Tech riderRev. 22 Sept 2026

Etherpad

Ch 477.4of 135 Writing Apps

1Runs onAndroid, API, iOS, Linux, Mac, self-hosted, Web, Windows
2CostsNot stated by the maker
3Desktop appsYes
4Real-time collaborationYes
5Track changesYes
6Desktop platformsWindows, macOS, Linux

5 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: etherpad.org

Visit site Alternatives

Overview

Etherpad is ranked #47 of 135 in writing apps on Specifiction, made by Etherpad. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Web, Windows.

Compared on writing apps

Desktop apps: Yesetherpad.org
Real-time collaboration: Yesetherpad.org
Track changes: Yesetherpad.org
Desktop platforms: Windows, macOS, Linuxetherpad.org

Facts

Collaborative editing: Etherpad is a real-time collaborative editor that runs on a server you control.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Authorship and history: It attributes keystrokes to authors, preserves revisions, and provides a timeslider to review document history.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Open source: Etherpad's code is licensed under Apache 2.0 and its data format is open.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Privacy and governance: The site says Etherpad has no telemetry and lets administrators run it under their own governance.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Plugins: The site describes plugins for comments, images, tables, drawing, video chat, math, code highlighting, authentication, and optional AI.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
AI controls: AI is optional through plugins, and users can choose the model and infrastructure or leave AI disabled.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Installation: The installation instructions require Git and Node.js 24 or later and describe running Etherpad locally.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Desktop and mobile: The site lists a native app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
API: Etherpad documents an HTTP API for operations including pad content, authors, groups, sessions, and chat.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Integrations: The site lists plugin support for OAuth, LDAP, and OpenID authentication.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Languages: The site says Etherpad has been translated into 105 languages.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Intended users: The site names public institutions, schools, civic projects, newsrooms, and teams that need document authorship history among its users.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
Support and maintenance: Etherpad is maintained by a small volunteer team and provides community contact through Discord and email.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026
License and maker: The site identifies the copyright holder as The Etherpad Foundation and says Etherpad has been used since 2009.etherpad.org · 5 Oct 2026