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eLabFTW

elabftw.net

From €250/mo Free plan Open source WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 9.2 #1 of 23 in Electronic Lab Notebook Software

What it is

eLabFTW is an electronic lab notebook for storing experiments and protocols, organizing records, and supporting collaboration. Users can tag and categorize entries, search them, manage lab resources and quantities, link resources to experiments, and book shared equipment with its Scheduler. One instance can host several teams, with entry-level visibility and editing controls plus Team Groups permissions. Research data can be imported and exported in formats including PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, and ELN. Its REST API lets external programs read and write data, and documentation links to a Python library. Listed integrations include PubChem, the Bloxberg blockchain, and Keeex timestamping workflows; authentication options include LDAP, SAML2, and two-factor authentication. The self-hosted software costs nothing under AGPLv3, with no features behind a paywall. It must be installed on a server and configured and maintained by a systems administrator; the site recommends managed hosting for people unfamiliar with server administration. Paid options include PRO Support at €3,000 a year and PRO Hosting plans from €3,200 a year to €8,700 a year.

Spec sheet

What it does
eLabFTW is a browser-based electronic laboratory notebook and laboratory inventory system for recording experiments, protocols, resources and collaboration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Intended users
The site says eLabFTW can be used by any type of lab or company, including chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and deep tech startups.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
API
The REST API lets external programs read and write eLabFTW data, and the documentation links to a Python library.Read 28 Sep 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Integrations
Documented external integrations include PubChem, Bloxberg blockchain certification and Keeex timestamp processing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Security
The project describes static code analysis, dependency vulnerability scanning, container vulnerability scanning, and security practices to prevent SQL injection and XSS.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support
PRO Support includes email support, virtual meetings, Level 2 and 3 support, a user training webinar, and assisted upgrades.Read 28 Sep 2026 · deltablot.com
Headquarters
Villejuif, FranceRead 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Company
Deltablot says it was founded in April 2019 by Nicolas Carpi in Paris, France, to provide hosting and support options for eLabFTW users.Read 28 Sep 2026 · deltablot.com
Accessibility
The product site states compliance with WCAG 2.1 and France's RGAA v4 accessibility standard.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
API documentation
The API reference is generated from an OpenAPI 3 specification and documents endpoints for experiments, resources, compounds, storage units, configuration and API keys.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Authentication
The product site lists LDAP, SAML2, and two-factor authentication among its IT features.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Browser extensibility
JavaScript applications can call the API when administrators configure CORS origin, methods and headers in the container environment.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Chemical compounds
The compounds area imports PubChem records including CAS, molecular formula, molecular weight, InChI, SMILES and hazard information.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Community news
Deltablot's site lists an eLabFTW general community meeting held on 1 October 2026 and a French community meeting on 6 October 2026.Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
Company size and headquarters
LinkedIn lists Deltablot at 2–10 employees with headquarters in Paris.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Compliance and hosting
The SecNumCloud hosting plan lists a SecNumCloud-qualified French cloud provider, encryption at rest, eIDAS-qualified timestamping, and HDS and ISO certifications.Read 28 Sep 2026 · deltablot.com
Compliance statement
The documentation says eLabFTW provides features supporting 21 CFR Part 11 and GMP, while compliance depends on configuration, validation and organizational use.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Data export
The product exports data as PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON and ELN formats and supports imports through the interface or administrator CLI.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Deployment requirement
eLabFTW must be installed on a server and configured and maintained by a systems administrator; the site recommends managed hosting for people unfamiliar with server administration.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Documentation
The official documentation covers installation, user operation, administration, authentication, integrations, import/export, FAIR data and API use.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Electronic lab notebook
eLabFTW stores experiments and protocols, supports collaboration, and lets users organize entries with tags, categories, and search.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Experiment records
Users can store experiments and protocols, apply tags and categories, search records, and sign or timestamp entries.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Hosted security
Deltablot states that hosted service uses TLS, perfect forward secrecy, HSTS, content-security policy, hardened Rocky Linux, bug bounty processes, bcrypt password hashing and high-availability MySQL.Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
Independent technical assessment
A research-infrastructure report says eLabFTW has been developed since 2012, is written in PHP, uses a REST API, and is distributed under AGPL-3.0.Read 15 Oct 2026 · publikationen.bibliothek.kit.edu
Internationalization
The interface is translated into more than 21 languages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Inventory
The resource database manages items such as plasmids, compounds, antibodies and cell lines, and links those resources to experiments.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Inventory and booking
It manages lab resources and quantities, links resources to experiments, and provides a Scheduler for booking shared resources and equipment.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Legal entity
French registry data identifies DELTABLOT as a SASU registered in Créteil on 14 December 2022 with €21,000 capital and Nicolas Carpi as president.Read 15 Oct 2026 · pappers.fr
Licence
The application source is distributed under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: configuration discipline
A G2 reviewer warns that weak email-domain or access configuration could allow unintended access.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: integrations and analytics
A G2 reviewer reports limited integrations, complex customization and no advanced analytics feature.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: inventory depth
An independent research-infrastructure report describes inventory as basic and says it does not track chemical quantities across experiments.Read 15 Oct 2026 · publikationen.bibliothek.kit.edu
Maker company
LinkedIn describes Deltablot as a self-owned software-development company focused on open-source software and science.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Permissions
Team groups and entry-level visibility or edit controls provide fine-grained permissions across multiple teams.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Praise: organization and collaboration
G2 reviewers repeatedly praise keeping experiment notes organized, storing research data centrally and collaborating with teammates.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: usability
G2 reviewers describe the product as feature-rich, productive, easy to use and easy to maintain.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Public API
REST API v2 uses HTTP GET, POST, PATCH and DELETE operations with API keys supplied in an Authorization header.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Rating on G2
4.4 out of 5 from 4 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Recent release
The public GitHub release history lists eLabFTW 6.0.6 and a 6.0.0 major release with breaking changes in September 2026.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Research data
Users can import and export data in multiple formats, including PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, and ELN.Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Scheduler
A built-in scheduler controls booking of shared resources and equipment with per-user permissions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
SDKs and clients
The project lists a Python API library plus community clients or integrations for Perl, LabVIEW, MATLAB, command line, QR printing and Nion Swift.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security controls
Official materials describe TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, salted password hashing, audit logs, revision history, entry locking, immutable archives and optional electronic signatures.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Self-hosting
Self-hosting requires installation on a server and administration of Docker, Podman or Kubernetes and GNU/Linux infrastructure.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
System requirements
The documentation describes eLabFTW as server software requiring an internet connection and says Internet Explorer is unsupported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · doc.elabftw.net
Templates and workflow
Templates structure recurring experiments and a steps feature organizes procedures into workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net

Plans and prices

eLabFTW (self-hosted software) Free Free software under AGPLv3; server hosting and administration required. No features behind a paywall Read 28 Sep 2026 · elabftw.net
Self-hosted eLabFTW Free All features included · server installation required · administrator-managed Read 15 Oct 2026 · elabftw.net
Training Session €470, paid once per 90-minute webinar French, German, or English · session recording · concepts, entries, scheduler, inventory, compounds, administration, API and Q&A Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
PRO Support €3,000 a year annual Email and virtual-meeting support · level 2 and 3 assistance · 90-minute training · 20% custom-development discount · eIDAS timestamping · training instance Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
PRO Hosting 32 €3,200 a year annual 32 active users max · 320 GB+ storage · all features · eIDAS timestamping · PRO Support · Europe/USA/Asia hosting · ISO 27001, HDS, ISO 50001 Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
PRO Hosting Plus €4,985 a year annual ~128 active users max · 500 GB+ storage · all features · eIDAS timestamping · PRO Support · Europe/USA/Asia hosting · ISO 27001, HDS, ISO 50001 Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
PRO Hosting Universe €7,900 a year annual ~1024 active users max · 1 Tb+ storage · all features · eIDAS timestamping · PRO Support · Europe/USA/Asia hosting · ISO 27001, HDS, ISO 50001 Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com
PRO Hosting SecNumCloud €8,700 a year annual ~1024 active users max · 1 Tb+ storage · Paris hosting only · SecNumCloud · encryption at rest · eIDAS timestamping · HDS, ISO 27001/27018/27017, LUCIE 26000 Read 15 Oct 2026 · deltablot.com

Every eLabFTW plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Organizes experiments, protocols, and lab resources
  • Supports shared-equipment booking with Scheduler
  • Provides granular entry and team permissions
  • Imports and exports several research data formats
  • Self-hosted software is free under AGPLv3

Limits

  • Self-hosting requires server installation and administration
  • Managed hosting plans cost €3,200 a year or more
  • PRO Support costs €3,000 a year

Who it suits

eLabFTW suits labs and companies that need to manage experiments, protocols, shared resources, and team access. It can serve fields including chemistry, biology, physics, and astronomy, provided the organization can arrange server administration or managed hosting.

eLabFTW in depth

Read the full write-up

eLabFTW is a full electronic lab notebook for recording experiments and protocols while coordinating inventory, equipment bookings, and team access. It suits research groups and companies that need integrated records and permissions and can run a server or pay for managed hosting. The trade-off is clear: unusually broad functionality without software licence fees, paired with meaningful administration and hosting costs.

Overview

Experiments and protocols can be tagged, categorized, and retrieved with full-text and metadata search. A single installation can serve several teams, while entry-level visibility and editing controls and fine-grained Team Groups permissions keep collaboration from becoming indiscriminate access. That model fits institutions with shared infrastructure and distinct projects better than a small group seeking a simple personal notebook.

eLabFTW extends beyond documentation. It tracks resources and quantities, links resources to experiments, and provides a Scheduler for shared equipment and other bookings. Audit trails, electronic signatures, approval workflows, and offline access strengthen formal recordkeeping. These controls are valuable where traceability matters, but they add complexity that a notebook-only workflow may not justify.

Key features

Data import and export covers PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, and ELN formats, giving teams practical routes into and out of the system. The REST API reads and writes eLabFTW data, with a documented Python library for automation and integrations. Documentation describes connections with PubChem, the Bloxberg blockchain, and Keeex timestamping workflows.

LDAP, SAML2, and two-factor authentication address common organizational identity requirements. The project describes static-code analysis, dependency and container vulnerability scanning, and protections against SQL injection and cross-site scripting. A SecNumCloud hosting option adds encryption at rest, eIDAS-qualified timestamping, and HDS and ISO certifications for organizations with demanding French or regulated-hosting requirements.

Pricing

The self-hosted software costs free. It is AGPLv3 software with no features behind a paywall, but the customer supplies server hosting and administration. This is the best economic fit for a capable internal IT team; it is not a zero-cost deployment for a lab without that expertise.

A Training Session costs €470, paid once and provides a 90-minute webinar in French, German, or English with a recording. PRO Support costs €3,000 a year, adding email and virtual-meeting assistance, Level 2 and 3 support, a 90-minute user-training webinar, and assisted upgrades. These options make self-hosting more realistic when internal administrators need help rather than a fully managed service.

Managed hosting bundles support and capacity. PRO Hosting 32 is €3,200 a year for up to 32 active users and 320 GB or more of storage. PRO Hosting Plus costs €4,985 a year for about 128 active users and 500 GB or more. PRO Hosting Universe is €7,900 a year for about 1,024 active users and 1 TB or more. PRO Hosting SecNumCloud costs €8,700 a year for about 1,024 active users and 1 TB or more, hosted in Paris with the SecNumCloud package. Choose by user population, storage, and compliance obligations rather than by feature access: the software capabilities are not split behind paid tiers.

Platforms

eLabFTW runs through the web and supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and an API. Self-hosting is part of the deployment model: installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance require a systems administrator. Managed hosting is the sensible route for teams without that capability.

Who it's for

The project targets any type of lab or company, including chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and deep-tech startups. It is particularly well matched to organizations combining experimental records with inventory, shared-equipment scheduling, multiple teams, and controlled approvals. Small teams wanting only quick note capture may find its server responsibility and administrative scope excessive.

Pros and cons

Pro: The free AGPLv3 software exposes the complete feature set, including notebook, inventory, booking, permissions, audit trails, signatures, and workflows.

Pro: Multi-team controls, authentication choices, API access, and broad export formats support institutional integration and portability.

Pro: Hosting tiers scale from 32 to roughly 1,024 active users, with a SecNumCloud option for stringent requirements.

Con: Self-hosting demands server administration, so the free plan still carries operational work and infrastructure responsibility.

Con: Paid hosting and support are substantial annual commitments once a team outgrows internal administration or needs certified hosting.

Alternatives

LabArchives is a better fit when a hosted, cross-platform service and a small free allowance matter more than self-hosted control; its free plan covers two owned notebooks, 1 GB per user, and a 25 MB file limit.

LabCollector ELN suits a small startup wanting a lifetime free pack for three users and 1,000 data records, with one recipe or SOP.

Labfolder is an option for teams prepared to request a user-count-based quote.

SciNote fits an individual needing a free dedicated workspace, while premium plans require a quote.

Chemotion ELN is a free alternative with Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted support.

NETVIBES is a paid enterprise data-science product with an Enterprise Data Science plan and 17 listed portfolio roles.

Signals Notebook is a paid choice with a Standard Edition subscription, one tenant, per-user pricing, automatic updates, and standard support.

IDBS E-WorkBook is a paid alternative available through web, API, Linux, Windows, and self-hosted deployments.

Verdict

Choose eLabFTW if your lab needs one controlled system for experiments, inventory, bookings, and multi-team governance, and you have IT capacity or budget for hosting. Look elsewhere if you want a lightweight hosted notebook with minimal administration: eLabFTW’s breadth is its advantage, but running it is a real responsibility.

Verdict

eLabFTW combines lab notebook records with inventory, booking, and multi-team controls. The software itself is free, but self-hosting requires server administration; paid hosting and support are listed options.

Where Specifiction places it

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