# ![«Image: Etherpad»](images/etherpad-logo.png "Etherpad") Etherpad

Etherpad is an open-source, web-based text editor designed for real-time collaborative writing with synchronized version history and inline chat.

When configured as a shared service in Jami, it functions as a collaborative digital notepad.

```{seealso}
<https://etherpad.org>
```

```{raw} html
<div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: calc(56.25% + 1.5rem); height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;">
  <iframe
    src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7wvOlxikl-k"
    title="Etherpad shared service demo"
    style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0;"
    allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"
    referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"
    allowfullscreen>
  </iframe>
</div>
```

1. Download Etherpad from the official [Etherpad Download Page](https://etherpad.org/#download).
2. Navigate to the `etherpad` folder and run `pnpm run prod` to start the Etherpad server.
3. On a web browser, navigate to `https://localhost:9001`, the interface for Etherpad should open up.
4. Create a pad with the name of your choice (note that you will need to provide the full name of the pad to your contact(s) so that they may join it).
5. Add a custom service to Jami. Ensure the `Local port` field matches the port that Etherpad is running on (`9001` by default).
6. Once you've confirmed the server is working correctly, invite your contacts to join.
   - Your contact opens your shared services list and selects your Etherpad server.
   - The server address is copied to their clipboard automatically.
   - They paste the address into their web browser to reveal the Etherpad instance.
   - They type in the exact name of the pad that you created and click **Open pad by name**.