EduPad

What EduPad is

EduPad is a web-based collaborative text editor for people writing in the same document. Several participants can edit at once, and the pad indicates which text each person is working on. It is based on the open-source EtherPad platform. Users can create pads without an account or registration, and the service is free to use. Anyone with the link to a public pad can read and edit it, and can inspect its creation history in TimeSlider. Version history is limited. Pads that have not been edited for 183 days are automatically deleted and cannot be restored. The operator makes regular system backups but does not guarantee against data loss, so users are responsible for keeping their own pad data backed up. EduPad is operated by sr solutions ag in Burgdorf, Switzerland. The operator says the service will remain free and accepts voluntary one-time or recurring contributions.

Who it suits

EduPad suits people who want to draft or edit a document together in a browser without creating accounts. It may fit quick group work where link-based public access is acceptable.

Limits

The Free plan costs nothing and deletes pads that have not been edited for 183 days. Version history is limited, and deleted pads cannot be restored.

Getting started

1. Open https://www.edupad.ch/ in a web browser
2. Create a pad without registering or signing in
3. Share the public pad link with collaborators
4. Keep a backup of important pad data

Verdict

EduPad offers no-account, real-time shared writing at no charge. Keep in mind that public-link access allows editing, and inactive pads are deleted after 183 days.