# Deploy Paperless-ngx for document archiving Confirm storage, OCR, import, and backup requirements before moving records. Check the named site's prerequisites, task result, backup scope and recovery handoff with xCloud. Canonical: https://xcloud.host/use-cases/workflows/deploy-paperless-ngx-for-document-archiving/ Published: 2026-09-30 · Updated: 2026-09-30 · Technical review: 2026-09-30 Evidence: Source reviewed; no production deployment test claimed Editorial owner: xCloud editorial Intent: Confirm storage, OCR, import, and backup requirements before moving records. For: site-owner, administrator ## Requirements and responsibilities - Name the team, server, hostname, owner and affected users for the Paperless Ngx application. Record the current version and the actual business flow that must survive the change. Confirm the current dashboard form, plan eligibility, and server capacity before committing a resource change. A one-click catalog listing is discovery, not permission or proof that the connected MCP profile can install it. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Prepare a non-sensitive test input and an acceptance record. Keep access to the app administrator and an independent observer where possible; omit secrets from AI prompts and client reports. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - For a Docker app, identify persistent volumes, bind mounts, external databases and app-level export requirements. A Docker backup briefly stops the app, and an in-place restore replaces current state. Agree a maintenance window and owner before any action that interrupts the service or overwrites data. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Illustrative situation A back-office team wants Paperless-ngx for scanned invoices. It needs to confirm OCR, metadata and export without losing original documents on restore. ## Choose the approach - Decide how originals enter the consumer folder and who can see sensitive documents. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Paperless exporter provides a portable app-level copy; Docker backup also needs database, media and config paths. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Dashboard and application procedure ### 1. Define document rules **Where:** Records owner and Paperless administration docs **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Sample PDF, retention, tags, access groups **Action:** Choose a harmless sample and decide how originals, OCR text and metadata should be classified. Set access expectations for staff. **Expected result:** An intake and retention plan. **Verify:** Ask a user to identify the expected search term and document owner. **If it fails:** If retention requirements are unclear, keep real invoices out of the pilot. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/) ### 2. Inspect template storage **Where:** xCloud One-Click Apps catalog **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Paperless template, Docker server, volume paths **Action:** Confirm current app template, database/media storage and consumer directory behavior. Choose sufficient disk for originals and OCR derivatives. **Expected result:** A storage plan covering all document state. **Verify:** Inspect template form and free space. **If it fails:** If consumer path is not persistent or backed up, correct design before import. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/) ### 3. Deploy and secure users **Where:** xCloud dashboard; Paperless admin **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud site owner with dashboard rights for the exact setting, backup, staging or restore action and a reviewed target. **Inputs:** HTTPS domain, admin and limited clerk account **Action:** Install through dashboard, complete app administrator setup and restrict access to approved staff. **Expected result:** A reachable archive with least-privilege test account. **Verify:** Sign in as clerk and verify permissions. **If it fails:** If a clerk sees restricted material, repair app roles before ingestion. Capability: Install a selected one-click app in xCloud dashboard Sources: [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) ### 4. Import and retrieve a sample **Where:** Paperless consume flow and search **Permissions:** Authorized Paperless Ngx application administrator or delegated role with rights for this task; hosting access alone is insufficient. **Inputs:** Sample PDF, expected tag/correspondent **Action:** Import one non-sensitive PDF via the selected intake path. Wait for consumption/OCR, assign metadata, search its text and download the original. **Expected result:** A document that can be found and exported with correct metadata. **Verify:** Match original file and search result to the sample. **If it fails:** If OCR fails, inspect task queue and language/settings before bulk import. Capability: Configure and test Paperless Ngx in its application UI Sources: [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/) ### 5. Test export and restore scope **Where:** Paperless document exporter and xCloud Backup **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud team/site operator with the discovered write scope for this exact operation and owner approval for its target and interruption. **Inputs:** Export location, database, media, config **Action:** Run the app exporter for the sample and inspect files. Check a Completed Docker backup of all persistent state; plan an isolated restore. **Expected result:** A recoverable archive plan. **Verify:** Verify export includes document plus metadata and backup row completes. **If it fails:** If an app export omits configuration, retain it through an additional documented backup. Capability: Create and inspect Docker backups Sources: [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/) ## Maintenance - Review this task after app or template updates and at the cadence agreed with the owner. Record failures as dated observations rather than assuming host health proves service health. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Watch access changes, backup completion, free storage and external providers. Recheck integrations after credential, DNS, mail or source-data changes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Recovery decisions - Before data recovery, identify incident time, completed backup, target and records created after the snapshot. Preserve current evidence and live data before replacement. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Use the documented dashboard or application recovery procedure with the authorized owner. Repeat the task-specific limited-user check; reconcile newer records before reopening writes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## AI handoff Connect an authorized xCloud MCP profile and discover its exact tools and team scope. The packaged REST wrapper is GET-only; use dashboard or app controls for undocumented writes. ### Supported scope - **Confirm requirements and inspect resources** (mcp; read): Discover the connected profile and operation schema first; only teams granted to the connection are visible. Checkpoint: Confirm exact team, server and site identity. Use dashboard\_url returned by the resource; do not invent a dashboard link. Operation identifiers to discover: teams.index, servers.show, sites.show. Scopes: read:servers, read:sites. Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) ### Copyable agent brief ```text Read current Paperless template, Docker server and backup scope. Return database, media and consumer-path questions. Do not claim MCP imports documents or configures app permissions; app admin must test one sample and exporter. ``` ### Manual checkpoints - Approve exact site, target, cost and any write or maintenance window after inspecting the proposed plan. - An authorized Paperless Ngx administrator must configure and test app users, content, integrations and business rules in the app. - Native WordPress staging, backup schedule/settings, push/pull and all restores are dashboard-only; Docker restore is dashboard-only and replaces state. - Reconcile data created after the chosen recovery point before any destructive restore. ## Feature coverage - **archive decision, evidence and task action** (covered): The procedure identifies the authorized task boundary and observable result. Steps: step-1, step-2, step-3, step-4 - **backup, ongoing operation and recovery** (covered): Recovery and maintenance are checked in the task procedure. Steps: step-4, step-5 ## Sources - [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 package; xCloud v2.8.8 capability review - [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Paperless-ngx administration and exporter](https://docs.paperless-ngx.com/administration/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 - [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 ## Continue [Explore all use cases](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/) - [Back up and recover a Docker application](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/operations/docker-backup-and-recovery/)