September 2025 – Evolvemind

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What is CryptPad?

CryptPad is a privacy-first, open-source collaboration platform that provides end-to-end encrypted document editing, file storage, and team collaboration. Unlike Google Docs or Microsoft 365, CryptPad ensures that your documents are encrypted in your browser before being sent to the server.

Key Privacy Features

Zero-knowledge encryption - Only you and collaborators can decrypt documents
No tracking or analytics - Your activity remains private
Anonymous usage possible - No email required for basic accounts
Open source - Code is publicly auditable
GDPR compliant - Based in France with strong privacy protections
Real-time collaboration - Multiple users can edit simultaneously

Document Types Available

Type	Description	Best For
Rich Text	Word processor with formatting	Reports, letters, documents
Spreadsheet	Excel-like calculations	Budgets, data analysis
Presentation	Slide-based presentations	Meetings, training
Kanban Board	Task management	Project workflows
Whiteboard	Collaborative drawing	Brainstorming, planning

Choosing a CryptPad Instance

Official CryptPad.fr (Recommended)

URL: https://cryptpad.fr
Pros: Official, reliable, supports development
Pricing: Free tier available, paid plans for more storage

⚠️ Important Security Considerations

URL security - Document URLs contain encryption keys; treat like passwords
Browser security - Keep your browser secure and updated
Account backup - Anonymous accounts cannot be recovered if browser data is lost

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Individual User Accounts

Creating Your CryptPad Account

1Navigate to CryptPad

Go to https://cryptpad.fr
Click "Sign up" in the top-right corner

2Choose Registration Method

Option A: Anonymous Account (Maximum Privacy)

No email required - account tied to browser only
Warning: Cannot be recovered if you lose browser data
Best for: Testing or maximum privacy with manual backup

Option B: Email Registration (Recommended)

Enter secure email address (ProtonMail, Tutanota recommended)
Create strong, unique password (use password manager)
Benefit: Account recovery possible
Best for: Regular use and team collaboration

3Complete Registration

Username: Choose something that doesn't reveal identity
Password: Minimum 12 characters, use password manager
Display Name: Use initials or pseudonym initially

Essential Security Settings

Access Settings: Click avatar → Settings
Privacy Configuration:
- Disable contact requests from strangers
- Hide your online status
- Disable usage feedback
Security Settings:
- Enable automatic logout (1-4 hours)
- Keep unsafe links warning enabled
- Enable safe links

Critical: Backup Your Account

Go to Settings → Account
Click "Download my account data"
Save the file securely - enables account recovery
Store in encrypted location (password manager, encrypted drive)

Without this backup, you may lose access permanently.

Sharing Your Identity for Team Invitations

Safe to Share:

✅ Your CryptPad profile link
✅ Your display name
✅ Preferred contact method
✅ Which instance you're using

NEVER Share:

❌ Password or credentials
❌ Email address (unless requested by trusted admin)
❌ Private document links
❌ Account backup file

Email Template for Team Invitation

Subject: CryptPad Identity for Team Invitation
Hello [Team Administrator],
I've created my CryptPad account and am ready to join [Team Name].
My CryptPad Information:

Profile Link: https://cryptpad.fr/profile/#/1/view/[your-unique-id]/
Display Name: [Your Display Name]
Instance: CryptPad.fr

Please let me know if you need additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Accepting Team Invitations

Check Notifications: Look for bell icon in CryptPad
Review Details: Verify team name and inviter identity
Verify Authenticity: Contact admin via separate channel if suspicious
Accept Invitation: Click "Accept" to join team workspace

Document Classification Understanding

🟢 PUBLIC: Can be shared outside team
🔵 INTERNAL: Team-only information
🟠 CONFIDENTIAL: Sensitive, special handling required
🔴 RESTRICTED: Highest security, limited access

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Team Owner / Administrator

Creating and Setting Up Teams

1Create New Team

Click avatar → Teams → "Create a Team"
Configure team name (descriptive but not revealing)
Set privacy settings (private, invitation-only recommended)
Configure initial permissions

2Set Up Folder Structure

Recommended Team Folder Structure:

📁 [Team Name] Shared Drive/
├── 📁 00-OPEN/ (🟢 Public Access)
├── 📁 01-INTERNAL/ (🔵 Team Members Only)
├── 📁 02-CONFIDENTIAL/ (🟠 Leadership Only)
└── 📁 03-RESTRICTED/ (🔴 Admin Only)

Member Roles and Permissions

Role	Permissions	Classification Access
Owner	Full admin control	🟢🔵🟠🔴 All levels
Admin	Invite members, manage content	🟢🔵🟠 Up to Confidential
Member	Create/edit documents	🟢🔵 Open and Internal
Viewer	Read-only access	🟢 Open only

Inviting Team Members

Preparation Checklist:

Verify member identity through separate channel
Confirm member has CryptPad account
Obtain member's profile link
Determine appropriate role
Prepare onboarding materials

Invitation Process:

Access Team Management: Team → Members → "Invite Members"
Add Information: Paste profile URL, select role
Send Invitation: Review details, confirm send
Follow Up: Notify member, provide support

Security Configuration

Essential Security Settings:

Set team to "Private" - not discoverable
Disable public directory listing
Require invitation for all members
Restrict external sharing to Admin+ roles
Set default link expiration times
Enable audit logging

Document Classification Templates

🟢 OPEN Template:

===== CLASSIFICATION: OPEN =====
Public information suitable for external sharing.
Handling: May be shared freely outside team.
Review: Annual

🔵 INTERNAL Template:

===== CLASSIFICATION: INTERNAL =====
Team member information only.
Handling: Team only, no external sharing without approval.
Review: Based on content sensitivity

🟠 CONFIDENTIAL Template:

===== CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL =====
Sensitive information requiring special handling.
Handling: Admin+ roles only, owner approval required.
Review: Quarterly

🔴 RESTRICTED Template:

===== CLASSIFICATION: RESTRICTED =====
Highly sensitive information.
Handling: Owner access only, no electronic sharing.
Review: Monthly

Regular Administrative Tasks

Weekly:

Review new documents for proper classification
Monitor member activity
Check team chat for issues
Verify backup integrity

Monthly:

Conduct comprehensive access audit
Review classification compliance
Update policies as needed
Export and backup critical data

Quarterly:

Assess security posture
Update classification guidelines
Plan for organizational changes
Update disaster recovery plans

💡 Administrator Best Practices

Zero Trust: Verify everything, trust nothing by default
Least Privilege: Minimum access necessary for role
Continuous Monitoring: Regular review and audit
Incident Preparedness: Plan for when things go wrong

CryptPad Complete Setup Guide