ProMoPapur: Collaborative Writing Made Simple
Author: Nathan Williams;
Reading Time: 4 minutes
We've made this resource open. You are free to copy and adapt it. Read the terms.
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Welcome to ProMoPapur, ProMo’s own instance of Etherpad that makes collaborative writing and editing accessible to all.
ProMoPapur allows multiple people to work on a document at the same time, with changes appearing instantly. Each contributor is assigned a colour, making it easy to track who made which edits. The clean, distraction-free interface keeps the focus on your content rather than complex features.
Whether you’re co-designing a project with young people, planning an event with partners, or collaboratively drafting a funding bid, ProMoPapur creates a space where everyone’s voice can be heard. You can export your work in various formats and even chat with collaborators within the same window.
We’ve created ProMoPapur as part of our commitment to support third sector organisations with digital tools that make working together easier. There’s no need to create accounts or install software – just share a link and start working together.
Ready to collaborate? Create a new pad, or ask us how ProMoPapur might support your next project.
Our Thanks
ProMoPapur has been made possible through generous funding from the players of The National Lottery Community Fund. Their support enables us to create digital tools that help communities collaborate, connect and create positive change across Wales. We’re grateful for funders continued belief in our work to use digital for social good.
Support Our Work
ProMo is a social enterprise and charity that reinvests our profits into community projects. By donating, you help us maintain and develop tools like ProMoPapur.
Your contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue to support the use of digital across the third sector and grow creative opportunities for and with young people and communities.
How to Use ProMoPapur
Getting Started
Creating a new document is simple. Just click the “New Pad” button on our homepage, and you’ll immediately have a fresh collaborative document. There’s no need to create an account or log in – ProMoPapur is designed to be accessible with minimal barriers.
Inviting Collaborators
To invite others to work with you, simply share the URL of your pad. Copy the link from your browser’s address bar and send it via email, messaging app or however you normally communicate with your team. Anyone with the link can access and edit the document.
Collaborative Editing
When multiple people join your pad, each person is assigned a unique colour. This makes it easy to see who’s writing what, as text appears in the author’s assigned colour while being typed. The right-hand sidebar shows who’s currently viewing the document along with their colour.
Text Formatting
ProMoPapur offers basic formatting options through a toolbar at the top of the editing area. You can:
- Create headings and subheadings
- Make text bold, italic, or underlined
- Create numbered or bulleted lists
- Add indentation to paragraphs
Version History
Every change made to a document is automatically saved. You can access previous versions by clicking the “Time Slider” button. This allows you to see how the document evolved over time and recover content if needed.
Chat Function
The integrated chat panel lets you discuss the document with other contributors without leaving ProMoPapur. Click the chat icon on the right side of the screen to open the panel.
Exporting Your Work
When you’ve finished collaborating, you can export your document in various formats including PDF, Word, HTML, or plain text. Look for the export options in the document settings. We recommend you export your work after you’ve finished collaborating.
Privacy and Security
Your document links are not easily discoverable, but they aren’t completely private either. For sensitive information, consider using a password-protected pad option or downloading your document when finished and deleting the online version.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues using ProMoPapur or have questions about its features, please contact our team or assistance.
Support available
Find all our digtal support resources here.
If you’re looking for advice or help to develop your digital processes to make work easier, our DigiCymru service offers free, short, one-to-one support sessions to third sector organisations in Wales. Find out more.
This resource is funded through Third Sector Digital Support, a National Lottery Community Fund project to support the Welsh Third Sector with digital. To find out more about how this project can support your organisation, click the link or contact andrew@promo.cymru
Commissioned by Catalyst
