FileOpen
FileOpen provides document security and digital rights management software to protect your intellectual property and control how users view, print, and share your sensitive PDF documents.
M-Files
M-Files is a metadata-driven document management platform that organizes and secures your business information based on what it is rather than where it is stored across your organization.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FileOpen | M-Files |
|---|---|---|
| Website | fileopen.com | m-files.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1997 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, USA | Tampere, Finland |
Overview
FileOpen
FileOpen gives you complete control over your digital assets by applying persistent security to PDF and Office documents. Instead of relying on simple passwords that can be shared, you can encrypt your files and define specific access rules that follow the document wherever it goes. You can expire access remotely, limit printing, and prevent screen captures even after a user has downloaded the file to their own device.
The platform integrates directly with your existing workflows, allowing you to manage permissions through your own website or database. Whether you are a publisher selling high-value reports or a corporation protecting internal trade secrets, you can ensure that only authorized users view your content. It eliminates the risk of unauthorized redistribution while providing a seamless viewing experience for your legitimate customers and employees.
M-Files
M-Files changes how you interact with company data by ditching traditional folder structures for a metadata-driven approach. Instead of hunting through nested folders, you find documents based on what they are—like a specific client name, project ID, or expiration date. This unique system connects to your existing storage, whether that is SharePoint, network folders, or local drives, giving you a single point of truth without moving all your files.
You can automate complex business processes like invoice approvals, contract lifecycles, and compliance audits with built-in workflow tools. The platform automatically applies security permissions and retention policies based on the document type, ensuring your sensitive data stays protected. It is particularly effective for regulated industries like manufacturing, professional services, and financial firms where document control and audit trails are non-negotiable requirements.
Overview
FileOpen Features
- Access Revocation Revoke document access instantly in real-time, even if the user has already downloaded the file to their local drive.
- Print Control Disable printing entirely or limit the number of copies a user can print to prevent physical redistribution.
- Dynamic Watermarking Overlay the viewer's name, email, or IP address on documents to discourage screenshots and unauthorized photo-taking.
- Expiration Dates Set specific dates or time durations after which your documents will automatically become unreadable for the user.
- Device Binding Lock your documents to a specific number of devices so users cannot share their login credentials with others.
- Usage Tracking Monitor exactly who opened your documents, when they accessed them, and what actions they took while viewing.
M-Files Features
- Metadata-Driven Search. Find any document instantly by searching for what it is—like a customer or date—instead of remembering where it was saved.
- Automated Workflows. Streamline your business processes by automating document approvals, notifications, and task assignments to keep your team moving forward.
- External Repository Connectors. Access and manage files stored in SharePoint, Google Drive, or network folders directly through one unified M-Files interface.
- Version Control. Track every change made to a document and revert to previous versions easily, ensuring you always work on the latest draft.
- Dynamic Permissions. Control access automatically based on metadata, so only the right people see sensitive documents without manual folder-level adjustments.
- Offline Access. View and edit your critical documents even without an internet connection, with automatic syncing once you are back online.
Pricing Comparison
FileOpen Pricing
M-Files Pricing
Pros & Cons
FileOpen
Pros
- Strong encryption that remains with the file offline
- Seamless integration with Adobe Acrobat and Reader
- Highly granular permission settings for individual users
- Reliable prevention of screen sharing and captures
- No need for users to create new accounts
Cons
- Requires a browser plugin for some viewers
- Setup process can be technical for administrators
- Mobile viewing experience requires specific app usage
M-Files
Pros
- Superior search capabilities compared to traditional folder systems
- Highly flexible metadata structure adapts to any business
- Excellent version history and audit trail for compliance
- Strong integration with Microsoft Office and Outlook
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration requires significant planning
- Steep learning curve for users used to folders
- Mobile app interface is less intuitive than desktop
- Pricing is high for very small businesses