Proton Just Launched a More Private Version of Google Docs

Google Docs has been one of the go-to options for online collaboration for years. It's integrated into Google Drive, it's feature-rich, and it makes it dead easy to collaborate with others. But, Proton is—once again—pushing its way in on Google’s turf with a new privacy-focused alternative thanks to today’s launch of Docs in Proton Drive.

According to the launch announcement, Docs in Proton Drive will allow users to take full advantage of many of the same collaborative features that make Google Docs so enticing, all while offering better privacy features, including end-to-end encryption on all your documents. This should make Docs in Proton Drive a welcome option for those who are working with more sensitive information, both at work and home.

The main features available with Docs in Proton Drive include rich text editing, with the ability to create and edit documents using a variety of formatting options, as well as file compatibility for multiple formats, including Microsoft’s .docx. In other words, it should seamlessly integrate with any work you might already have in other programs. Proton also says that you’ll be able to add comments, reply to them, and even mark them as resolved to help create a collaborative environment.

Credit: Proton

Docs in Proton Drive will also support the option to embed images and invite various collaborators, though they will need at least a free Proton account so the company can ensure the secure environment remains intact. Further, you’ll be able to see who is viewing the document, as well as where they are working, using similar collaborative cursors to what's in Google Docs.

The launch of Docs in Proton Drive builds off Proton’s recent acquisition of Standard Notes, an encrypted notes app. The company considers it a major milestone in the ongoing development of the Proton ecosystem, and it says that Docs will offer full support for markdown, code blocks, checklists, and more at launch.

These are all features already present in Google Docs, which is what makes it such an enticing option for collaborators. By offering such a high level of parity at launch, Proton is ensuring a strong start for Docs in Proton Drive, ensuring users who wish to leave Google Docs behind won't lose out on any of the necessary features they already relying on.