Docs

Docs is an open-source, self-hosted collaborative editor and knowledge base designed for teams to write, organize, and share documentation in real time. The software allows organizations to maintain full ownership of their data by hosting the service on their own infrastructure.

The software is deployed as a web application and server. It supports various self-hosting methods, including Docker Compose and Kubernetes, and is available for deployment via Nix and YunoHost. It is specifically intended for use by public organizations, companies, and open communities that require a structured environment for knowledge management.

Key features

• Real-time collaboration with live cursors and presence
• Block-based editing system with slash commands
• Support for rich-text and Markdown formatting
• Hierarchical organization using subpages
• Import capabilities for .docx and .md files
• Export options for .docx, .odt, and .pdf formats
• Granular access control and sharing permissions
• AI helpers for summarizing, translating, and rewriting text

The application is built using a technical stack that includes Django Rest Framework for the backend and Next.js for the frontend. It utilizes Yjs, HocusPocus, and BlockNote.js to manage synchronization and the editing experience, ensuring that multiple users can edit the same document simultaneously. For storage, the system can integrate with any S3-compatible service, using Minio as the default for local development. The project is a joint initiative led by the French and German governments to provide a public-driven workspace tool.

Docs is licensed under the MIT License, positioning it as a flexible tool for both public sector entities and private sector actors who wish to contribute to or sell the software.