CryptPad
Principal function(s): Collaborative writingPoster/infographic creatorsGroup/pair work - classmatesGroup/pair work - outsidersIndividual workWritingTeacherStudentYou SupplyWebsite/other users supply
CryptPad is a collaborative document, spreadsheet, and presentation editor. It supports rich text, polls, whiteboards, and presentations, among others. CryptPad functions similarly to other office productivity suites but prioritises security and privacy. One of the main advantages of this tool is that sharing a document is as simple as getting a shareable URL. Moreover, the built-in chat allows different editors to talk to each other in real time. CryptPad does not require signing up for use, although creating an account provides additional features and benefits, such as saving documents and accessing them from multiple devices. It is free and open-source, allowing anyone to access and modify its source code. CryptPad is developed by a core team of three developers and other contributors.
Evaluation: Cryptpad functions similarly to other collaborative editors but prioritises security and privacy. All its content is encrypted and decrypted by the browser, which means that no one outside the session has access to the information. The tool is available in many languages. While it may initially require some time to get familiarised with its interface and features, CryptPad is generally time-saving and easy to use. Basic IT skills required.
Cost: Free without registration, registration for more features.
Website: https://cryptpad.fr/
Categories
Type Of Interaction
- Group/pair work - classmates
- Group/pair work - outsiders
- Individual work
Content
- Website/other users supply
- You supply
Usability
Interface
User-friendliness/complexity of the tool´s interface
Straightforward, similar to programming interfaces.
Time efficiency
Time needed for mastering the „how-to“ of the tool and a production of a task
Medium, it requires some time to get familiarised with the tool.
Interface language(s)
The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to
Available in 13 languages.
Respect for privacy
Does the tool require registration? Who can see my data? Can I remain anonymous?
Very high. CryptPad keeps data private through encryption and decryption. This means that documents, chats, and files are unreadable outside of the session where you are logged in, even for service administrators. In this manner, if the server is compromised, the database holds encrypted data that is not of much value to attackers. This encrypted data is stored in France. CryptPad complies with the GDPR. See more here and here.
Saving work for future use
Possiblity to save your or others´ work for reuse/reproduction
Yes, with an account.
Tailorability (If so, how?)
Possibility of the tool to be used for a range of different activities (e.g. to what extent you can organize a project assignment with a central activity based on this tool)
Yes, users can introduce any type of data and use different functionalities.
Technical requirements
Installation required?
No; it is a browser-based tool.
Compatibility/ Operating System
Any browser.
Other technical requirements