CryptPad
An encrypted office suite for writing, spreadsheets and slides together.
Instead of Google Docs, Microsoft 365
Screenshot from cryptpad.org, taken 2026-10-23, shown to help you recognise the tool. It belongs to its maker. Ask us to remove it.
CryptPad comes from XWiki, a Paris company that has made open-source software for nearly twenty years, and it has been funded largely by French and European research grants. Everything is encrypted in your browser, so even the people running the server cannot read your documents. It is AGPL licensed and runs on the web.
CryptPad scores a 5 on power, a 4 on self-direction and longevity and a 3 on footprint, lock-in and delivery.
It is rougher to use than Google Docs, and moving documents in and out of Microsoft formats is workable and not smooth. Paid storage is available on the main instance.
- Documents, spreadsheets and slides encrypted in your browser
- Even the people running the server can't read what you write
- Funded largely by European research grants
What stands out
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For comparison, we also reviewed Microsoft Word (15/30) as a benchmark.
Other tools for “keep my own notes and documents”
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JoplinOpen-source notes with sync through whichever service you choose.
ObsidianA notes app that works on a plain folder of Markdown files.
NotesnookNotes that are encrypted before they leave your device.
LogseqAn outliner for notes and daily journals, stored as plain files on your computer.