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HedgeDoc

A free and open-source collaborative markdown editor ideal for self-hosting.

Ad-Free Open Source Privacy Friendly No Registration Free of Charge Self-Hostable
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Description

HedgeDoc is an open-source, web-based collaborative markdown editor that allows users to create and edit notes in real time. It is designed for teams and individuals who want to write, share, and collaborate on documents securely and efficiently. The platform supports markdown syntax, making it easy to format text, embed images, and structure content.

HedgeDoc is privacy-friendly by design, with no tracking or advertising. It can be used without registration on public instances, and administrators of self-hosted instances have full control over user data. Its federated nature means it can be self-hosted or used on public servers, offering flexibility for different use cases.

Originally developed in Germany, HedgeDoc remains an independent project with no known acquisition. It continues to be maintained by its community and contributors. It has an active user forum and a matrix chatroom that you can access with a client such as Element.

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Sustainability Features of HedgeDoc

Ad-Free - Services that do not display advertisements to users, ensuring a cleaner and more private experience.

HedgeDoc is completely free of advertisements.

Open Source - Free and Open-Source Software

HedgeDoc is fully open-source, allowing anyone to contribute to or modify the codebase.

Privacy Friendly - It does not track users unnecessarily.

HedgeDoc does not track users, and data control rests with the instance administrator, making it privacy-friendly.

No Registration - No registration required

HedgeDoc can be used without creating an account, especially on public instances.

Free of Charge - The services provided can be used for free.

HedgeDoc is free to use, though hosting costs may apply if self-hosting.

Self-Hostable - Services that can be hosted by users, giving full control over data and enhancing privacy.

HedgeDoc is designed to be self-hosted, giving users full control over their instance and data.

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Summary

HedgeDoc is an open-source, real-time collaborative markdown editor that prioritises privacy and can be self-hosted. It is developed and maintained independently by its community.

Sustainability Score
94

More Sustainable Alternatives for Note-Taking

Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a German self-hostable, open-source cloud storage and collaboration platform.

Nextcloud is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
Nextcloud’s core software is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community-driven development.
Nextcloud does not track users or sell personal data, ensuring a private and secure experience with optional end-to-end encryption.
Nextcloud is ad free and does not monetise user-data.
Nextcloud is designed to be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Nextcloud became the first cloud software platform to earn the Blauer Engel ecolabel, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Some third party providers offer free plans with up to 5GB of storage. The self-hostable community edition is free and without licensing costs.
Nextcloud allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
Nextcloud syncs files to your device. You can edit files offline and changes will sync automatically once you reconnect to the internet.
Nextcloud is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats.
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Standard Notes

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Standard Notes is fully open-source, allowing for community review and contributions, ensuring transparency and trust.
Standard Notes is ad-free, providing a clean and distraction-free note-taking experience.
Standard Notes offers a free tier, with optional paid plans for additional features and to support the project.
Standard Notes can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Standard Notes works offline, allowing users to access and edit notes without an internet connection.
Standard Notes is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all user data.
Since its acquisition by Proton, Standard Notes is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
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CryptPad

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Cryptpad is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all user data.
Cryptpad is based in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy laws.
Cryptpad is fully open-source, allowing for community review and contributions, ensuring transparency and trust.
CryptPad is ad-free, providing a clean and distraction-free collaborative experience.
Cryptpad can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Cryptpad offers a free tier, with optional paid plans for additional features and to support the project.
CryptPad allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
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Joplin

Joplin is an extensible, open-source note-taking app, working offline and anonymously.

Joplin supports self-hosting, giving users the option to host their own sync server.
Joplin is fully functional offline, syncing changes when an internet connection is available.
Joplin supports plugins, allowing users to add custom functionality.
Joplin is free to use, with optional paid cloud sync services.
Joplin does not require an account for local use, making it accessible without registration.
Joplin offers end-to-end encryption for syncing, ensuring that user data remains private.
Joplin is fully open-source, allowing users to audit, modify, or contribute to the code.
Joplin is free of advertisements.
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obsidian logo

Obsidian

A flexible and open app for storing and publishing notes on any device.

Obsidian works fully offline, as it relies on local files that sync when a connection is available.
Obsidian supports a robust plugin ecosystem, enabling users to extend its functionality.
Obsidian does not require an account for local use, allowing users to work entirely offline if desired.
Obsidian is free for local use, with optional paid features for syncing and publishing.
Obsidian prioritises local-first storage, and any syncing is opt-in and encrypted, ensuring user privacy.
Obsidian does not display any advertisements.
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Suggestions and Feedback

If you have suggestions for more alternatives or general feedback, please contact me via email or create an issue over on Codeberg. Suggest Substitute on Codeberg Write an Email