Is it like Google Docs?

Yes, but instead of using a proprietary and heavy format (WYSIWYG), you use plain text (Markdown). This makes it much faster, Git-friendly, and enjoyable for developers.

Does it support diagrams?

Absolutely. You can write Mermaid.js, Graphviz, or Vega-Lite code directly into the document and it will render as a chart or diagram automatically.

Does it have presentation mode?

Yes. Add three dashes '---' to separate slides and activate 'Slide Mode' (powered by Reveal.js) to present your notes in full screen.

Real-Time Collaborative Markdown (HedgeDoc)

The WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get") Problem

Tools like Word or Google Docs are great for formal letters, but terrible for technical documentation. Have you ever tried pasting a Python code block into Word? The formatting breaks, indentation is lost, and smart quotes ruin your script.

HedgeDoc (formerly known as CodiMD) separates content from presentation. You write in plain text on the left and see the rendered result on the right. Zero surprises.

Lock-free Collaboration

Just like in Google Docs, you see your teammates' cursors moving in real time. But being based on plain text, performance is infinitely superior. You can have 50 people editing a document simultaneously without the browser freezing.

Diagrams-as-Code

You don't need to open Visio or Lucidchart to make a quick flowchart. Simply write:

                    graph TD;

                    A[Client] -->|API Request| B(Server)

                    B --> C{Database}

And HedgeDoc will render the chart. If architecture changes, you just edit the text. Real version control (Git) for your diagrams.

Granular Permissions

Not everyone needs to see everything. HedgeDoc offers a simple but powerful permission system:

Freely Writable: Anyone with the link can edit (ideal for hackathons).
Editable: Anyone can read, only logged-in users can edit.
Locked: Only you can edit, the rest read.
Private: Only you and people you explicitly invite.

From Note to Presentation in 1 Second

Imagine you just wrote the technical specs for a project and now you have to present them to the team. Instead of opening PowerPoint and copy-pasting (and reformatting) everything, simply insert the `---` separator between sections. HedgeDoc converts your document into an interactive Reveal.js presentation, with transitions, speaker mode, and virtual laser pointer.

Math and Academic Support

ZenUtils HedgeDoc integrates MathJax. You can write complex LaTeX formulas directly and see them rendered perfectly. It also supports music notation (ABC notation) and sheet music, making it a favorite tool for university departments and research groups.