Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about NotePadr. Can't find what you're looking for? The documentation covers everything in more depth.
What is NotePadr?
NotePadr is a free online notepad for real-time collaborative writing. You create a pad, share its link, and everyone with the link can edit the same document simultaneously — no accounts, no installs, no cost.
Do I need to create an account?
No. NotePadr has no signup, no login, and no email verification. You can create a pad and start writing in seconds. Anyone you share the pad link with can join instantly, too.
Is NotePadr really free?
Yes — completely. There are no premium tiers, no usage limits, no ads, and no credit card required. Unlimited pads, unlimited collaborators, for as long as you need them.
How do I share a pad with someone?
Copy the pad URL from your browser’s address bar and send it to them. Anyone who opens the link joins the same live document immediately and can start editing.
How many people can edit a pad at the same time?
There is no set limit on collaborators. Each person’s text is highlighted in their own author color so you can see who wrote what, and everyone’s changes appear in real-time.
Is my writing saved automatically?
Yes. Every keystroke is saved to the server as you type. There is no save button because you never need one. Closing your browser and reopening the pad URL later brings back exactly what you wrote.
Can I see earlier versions of my document?
Yes. Every pad keeps a full version history. Open the timeslider from the toolbar to scrub back through every revision and restore or copy earlier text.
Can I export my document?
Yes. Pads can be exported as HTML or plain text at any time, so you can keep offline copies or move your writing into another tool. You can also import existing text and HTML files into a pad.
Are my pads private?
Pads are accessible to anyone who has the link, so treat the URL like a key: share it only with people you want in the document. Pad contents are never indexed by search engines — we explicitly block crawlers from pad pages — and the whole site runs over encrypted HTTPS.
Do pads expire or get deleted?
Pads that have been edited are kept indefinitely. Only untouched pads — ones created but never edited within 24 hours, still containing the default welcome text — are cleaned up automatically.
What can I use NotePadr for?
Anything that benefits from shared, live text: meeting notes, brainstorms, interview scratchpads, study groups, pair writing, quick code or config sharing, event planning, or simply a personal notepad that follows you across devices.
How is NotePadr different from Google Docs?
NotePadr requires no Google account, no login, and no permission dialogs — sharing is just sending a link. It is intentionally lighter than a full word processor: faster to open, simpler to use, and focused on plain collaborative text rather than complex layouts.
