Opening Laserfiche in Standard Mode

Standard Mode is the desktop version of Laserfiche that runs on your computer rather than in a web browser. To open it, find the Laserfiche icon on your desktop or in your Start menu, then double-click it. The program will launch and prompt you to log in with your username and password. If you see the web version open instead, you are in Web Client mode — switching to Standard Mode requires a different launch method or a settings change in your system.

The distinction matters because Standard Mode and Web Client have different features, performance characteristics, and storage locations for your work. Standard Mode typically runs faster for large document sets and gives you access to tools that Web Client does not include. Your administrator may have set one as the default, which is why you might need to deliberately choose the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Mode launches from a desktop icon or the Windows Start menu, while Web Client opens through your browser.
  • If Web Client opens by default, you can change the startup behavior through your Laserfiche preferences or ask your IT department to adjust your system settings.
  • Standard Mode stores cached documents and settings on your local computer, while Web Client stores everything on the server.
  • Some Laserfiche features and plugins only work in Standard Mode, so check your workflow requirements before deciding which version to use regularly.

Finding and Launching the Standard Mode Icon

Look for the Laserfiche icon on your desktop — it typically shows a folder or document symbol. If you do not see it, open the Windows Start menu and type "Laserfiche" into the search box. The Standard Mode application should appear in the results. Click it to launch the program.

When the program opens, a login window will appear. Enter your Laserfiche username and password, then click the login button. If you have saved your credentials previously, the fields may already be filled in. After login succeeds, the main Laserfiche window opens and you are in Standard Mode.

What to Do If Web Client Opens Instead

If your browser opens to the Laserfiche Web Client instead of the desktop application, your system is set to launch Web Client by default. This is a configuration choice, not a problem with your installation. You have two options: change your default launch method, or continue using Web Client and switch only when you need Standard Mode features.

To switch to Standard Mode for a single session, close the browser window and use the desktop icon or Start menu method described above. To make Standard Mode your permanent default, open Laserfiche preferences (usually under Edit or Tools in the menu bar) and look for a setting labeled "Launch Mode" or "Default Client." Select Standard Mode and save. If you cannot find this setting, contact your IT department or Laserfiche administrator — they may need to change it at the system level.

Differences Between Standard Mode and Web Client

Standard Mode runs as a program on your computer and typically performs faster when you are working with large numbers of documents or complex searches. It stores copies of documents you open on your local hard drive, which means you can access them even if your network connection drops temporarily. Web Client runs entirely in your browser and requires a constant internet connection, but it works on any device without installation.

Some Laserfiche features are only available in Standard Mode, including certain plugins, advanced search options, and administrative tools. If your job requires these features, you will need to use Standard Mode regularly. Web Client is better for quick lookups, mobile access, or working from multiple computers, since you do not need to install anything.

Logging In and Navigating After Launch

Once Standard Mode opens and you log in, you will see the main window with a folder tree on the left side and document viewing area on the right. The folder tree shows the repository structure — the organized folders where documents are stored. Click any folder to see the documents inside it.

If this is your first time opening Standard Mode, you may see a welcome screen or setup wizard. Follow the prompts to configure your view preferences, such as which columns to display and how to sort documents. These settings are saved to your computer, so you will see the same layout the next time you open Standard Mode.

Troubleshooting Launch Problems

If Standard Mode does not launch or closes immediately after opening, check that your username and password are correct. If login fails, you may not have permission to use Standard Mode — ask your administrator whether your account is set up for desktop access. Some organizations restrict Standard Mode to certain users for security reasons.

If the icon does not exist on your desktop or in the Start menu, Laserfiche Standard Mode may not be installed on your computer. Contact your IT department to request installation. They will need to download and run the installer, which typically takes a few minutes. After installation, the icon will appear and you can launch the program.

When to Use Standard Mode Versus Web Client

Use Standard Mode when you need to work with large document batches, use advanced search filters, run reports, or access plugins that your organization has installed. Standard Mode is also better if you work offline frequently or need the fastest possible performance. The desktop application caches documents locally, so repeated access to the same files is faster than in Web Client.

Use Web Client when you need to access Laserfiche from multiple computers, work on a mobile device, or prefer not to install software. Web Client is also sufficient for simple document lookups and basic filing tasks. If you are unsure which version you need, ask your supervisor or Laserfiche administrator what your role typically requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Standard Mode and Web Client at the same time?

Yes. You can have Standard Mode open on your desktop and Web Client open in your browser simultaneously. Both connect to the same repository, so changes you make in one will be visible in the other. However, if you have the same document open in both versions and edit it, the last save will overwrite the earlier one.

Why does my computer ask for a password every time I open Standard Mode?

Standard Mode is set to not save your credentials. You can change this in the login window by checking a box labeled "Remember password" or "Save credentials" before you log in. After that, the program will fill in your username and password automatically. If you share your computer, you may want to leave this unchecked for security.

Does Standard Mode work on a Mac or Linux computer?

Standard Mode is designed for Windows computers only. If you use a Mac or Linux system, you will need to use Web Client, which works in any web browser. Contact your IT department if you need to confirm what versions are available in your organization.

What happens to documents I open in Standard Mode if I lose internet connection?

Documents you have already opened and cached on your computer remain accessible. You can view and search them while offline. However, you cannot log in, access new documents, or upload changes until your connection returns. Web Client requires an active connection at all times.

How do I switch back to Web Client if I prefer it?

Close Standard Mode and open your web browser instead. Navigate to your organization's Laserfiche Web Client URL — your IT department or administrator can provide this. You can bookmark the page for faster access next time. Both versions use the same login credentials.