requires designated team members to approve changes before they are finalized.
Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, MYOB, Reckon, Twinfield, and CCH.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable for sensitive information
- Transparent audit trails
- Secure client communication
Cons:
- Regular maintenance needed
- Limited mobile functionality
QT9 QMS is a quality management software designed for industries that require stringent document control and quality assurance. It supports businesses in maintaining compliance and improving processes by offering comprehensive document control solutions.
Why I picked QT9 QMS: QT9 QMS focuses on quality management, making it great for teams that need precise document version control. The platform offers automated document routing, approval processes, and audit trails for transparency and accountability. Customizable dashboards also help your team stay organized and focused.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include strict version control with automatic document archiving, which allows teams to retain previous versions without cluttering active workflows. Additionally, built-in electronic signatures provide compliance-ready validation to ensure that every version is properly authenticated and legally binding.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated document routing
- Transparent audit trails
- Strong focus on quality management
Cons:
- May need frequent tech support
- Requires regular updates
Collabora Online is an open-source office suite that enables collaborative editing of documents directly in your web browser. It's designed for organizations seeking a self-hosted solution to maintain control over their data while facilitating real-time collaboration.
Why I picked Collabora Online: Collabora Online’s real-time collaboration feature allows your team to work together on documents without delays. The software supports multiple file formats, making it versatile for various document types. It also offers strong version control, which ensures that changes are tracked and managed effectively.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a familiar user interface that minimizes the learning curve, extensive formatting tools for creating professional documents, and the ability to add comments and track changes, facilitating effective collaboration.
Integrations include Nextcloud, ownCloud, Seafile, Moodle, Alfresco, SharePoint, EGroupware, JupyterHub, Mattermost, and Zimbra.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile document management
- Customizable open-source platform
- Real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Requires technical expertise
Qualityze Suite is a cloud-based quality management system designed to help organizations manage their document lifecycles efficiently. It helps businesses manage quality processes and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including ISO standards.
Why I picked Qualityze Suite: Qualityze Suite focuses on ISO compliance, making it ideal for teams that need to meet strict quality standards. The system provides secure, centralized access, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Effortless version control allows you to monitor every edit and revision, keeping your work organized and up-to-date.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include pre-defined, modifiable templates and configurable workflows that ensure standardized and accurate document creation. The system also offers on-time reviews and approvals, with features like email approvals, alerts, and task scheduling to accelerate document review timelines.
Integrations include Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Systematic document approval workflows
- Effective audit management
- Strong focus on ISO compliance
Cons:
- Complex for new users
- Limited customization options
Paradigm 3 is a document management software tailored for industries requiring detailed workflow customization. It serves businesses that need to manage complex document processes efficiently.
Why I picked Paradigm 3: Paradigm 3 offers highly customizable workflows that let your team tailor processes to fit specific compliance needs. Its targeted action items ensure personnel know their responsibilities, promoting timely task completion. Furthermore, the software's modular design provides flexibility, which allows you to implement only the features relevant to your organization.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include user-defined fields that let your team tailor the system to your needs. It also offers a records cabinet module for managing calibration and maintenance requirements, a training management module to track required education and training, and an incident/CAPA/customer complaints module for processing investigative workflows.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-defined fields
- Supports complex document processes
- Detailed audit trails
Cons:
- Limited mobile access
- Steep learning curve
OpenKM is an open-source document management system suited for businesses seeking customizable solutions. It serves organizations that need flexible document handling and storage capabilities.
Why I picked OpenKM: OpenKM's open-source nature allows your team to adapt and customize the system to fit specific organizational needs. Its modular architecture lets you add or modify features to help the platform evolve with your requirements. Additionally, OpenKM offers a plug-in architecture that makes it easy to extend functionalities to support various file formats and integrations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include document indexing, which makes it easier for your team to organize and retrieve files. The platform also offers an integrated BPM engine to define and reuse business logic, and automatic tasks that apply validation rules and actions on documents.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox, Alfresco, and SharePoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient workflow automation
- Comprehensive document management tool
- Highly adaptable open-source platform
Cons:
- Complex customization process
- Limited support for non-technical users
Document Locator is a document management software tailored for businesses that heavily rely on Microsoft Office. It helps users manage documents efficiently by integrating directly with familiar tools like Word and Excel.
Why I picked Document Locator: Document Locator integrates with Microsoft Office, so your team can manage documents within the apps they already use. It additionally provides version control features, automated workflows, and drag-and-drop functionality to simplify document handling. The platform also includes document scanning to digitize physical files for easier management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include check-in/check-out controls to prevent version conflicts, ensuring that multiple users don’t overwrite each other’s changes. Additionally, Document Locator supports automated version numbering, which reduces manual errors and ensures that teams always work with the latest file.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Active Directory, and Windows Explorer.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong version control
- Document scanning feature
- Seamless Microsoft Office integration
Cons:
- No mobile app support
- May feel overwhelming initially
Other Document Version Control Software
Here are some additional document version control software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- 12d Synergy
For engineering document control
- DocTract
For healthcare document management
- DocuWare
For cloud document management
- Procore
For construction project documents
- Alfresco
For open-source enterprise solutions
- Microsoft SharePoint
For enterprise document sharing
- Copado
For Salesforce version control
- Google Workspace
For real-time collaboration
- MasterControl
For FDA compliance
- Accruent
For engineering teams
Document Version Control Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best document version control software, I consider common buyer needs and pain points. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion on this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Tracking document revisions
- Managing access permissions
- Maintaining version history
- Enabling collaborative editing
- Providing document security
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automated workflow management
- Integration with third-party applications
- Advanced search capabilities
- Customizable user dashboards
- Multilingual support
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design for mobile access
- Customizable settings
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and guides
- Live webinars and workshops
- Support from chatbots or virtual assistants
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 customer service availability
- Multiple support channels (email, phone, chat)
- Comprehensive help center or knowledge base
- Availability of dedicated account managers
- Response time to queries
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Transparent pricing structure
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- Comprehensive features for the price
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned strengths
- Frequently cited weaknesses
- Trends in feedback over time
- Comparison with competitor reviews
How to Choose Document Version Control Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your team. Look for solutions that can handle increasing document volumes and users without performance issues |
Integrations | Check if the tool integrates with your existing systems like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or other project management tools your team uses |
Customizability | Consider how easily you can tailor the software to fit your processes. Look for features like customizable workflows and user dashboards |
Ease of Use | Choose software that’s intuitive and easy for your team to adopt. A user-friendly interface reduces training time and increases productivity |
Budget | Align the software's cost with your budget. Consider not just the subscription fee but also any additional costs like setup or support |
Security Safeguards | Ensure the software has strong security measures to protect sensitive documents. Features like encryption and access controls are essential |
Support Services | Evaluate the support options available, such as 24/7 help, dedicated account managers, and comprehensive knowledge bases to assist your team |
Compliance | Verify that the software meets any industry-specific compliance requirements, such as ISO or FDA regulations, that your organization must adhere to |
Trends in Document Version Control Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different document version control software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Driven Insights: AI is being used to analyze document usage patterns and suggest improvements. This helps teams optimize their workflows and identify bottlenecks. For example, some vendors offer AI tools that highlight frequently accessed documents for quicker retrieval.
- Blockchain for Security: Blockchain technology is being explored to enhance document security and authenticity. It provides an immutable record of document changes, ensuring transparency and trust. Vendors are starting to incorporate blockchain to verify document integrity.
- Enhanced Collaboration Tools: Vendors are now focusing on improving real-time collaboration features. This includes simultaneous editing and advanced commenting systems that allow teams to work together more effectively even when working remotely.
- Focus on User Experience: There's a shift towards designing more intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Vendors are investing in user-centered design to make their tools more accessible and reduce the learning curve.
- Sustainability Features: Some vendors are introducing features that help businesses track and reduce their carbon footprint. This includes tools for managing digital documents more efficiently to minimize paper usage.
What is Document Version Control Software?
Document version control software is a tool that tracks changes to digital files to ensure users can access, review, and revert to previous versions when needed. Project managers, IT teams, and compliance officers use these tools to maintain accuracy, prevent data loss, and improve collaboration.
Version history, access controls, and automated backups help teams stay organized, reduce errors, and meet regulatory requirements. Overall, these tools keep records consistent, make teamwork easier, and ensure documents remain reliable over time.
Features of Document Version Control Software
When selecting document version control software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Version tracking: Enables users to track changes and revert to previous document versions, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Access control: Manages user permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or edit documents.
- Collaboration tools: Provides features like simultaneous editing and commenting to facilitate teamwork and communication.
- Audit trails: Maintains a record of document changes for compliance and accountability purposes.
- Automated workflows: Enhances document approval processes, reducing manual effort and speeding up operations.
- Metadata management: Organizes documents based on content rather than location, which makes it easier to find and manage files.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive information with encryption and other security measures.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with other business systems like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace to enhance functionality.
- Customizability: Allows users to tailor the software to fit specific business processes and requirements.
- Compliance support: Ensures that document management practices meet industry-specific standards and regulations.
Benefits of Document Version Control Software
Implementing a document version control system can provide several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved accuracy: Version tracking ensures that your team always works with the most current documents, which reduces errors.
- Enhanced security: Access control and encryption protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Better collaboration: Collaboration tools like simultaneous editing and commenting make teamwork more efficient and cohesive.
- Increased compliance: Audit trails and compliance support help meet industry standards, ensuring accountability and regulatory adherence.
- Streamlined processes: Automated workflows speed up document approvals, which saves time and reduces manual workload.
- Easier document retrieval: Metadata management organizes files by content, making it quicker to find what you need.
- Customizable solutions: Customizability allows you to tailor the software to fit your specific business needs and processes.
Costs and Pricing of Document Version Control Software
Selecting document version control software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in document version control software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Document Version Control Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic version tracking, limited storage, and community support |
Personal Plan | $5 - $25/user/month | Advanced version tracking, access control, and basic collaboration tools |
Business Plan | $25 - $50/user/month | Full collaboration tools, automated workflows, metadata management, and enhanced security measures |
Enterprise Plan | $50 - $100/user/month | Custom integrations, compliance support, advanced security features, and dedicated customer support |
Document Version Control Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about document version control software:
How to manage version control on documents?
For effective content management, start by using clear file naming conventions so everyone knows which is the most current version. Limit editing access to prevent unauthorized changes, and track all edits to maintain a comprehensive history. Implement a review process for approving changes to ensure consistency across your team.
Additionally, you can store all file versions centrally and securely, and archive older versions of files to prevent clutter. Training team members on these practices helps maintain consistency and efficiency.
What does a document control system allow for?
A document control system allows you to control access to specific files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view, edit, or delete them. This helps mitigate the risk of information leakage and maintains the integrity of your documents.
How can version control improve collaboration?
Version control improves collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on a document simultaneously without overwriting each other’s changes. It maintains a history of edits, so your team can track who made changes and when, fostering accountability and transparency.
How does document version control software integrate with existing tools?
Most document version control software integrates with tools your team already uses, like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or project management platforms. This integration lets you manage new versions without changing your current workflow, making it easier to keep track of document changes.
Can document version control software handle large files?
Yes, many version control tools can manage large files efficiently. They often use methods like binary differencing to store only the changes made, which saves space and keeps performance up.
How does document version control software manage document conflicts?
When two people edit the same part of a document at the same time, conflicts can happen. Version control software typically alerts you to these conflicts and provides tools to resolve them, ensuring your documents stay accurate.
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