FileCenter

3.0 stars

"OK, but not prime"

August 8, 2012  |   By Brian6760

Version: FileCenter 7.1.0.69

Pros

Nice layout and the intent is just what the doctor ordered. Files are stored as PDFs so if the program or company goes kaputt, you won't lose your data. You can still get in and edit using Adobe Acrobat. Expensive, but oftentimes necessary.

Cons

From other Amazon reviewers, it would appear a great boon - and it is. The company Web site price of about $45 is OK for what it does. If you're just starting this type of file storage, go for it. If you're a long-time user of PaperMaster, there may be a some disappointment. It doesn't convert PM files well, if at all. I got nothing except a report that the cabinet HAD converted successfully. It created the cabinet alright, but nothing was in it. I was expecting a reproduction of the contents of my PM files. No luck. I had to re-boot and then delete the folders, one at a time, from the bottom up, re-booting each time. I had a similar problem trying to get rid of unwanted scanned files and files 'printed' from applications. I just don't have the time to troubleshoot all the quirks encountered, so it's going back on the shelf. I don't mean to be totally negative. It IS a great leap forward for those needing an affordable electronic filing system and starting from scratch.

Summary

MAY be OK for some users. But I'm hesitant to commit large quantities of files to it. There's a need for a low-cost document management system, but this one is not quite what I think I need.
Try the free version and make up your own mind about it.

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3.0 stars

"Decent, somewhat limited program... terrible support"

July 23, 2012  |   By ellen28

Version: FileCenter 7.1.0.69

Pros

I have been using this program for 2 weeks. The screen is similar to Windows Explorer, with splits for folders, files, file preview, and "cabinets".
I really like and need being able to see previews or thumbnails of files. The scan to PDF feature allows "print to" from within other programs (just make sure to install the print driver at the time of installation). Scanning within the program can use the program's interface, or take you to your own scan screen, and then right back to FileCenter.
OCR capability is built in, but I have not used it yet.

Cons

The "Professional" edition costs $199 on their website and is needed to access any meaningful PDF features. This pricing is steep for a single, personal user (non-business).
The "standard" edition is discounted down from $99 to $49.
But the standard edition is way too basic for me to find useful.

For example, the standard lacks the capability to combine PDF files or even delete individual pages from PDF files that were created in FileCenter. This capability is the main reason that I needed to purchase the pricier "Professional" version.
The standard version does not have the ability to zoom in or reduce, only to fit to page.
I wasn't able to find an "undo" feature in the standard edition. But there are 3 different buttons for rotating an image that look like "undo" buttons.
[I havent yet figured out the "cabinets"]

Summary

As a very long-time user of PaperPort, it was finally time to move on. This program looks like a decent program with a somewhat goofy interface.
However, after I purchased the "Professional" edition for $199.95, there were technical problems in the activation process. I almost never contact customer support, but needed to this time after already purchasing the product. I am quite computer savvy, but they wrongly blamed the difficulties on me! Outright nasty. If they always blame the customer, they may not have any new customers for this decent product. And we long time users of PaperPort are looking for a new game in town.

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4.0 stars

"Most impressive word data organizer I have ever seen."

January 11, 2012  |   By Squint92543

Version: FileCenter 7.1.0.54

Pros

Greatly speeds up & simplifies text data files. You don't have to organize just one way, but can take many alternative, intuitive approaches to organize your files. It works extremely well with document scanners providing for each scan to be quickly and appropriately filed and named.

Cons

In the trial version at least, it appears that I am unable to delete a file in File Center, but must go to Windows Explorer to delete. Sometimes it seems that Windows Explorer does not "see" a folder or a file that was created and appears in File Center. Being dependent exclusively on File Center to find what may be a critical file, it would be necessary to make current and frequent backups of the entire program and data.
However, I am still exploring further about this idiosyncrasy; perhaps there is another way.

Summary

An exceptional, reasonably priced program

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5.0 stars

"I no longer need Paperport,Adobe-FileCenter does it all"

February 3, 2011  |   By bobbygrimshaw

Version: FileCenter 7.0.10

Pros

Powerful feature set that's easy to use. PDF editor is excellent, includes form filler, sticky notes, electronic signature, stamps, highlighter, etc. Makes bulk scanning seem easy. Cabinet structure makes for intuitive organization.

Cons

I was a little confused as to how to get PDF's into the FileCenter Editor to make annotations and touch up my docs. And, although it does auto-deskew during scanning, FileCenter does not have a deskew in the editor which was a little disappointing.

Summary

This is the perfect solution for our small office. We were tired of Paperport, which crashed far too often and didn't work over our network. We were happy to find that FileCenter has far more "file management" features than Paperport, is far more stable, and actually works (flawlessly) across our network. FileCenter also doesn't use a back-end database to hold our data (much like everything else out there these days) and keeps all of our data in it's native format.

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5.0 stars

"Excellent! Use it in my law office."

July 18, 2009  |   By filesuit

Version: FileCenter 4.0.1

Pros

Easy to install - Easy to use. Can save to Filecenter form any other application.

Cons

None that I can tell!

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5.0 stars

"Wonderful document manager (its not $299 - its $69)"

March 15, 2006  |   By jgiebeler

Version: FileCenter 2.0.4.2222

Pros

It has a nice interface - with cabinets, drawers, folders, and files - works with the save command of most programs, previews common files so you don't have to open them, and they have a wonderful support staff.

Cons

None - I love it...I seldom use explorer now.

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5.0 stars

"Much Improved (Even though I liked the first)"

July 26, 2005  |   By lawmama

Version: FileCenter 2.0.4.2222

Pros

If you are using FileCenter for scanning, this new version has fantastic new features the let me automate scanning and it is all full text searchable. myfilecenter on the web is where you can find out more. They even have free tutorials.

Cons

My scanner is not fast enough. I like the software so much that I wish to have a faster scanner so I can rip through my paper.

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