The computer age has made businesses large and small more efficient, multiplying the power of employees to generate and share information. As companies generate more information in more formats - text, web pages, video, images, sounds, and more - it has become imperative to organize information so it can be retrieved efficiently when needed. That’s where digital asset management software comes in. We’ve identified 10 top programs that help cut the task down to size.
Bynder is an enterprise-level digital assets management platform with a robust set of features for organizing and creating digital content. The platform has been recognized for its workflow module, which allows corporate users to review, annotate, and provide feedback in a timely manner. Bynder is especially good at providing access to large files such as high-resolution videos. Also, the search engine is so powerful that you can even find assets by colors. Read Review
- ⦿Bynder Express
- ⦿Search assets by color
- ⦿Extra security options
The Brandfolder digital asset management system comes with a rich gallery of features that allow you to customize the repository to fit your needs. With the aid of advanced AI-powered tech, users can label assets quickly and precisely. Brandfolder says you don’t need to do much slow, error-prone manual tagging, since the Brand AI tool suggests tags you already have used and speeds up the process of organizing assets. Brandfolder’s advanced reporting engine allows you to see the performance of particular assets in comparison to other assets. Read Review
- ⦿Multiple distribution options
- ⦿Suggested tags
- ⦿In-depth search
With more than 25 years on the market and thousands of clients from industry, education, and the nonprofit world, Canto has earned its reputation as a market leader among DAM solutions. Canto is a comprehensive platform for organizing, managing, and sharing digital assets. Its robust tools help you perform comprehensive, accurate, fast searches of digital content. You can use the facial recognition feature to find images of people in any medium. Canto provides full control over assets distribution and social media sharing. Read Review
- ⦿Smart albums
- ⦿Fast facial recognition
- ⦿Preview option
Image relay is one of the most powerful DAM software solutions on the market. One of its strengths is its ability to store and index a large number of files. It’s a good choice for companies that operate with mountains of data. The platform can convert audio and video files into HTML5 format, which reduces storage space requirements and makes data retrieval faster. A preview option lets you see the size of a file before downloading it. Read Review
- ⦿Audio and video conversion
- ⦿Chat support
- ⦿Preview option before downloading a file
Nuxeo is one of the best digital asset management solutions for managing corporate content. Enterprises can deploy Nuxeo easily, connecting it with existing libraries and a wide range of assets, including text files, PowerPoint decks, videos, animation, pictures, podcasts, and many others. The software comes with a robust set of analytical tools for tracking the lifecycle and performance of the assets, as well as workflow performance. Read Review
- ⦿Fast search engine
- ⦿Smooth integration with business software and processes
- ⦿Advanced security options
If you want to improve team collaboration and productivity while organizing digital assets, Celum might be the perfect solution. This platform unites first-class digital asset management tools with features for streamlining content creation. With this platform, you can set up tasks easily for all team members as well as freelancers. This strong platform includes a robust set of tools for quicker searching, too. Read Review
- ⦿Excellent finding assets
- ⦿Fast integration
- ⦿Branding accessories
If you are looking for a reliable open source digital asset management software, look no further than Hyper. This platform combines a robust content management system with digital asset management features to provide a complete solution for small businesses and enterprises alike. It supports automated task management and custom workflows for both team members and external users. It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it’s free. What’s not to like? Read Review
- ⦿Unique metadata schema
- ⦿Multilingual support
- ⦿Geo location
Libris is an easy to use cloud-based digital asset management platform that lets you centralize, manage, and share a wide range of digital assets. The straightforward setup process lets you get started quickly. The platform includes powerful tools for fast searches. You can create collections that contain mixed file types, which is handy for integrating DAM capabilities into ongoing workflows. This software is perfect for those who need to manage lots of pictures and video, but it is also good for organizing and securing access to other kinds of files, including documents. Read Review
- ⦿Mix different types of assets in one gallery
- ⦿Fast sharing engine
- ⦿Download files in a size you want
Cloudinary is a large company with a long pedigree and years of experience providing media asset management and digital asset management services. This software includes a powerful engine for quickly publishing media content on your website and via mobile apps. Cloudinary helps you organize images and videos, making creative processes more convenient and effective. If that’s what you’re looking for, Cloudinary might be just the tool for you. Read Review
- ⦿Backup all data automatically
- ⦿Fast publishing engine
- ⦿Prices start at $99 per month
Aprimo is a robust media assets management software that can help you to organize, distribute, and measure the performance of your digital assets with ease. This package allows you to streamline workflow, support the creative process, and share content as soon as it’s finished. Aprimo is the tool of choice for companies looking to boost customer engagement. Read Review
- ⦿Flexible workflow
- ⦿Fast distribution to social media channels
- ⦿Rich integration with other platforms
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Digital Asset Management in Practice
The term “digital asset” refers to any computer data that has restricted access rights. Digital asset management software handles storage, security, retrieval, and rights management. DAM systems handle trillions of digital assets for stock photo agencies, music publishers, broadcasters, book publishers, research agencies, and podcasters.
Anything on a computer can be filed, indexed, secured, and retrieved with DAM software. Medical records. Financial records. The president’s tax returns. Spreadsheets and PowerPoint decks. Education records. Lists of online friends. Voting records. Email messages.
All the applications on our list restrict access to appropriate users. Some support teams with group access and workflow-management features. Some of the platforms take additional security measures, aid in distributing assets, and maintain records of who accessed data and how it was used.
Digital asset management systems are most at home in large enterprise-class companies, where they handle terabytes of data. Purchase details are negotiated and the software publisher may provide a service contract for installation, training, data conversion, and custom features. Several of the products we review here share enterprise roots, and prices are therefore not provided. Every price is negotiated as a part of a custom contract. DAM systems for smaller companies have started to emerge, however, and they can be quite affordable for small and medium-size companies.
Our Methodology
The DAM software market includes solutions geared toward different sizes and types of businesses. Some integrate into existing software infrastructures while others stand alone. Some make data presentation or web publication a key feature. All organize and govern access to digital assets, but they vary based on pricing plans, features, and many other factors.
All the platforms on this page support basic functions for organizing digital assets, but each implements special features and delivers unique benefits. Read our methodology first and see which of the providers is best for you.
Type of deployment
One of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase is the type of deployment.
There are three ways to deploy media asset management systems:
Cloud-based deployment
Most vendors offer cloud-based services, meaning that users can store and access digital assets over the internet. This type of deployment is good for small businesses, since it does not require servers or an IT team to implement and maintain them.
On-premise deployment
DAM software can be installed on your company's computers, with all files saved in-house. This gives you maximum control and probably superior performance. You can access images, videos, text files, and other assets from the same servers you’re already using for inventory management and finance. If your company already enjoys the benefits of the best in IT, asset management software could be managed by them easily.
Hybrid deployment
This solution combines the cloud-based and on-premise systems. Ideally, users don’t know where the files they access are located - the system handles storage transparently. This architecture is great for supporting multiple locations and backups.
Smaller businesses should consider cloud-based solutions first, since they are more affordable and easier to implement.
On-premise software is better for large-size companies with experienced IT teams. They are usually easier to customize to meet the company's specific needs.
Usability of the platform
Next, consider usability.
It should be easy to set up the platform, add users, upload content files, conduct a search, and retrieve assets. Some of the software providers on our list offer open source asset management services. Open-source systems are generally of at least competitive quality. And they can be more scalable, which makes it easier to incorporate them into your business landscape.
DAM systems should be able to add and retrieve data assets from different devices. Most platforms offer a drag-and-drop interface for bulk uploads. In some cases, designers also implemented an upload button.
We think a DAM should have a well-designed, easy-to-learn dashboard that won’t waste your time on a long and time-consuming search for navigation buttons or folders.
Our list includes only providers that allow users to work with all kinds of digital data, including images, video and audio files, text files, and others. Whether you are looking for DAM software for Mac, Windows, Android, or Linux, you can be sure that all the software on our list will work on your device.
Features and tools for managing digital data
Now we get to the nitty-gritty of how digital assets are defined and stored. You want a DAM platform that manages images, videos, text files, and other digital data in the formats your company relies upon. You certainly need metadata management features, tools for locating and organizing digital assets, a flexible search engine, editing tools, and tools for sharing digital content.
Published DAM software reviews suggest that users appreciate tools that streamline the process of locating and retrieving digital data from the archive. The most advanced tools are empowered with AI technology, and they enable auto-tagging, face recognition, and even object recognition. We think that this technology belongs at the top of the gotta-have-it list.
Metadata management
Metadata information is embedded in or stored with each asset file. Metadata describes both the content and the context for each file. The user can predefine metadata for each asset, so they can automatically apply when uploading assets. Metadata include file type, size of the file, the time and date when it was created, and data about the creator.
Tools for locating and organizing digital assets
The next essential element for choosing among the offerings of digital asset management companies: tools that help you locate digital assets in the archive. Metadata management is key so you can find files. Vendors have implemented clever strategies to ensure that all files can be found quickly.
Most providers allow users to create ad hoc folders and collections where they can store and organize images, videos, and other digital assets. Some allow mixing different formats in one folder, which is beneficial when working on a project that incorporates different kinds of data. For example, if you are working on your company's logo, you might be needing descriptive text files as well as images.
DAM solutions on our list offer superb tools for organizing assets. Besides basic features like keywords, there are also captions or tags that you can customize as you wish. Advanced features for faster labeling include suggested keywords, image recognition, and AI.
AI technology that enables automatic recognition is available with one or two top systems. Auto-tagging is a very powerful and beneficial option, helping users to systematize and find assets smoothly.
Search engine
Another essential DAM tool is the search engine. It doesn’t matter how securely your DAM software stores data if you can’t find it when you need it.
We looked at providers with robust tools that help users find assets effortlessly. AI recognition engines and auto-tagging are a great feature in this regard. AI software can automatically tag, organize, and search images or videos based on faces or objects. There are also tags, pins, labels, and other features that can narrow the search. Metadata identifying product type, brand, creation year, and other factors are also used for locating data.
Editing tools
Our evaluation also included consideration of features that allow users to edit and share images. Digital assets management systems usually integrate easily with programs for professional editing of pictures and videos. The platforms also have tools for annotating digital content so designers will know which changes to make during editing.
Tools for sharing content
Most data archiving tools include rule-based systems for restricting access. Admins decide on access rules and levels. For example, an admin might share photos with team members, allowing them to download and edit them. Certain editing functions might be locked for some team members, however. Access can be date-restricted and could require special log-in procedures.
Automated workflow
The best thing for uniting all teams, departments, internal and external users of the digital asset management platform. Most vendors let users create different roles - admins and collaborators. They also allow other companies and agencies to collaborate in the creative workflow.
With this feature, users can streamline the whole lifecycle of the asset, from uploading it to distributing it through different media channels.
As one of the things that users really like is the option to organize the whole work process, meaning that users can set tasks, track the activity of the coworkers, and allow them to comment and put annotations into the assets. Depending on the role the user has, he or she can review, approve or decline changes made on assets. Once the project is finished, the admin can archive the asset.
Analytics
Asset management system software sometimes includes tools for measuring the performance of the assets. Users can see who viewed, shared, or downloaded assets, how many times, and how the asset was used.
These systems store statistical data and charts for each asset. In-depth reports are important because they allow users to see the detailed performances for each particular asset. With these numbers, users can see what they can improve or change.
The best platforms allow users to track the productivity of team members too.
Branding
Strong branding helps you to improve customer engagement, boost your brand’s reputation across channels, and bring you more clients.
Digital assets management platforms implement branding strategies to alert licensees and users regarding where the digital asset came from.
Integration
Integration with existing data and tools saves time in creating, editing, and distributing assets. Modern platforms allow users to integrate DAM systems with creative, management, analytic, and communication tools.
Without much difficulty, you can integrate the best digital asset management platforms with your creative apps and platforms, including Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and many others. Integration with content management tools is also available.
Price
The last factor to consider is price.
Most of the providers on our list don't disclose prices. They insist that you engage with their sales departments, where analysts will query you about your needs and provide a custom quotation. The price you are quoted is like to vary based on the volume of data to be stored, the number of users, the type of data, and the type of software deployment. Some products cost more if you opt for advanced features.
Don’t overlook free digital asset management software or less expensive options. These products compete favorably with those offered only to enterprises with presumably costly contracts. Some of the providers from our list offer free trials or limited service for a small number of users. This is a great way to assess whether the software fits your company's needs or not.
Best Digital Assets Management Software Packages 2022: 10 Top Packages
- Bynder
- Brandfolder
- Canto
- Image Relay
- Nuxeo
- Celum
- Hyper CMS
- Libris
- Cloudinary
- Aprimo

Digital Assets Management Software Reviews
Bynder
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Advanced analytics
- ⦿ Multiple integrations
- ⦿ Intuitive dashboard
Brandfolder
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Easy onboarding
- ⦿ Custom reports
- ⦿ Great image editing features
Canto
FAIR
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ Advanced image editing
- ⦿ Simple dashboard
- ⦿ Great search features
Image Relay
EXCELLENT
GOOD
GOOD
- ⦿ Share large files with no effort
- ⦿ Customizable templates
- ⦿ Metadata management
Nuxeo
GOOD
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ Advanced analytics
- ⦿ Fast and easy bulk uploading
- ⦿ Compatible with all types of devices
Celum
GOOD
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Version control
- ⦿ Integrates with social media platforms
- ⦿ Review and approve content online
Hyper CMS
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ User-friendly interface
- ⦿ Photo and video editor
- ⦿ Excellent analytics
Libris
GOOD
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ Share photos, videos and text document fast
- ⦿ Easy to use metadata options
- ⦿ API-integrations
Cloudinary
GOOD
EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT
- ⦿ Share assets effortlessly
- ⦿ Publish content quickly
- ⦿ Advanced search
Aprimo
FAIR
EXCELLENT
GOOD
- ⦿ Review, update, and share assets quickly
- ⦿ Advanced search options
- ⦿ Fast and responsive customer service
Digital asset management allows you to store all your valuable digital assets including images, videos, audio files, text files, HTML documents, and many others at one digital repository. The repository is useful because assets are tagged with metadata that allows you to locate and retrieve the data easily.
Digital asset management is a new and growing field - largely because the digital world is handling so many new kinds of content. All that data must be organized so it can be used and reused.
Before digital asset management, companies stored essential data on PC hard drives, in shared folds, in email messages, on the cloud, on CDs, and on easily misplaced USB sticks. It was nearly impossible to find a particular asset or a specific previous version of the asset.
Digital management solutions allow you to store, manage, and share digital content with ease. These platforms also let you track the history of each asset.
This is why companies that offer digital asset management systems are growing so quickly. Companies of all kinds and all sizes need these features.
There are so many great digital asset management platforms on the market that it is hard to choose only one that is the best.
Different DAM systems come with different tools that are appropriate for different users. Some are ideal for organizing the library of a single photographer, for instance, while others scale up to manage assets for huge multinational corporations. They differ based on the type of deployment, data storage limits, and special features.
Most of these systems automate workflow and monitor the lifecycle of each asset as well. Some extend “management” to include fast distribution through online channels.
To find the DAM that is the best for your organization, first you should consider your needs and reread our review carefully. One of the excellent products on our list is sure to be perfect for you.
Digital asset management software is simple in concept. Most of these platforms are cloud-based, meaning that you don't need to install anything on your PCs and mobile devices, and you don't need to pay for the IT team that will take care of the software.
The setup process is simple. Users can log in from a computer or smartphone. Some platforms allow you to have more than one administrator. The admin is the one who organizes workflow, assigns tasks, allows other people to participate and track their activity, and approves or declines changes.
Once the setup is finished, users can start uploading and organizing digital assets. Most platforms use drag-and-drop systems for bulk uploading, but some also allow you to use the familiar file-selection dialog. Modern platforms let users manage metadata easily. Also you can create tags and keywords to customize these packages, essentially creating personal digital asset management software for your own company’s use.
The best thing about these systems is that they provide fast search. Many are equipped with AI technology to help recognize and tag files with metadata.
Some companies allow free digital asset management tools for a limited number of users and with limited space to store data.
A digital asset is any type of digital content with limited access. A digital asset can be an image, video or audio file, animated gif, podcast, Word document, PDF, PowerPoint Presentation, an HTML document - even an email message. The number of digital assets is growing every day, and there are also many new file formats.
Digital assets are company property. It must be stored securely and indexed so it can be retrieved when it is needed. That’s what DAM software is for.
Digital asset management platforms are widely used in large and small companies. It is also useful for self-employed professionals who create libraries of content for clients - people like photographers and videographers.
For companies, DAM can centralize asset libraries and save valuable data. It can save money, too. It can minimize costs for incorrectly used or lost assets. Entreprises benefit from these systems since they can centralize all files and allow easy access for all users.
Many companies choose digital asset management software that is open source. The price is lower and since you have the source code, you can customize it to integrate with existing tools.