Hedge Doc
Real-time collaborative markdown editor.
Open the official app on demo.hedgedoc.org
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Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Hedge Doc?
HedgeDoc is an open-source collaborative writing tool designed for real-time document creation and editing. Its primary purpose is to facilitate teamwork by enabling multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, with features like version control and live updates. Developers, educators, and remote teams leverage HedgeDoc to streamline workflows, reduce communication overhead, and maintain consistent documentation. The tool addresses challenges in traditional collaborative environments by providing a centralized platform for content creation, ensuring all contributors have access to the latest edits and revision history. Built with TypeScript and hosted via containerized deployments, HedgeDoc prioritizes flexibility and scalability for diverse use cases.
How it works
HedgeDoc is an open-source web application that enables real-time collaboration on text-based documents. It serves as a centralized hub for teams, educators, and individuals to co-author content, manage version histories, and organize knowledge efficiently. The tool's core purpose is to eliminate fragmented communication by providing a unified workspace where users can edit, comment, and track changes in real time. Its AGPL-3.0 license ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it accessible for both personal and organizational use. HedgeDoc supports markdown formatting, live collaboration, and granular version control, allowing users to revert to previous document states. It integrates with containerized deployments and provides a CLI tool for local development, enabling customization through plugins and extensions.
How to use it
- 1Clone the HedgeDoc repository from GitHub to access source code or configuration files. 2. Deploy the application using the provided container image or CLI tool for local testing. 3. Configure access controls and permissions via the admin interface or API endpoints. 4. Invite collaborators to shared documents and begin real-time editing. Practical tips include leveraging the CLI for rapid prototyping, using the container image for scalable deployments, and customizing the documentation framework for specialized workflows.
What it can do
- Utility
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/hedgedoc
- license: AGPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Requires technical expertise for container deployment and configuration
- Limited built-in UI customization compared to proprietary alternatives
- Depends on internet connectivity for real-time collaboration
- Smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations compared to commercial tools
- Manual setup process may deter non-technical users
Understanding the result
Real-time collaborative markdown editor.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by hedgedoc (MIT).
- Built with
- hedgedoc (https://github.com/hedgedoc)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Markdown
- Output
- Output
Built with https://github.com/hedgedoc. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- hedgedoc
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- /hedgedoc — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- AGPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does HedgeDoc handle document versioning?
HedgeDoc maintains a complete history of all edits through its version control system, allowing users to revert to any previous state. Each change is timestamped and associated with the contributor, ensuring accountability. The system automatically archives all iterations, which can be accessed through the document's revision history panel.
How does HedgeDoc's architecture differ from typical SaaS solutions?
HedgeDoc employs a self-hosted model with containerized components, giving users full control over data storage and infrastructure. Unlike proprietary SaaS platforms, it requires manual deployment via Docker or CLI tools, which grants flexibility but demands technical setup. The AGPL-3.0 license mandates that modifications to the core codebase must be shared openly if distributed.
How do I set up HedgeDoc for a team project?
First, install the HedgeDoc CLI tool using npm. Then, initialize a new project directory and configure access controls via the config.yaml file. Deploy the application using the provided Docker container, ensuring proper firewall settings for port 3000. Finally, invite team members through the admin dashboard and share documents via direct links.
How does HedgeDoc compare to Notion or Google Docs?
HedgeDoc focuses on lightweight markdown-based collaboration with strong version control, while Notion offers a more integrated workspace with databases and visual editors. Google Docs provides seamless real-time editing but lacks HedgeDoc's granular version history and open-source flexibility. HedgeDoc's containerized deployment contrasts with Notion's cloud-native model and Google Docs' browser-only architecture.
What should I do if my document becomes unresponsive?
If a document freezes, immediately check the browser console for error messages. Refresh the page and ensure all collaborators have stable internet connections. If the issue persists, restart the HedgeDoc server or redeploy the container. For persistent problems, review the logs in the container's stdout stream and consult the community forum for troubleshooting guidance.