Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Etherpad

etherpad.org

WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Visit etherpad.org
Spec score 7.9 #11 of 25 in Document Creation Software

What it is

Etherpad is a real-time collaborative editor that runs on a server its users control. It attributes edits to authors and preserves revisions; its timeslider lets users review changes character by character and reverse them. Editing includes chat and rich-text tools, while plugins can add comments, images, tables, drawing, video chat, math, code highlighting and authentication. Optional AI is available through plugins, and users can choose the model and infrastructure or leave AI disabled. Etherpad is free and open source under Apache 2.0, with an open data format; the maker says it has no telemetry. An HTTP API covers pad content, authors, groups, sessions and chat, and plugin support includes OAuth, LDAP and OpenID authentication. Apps are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, alongside support for modern browsers. Installation instructions require Git and Node.js 24 or later. Deployment documentation includes reverse proxy and HTTPS termination options, as well as Kubernetes. The project dates to 2009 and is maintained by a small volunteer team, with community contact through Discord and email. The site names schools, public institutions, civic projects, newsrooms and teams needing document authorship history among its users.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Etherpad is a real-time collaborative editor that attributes edits to authors and preserves document history.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Intended users
The site names public institutions, schools, civic projects, newsrooms, and teams that need document authorship history among its users.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Deployment
The maker documents production deployment behind a reverse proxy, with HTTPS termination and Kubernetes among the deployment options.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.etherpad.org
API
Etherpad documents an HTTP API for operations including pad content, authors, groups, sessions, and chat.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Integrations
The HTTP API can create and delete pads, manage access, read and set pad content, and embed pads in another website.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.etherpad.org
Privacy
The maker says Etherpad has no telemetry.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Founded
2009Read 28 Sep 2026 · etherpad.org
AI controls
AI is optional through plugins, and users can choose the model and infrastructure or leave AI disabled.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Authorship and history
It attributes keystrokes to authors, preserves revisions, and provides a timeslider to review document history.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Collaborative editing
Etherpad is a real-time collaborative editor that runs on a server you control.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Desktop and mobile
The site lists a native app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Editing features
The documentation lists real-time editing, chat, rich-text editing, and a plugin framework.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.etherpad.org
Installation
The installation instructions require Git and Node.js 24 or later and describe running Etherpad locally.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Installation requirement
The maker’s installation instructions require Git and Node.js version 24 or later.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Languages
The site says Etherpad has been translated into 105 languages.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
License and maker
The site identifies the copyright holder as The Etherpad Foundation and says Etherpad has been used since 2009.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Open source
Etherpad's code is licensed under Apache 2.0 and its data format is open.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Plugins
Etherpad supports plugins, which can add features and integrations; the documentation describes installing them from npm.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.etherpad.org
Privacy and governance
The site says Etherpad has no telemetry and lets administrators run it under their own governance.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Revision history
Its timeslider lets users review a document’s history character by character, and changes are reversible.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Self-hosting
Etherpad runs on a server its users control and is published under the Apache 2.0 license.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Support and maintenance
Etherpad is maintained by a small volunteer team and provides community contact through Discord and email.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org
Supported platforms
The maker lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps, and says Etherpad works in modern browsers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · etherpad.org

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under Apache 2.0
  • Runs on a server users control
  • Preserves authorship and reversible revisions
  • Apps for desktop and mobile platforms
  • No telemetry, according to the maker

Limits

  • Installation requires Git and Node.js 24 or later
  • Maintained by a small volunteer team

Who it suits

Etherpad suits groups that want shared editing on infrastructure they control and need an attributable revision history. Its listed audiences include schools, public institutions, civic projects and newsrooms.

Verdict

Etherpad offers collaborative editing with authorship history, self-hosting and a plugin framework. Its installation requirements and volunteer maintenance model are important considerations for teams planning to run it.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to EtherpadAll alternatives →