CryptPad.org

CryptPad is an end-to-end encrypted, open-source collaborative office suite for secure real-time editing of documents, spreadsheets, code, and more, targeted at privacy-conscious users.

🚀 Overview

CryptPad is a browser-based collaboration suite offering tools like rich text editors, spreadsheets, presentations, code pads, kanban boards, whiteboards, calendars, polls, and chat—all protected by end-to-end encryption. Data is encrypted in the browser before transmission, ensuring zero-knowledge architecture where even the server can't access content.

What problem does this project solve? It addresses privacy risks in tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office, where providers can surveil or monetize user data. CryptPad prevents this by making collaboration private and secure by default.

Who is it built for? Privacy advocates, activists, journalists, educators, NGOs, small teams, and developers needing secure sharing without accounts or tracking.

Why was it built? To empower users with data control, foster open collaboration without corporate surveillance, and provide a sustainable, auditable alternative developed by XWiki SAS since around 2014.

✨ Key Features

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) with zero-knowledge design for real-time collaborative editing across rich text, spreadsheets, code, markdown, kanban, whiteboards, etc. (ensures privacy even from admins)
CryptDrive for organizing files/folders, password-protected sharing, expiration links, and exports to PDF/HTML/Office formats
No account required; anonymous guest access via links, plus optional registration with crypto-derived keys
Self-hosting support with Docker, automatic saves, multi-language, GDPR-compliant, no ads/trackers
Optional: teams features, OnlyOffice integration, ongoing enhancements like calendars and contacts

🛠 Tech Stack

Frontend: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Less, TypeScript
Backend: Node.js
Database: N/A (stores encrypted data blobs)
Auth: Custom (cryptographic keys from username/password)
Hosting: Self-hosted (Docker Hub images for AMD64/ARM64), official instance at cryptpad.fr

👥 Who Is This For?

This project is useful for:

Activists who want to securely collaborate on sensitive documents without surveillance
Teams looking for private, open-source alternatives to Google Workspace or Office 365
Indie makers building self-hosted privacy tools or educators sharing lesson plans anonymously