DocFlow

A desktop document manager built with JavaFX. Organize documents by category, keep version history, and follow changes through a role-based interface for administrators, authors, and readers.

Features

• Role-based access to documents and categories.
• Document creation, editing, and deletion for authorized users.
• Version history: readers see the latest version; authors and administrators can view the latest three versions.
• Follow documents and receive update notifications when signing in.
• Search by title, author, and category.
• User and category management for administrators.
• Local JSON storage with no database server required.

Download

Download the latest macOS version from the GitHub Releases page.

1. Download and open the release's .dmg file.
2. Drag DocFlow into Applications.
3. Launch DocFlow from Applications.

The current build supports Apple Silicon Macs and includes Java and JavaFX. No separate runtime installation is required.

The application is currently unsigned. If macOS blocks it, open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to Security, and click Open Anyway for DocFlow. Authenticate and confirm opening the app if prompted.

Demo Login

Use the default administrator account to sign in:

• Username: medialab
• Password: medialab_2025

A fresh installation starts with this account and no documents or categories. Running from source includes the sample users, categories, and documents in medialab/ so you can explore the app with demo data.

Run From Source

Development requires JDK 17 or newer, Maven, and Git to clone the repository. These tools are not required to use the packaged macOS app.

git clone https://github.com/giannopn/docflow.git
cd docflow
mvn javafx:run

Run these commands from the repository root to compile or execute the test suite:

mvn clean compile
mvn test

The project uses Java 17, JavaFX, Gson for JSON serialization, Maven for builds, and JUnit 5 for tests.

See the packaging guide to build a macOS installer.

Architecture and Storage

Source code is organized under src/main/java/com/docflow:

Layer	Responsibility
model	Users, roles, documents, and versions
repository	JSON loading and saving
service	Authentication, permissions, document operations, and notifications
controller and ui	JavaFX interactions and shared styling

FXML views and CSS live in src/main/resources; tests mirror the production packages under src/test/java.

Data is loaded at startup, kept in memory during use, and saved when the application closes normally. Development and installed-app data are separate:

Run mode	Data location
From the repository root	medialab/
Packaged macOS app	~/Library/Application Support/DocFlow/

The macOS installer does not include the repository's demo JSON files.

Limitations

• Passwords are stored in plaintext for demonstration purposes. Use demo credentials only; the authentication system is not intended for production use.
• Unsaved changes can be lost if the application crashes or is force-quit.
• The distributed installer currently targets macOS on Apple Silicon and is not signed or notarized.