Etherpad

Etherpad is a web-based, real-time collaborative text editor for teams to co-author notes and documents in the browser. It focuses on low-friction collaboration: share a pad link, edit together, and keep track of who changed what.

Key Features

• Real-time multi-user editing with per-author colors and attribution
• Built-in chat alongside the pad for in-context discussion
• Revisions and time-slider playback to review and restore past versions
• Import/export and copy/paste support (commonly including HTML/text and document formats via plugins)
• Extensible plugin system (authentication/authorization, import-export, UI, integrations)
• HTTP API for programmatic pad creation and content management
• Embeddable pads for integrating collaborative editing into other websites/apps
• Internationalization (multiple UI languages)

Use Cases

• Collaborative meeting notes and agendas with live editing
• Drafting and reviewing documents, specs, and checklists in small teams
• Embedding collaborative notes into internal tools, portals, or LMS pages

Limitations and Considerations

• Rich document formatting and office-suite features are limited compared to full collaborative office suites; advanced features often depend on plugins.

Etherpad is well-suited for lightweight, real-time co-editing where speed, simplicity, and extensibility matter. Its revision history, chat, and API make it a practical component for team workflows and integrations.