CryptPad
Self-HostedOpen-source, privacy-first collaborative office suite
Overview
CryptPad is an end-to-end encrypted collaborative office suite enabling teams to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and whiteboards without sacrificing privacy. All data is encrypted client-side—servers never access unencrypted content. It supports real-time collaboration, version history, and customizable access permissions. Deployable via Docker for simplified self-hosting or manual setup on your server, ideal for users prioritizing data control and compliance with GDPR/CCPA.
Key Features
- End-to-end client-side encryption for all content
- Real-time collaboration across docs, sheets, slides, and whiteboards
- Self-hostable via Docker or manual Node.js/PostgreSQL setup
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is CryptPad hard to install?
CryptPad is easy to install using Docker, which handles dependencies and setup. Manual installation requires Node.js and PostgreSQL, but official documentation provides step-by-step guides for both methods.
? Is it a good alternative to Google Workspace?
Yes—CryptPad offers core collaborative features with unmatched privacy via end-to-end encryption. It lacks Google’s ecosystem integrations but is ideal for users prioritizing data security over convenience.
? Is it completely free?
CryptPad is open-source (AGPLv3) and free to self-host. The hosted version has free tiers, but self-hosting incurs no ongoing costs beyond your server resources.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Zero knowledge of user data (servers store only encrypted blobs)
- ⊕ No subscription fees for self-hosting
- ⊕ Compliant with strict privacy regulations
Cons
- ⊖ Limited offline functionality compared to local office suites
- ⊖ Lacks advanced ecosystem integrations (e.g., email, AI tools)
- ⊖ Requires basic server administration skills for self-hosting