CollabDocs
A real-time collaborative document editor inspired by Google Docs with live cursors, presence indicators, role-based access, and seamless multi-user editing.
Timeline
3 weeks
Role
Full Stack Developer
Team
Solo
Status
ActiveTechnology Stack
CollabDocs: Real-Time Collaborative Document Editor
Overview
CollabDocs is a Google Docs–inspired collaborative document editor that allows multiple users to edit the same document in real time. It supports live cursors, user presence, role-based permissions, and seamless synchronization across sessions.
The project focuses on real-time UX, scalable collaboration, and production-grade architecture using modern web technologies.
Features
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Live cursors and user presence indicators
- Role-based access (viewer / editor)
- Rich text editing with formatting
- Secure authentication
- Instant sync across multiple users
- Responsive, clean UI
Why I Built This
I built CollabDocs to deeply understand how real-time collaborative systems work under the hood—especially challenges like concurrent updates, presence tracking, and permission management.
This project helped me bridge frontend UX with real-time backend systems, similar to production tools like Google Docs and Notion.
Technical Architecture
Frontend
The frontend focuses on performance, usability, and real-time feedback:
- Next.js (App Router): Server-side rendering and optimized routing
- TypeScript: Type safety across the entire codebase
- React: Component-driven UI
- Tailwind CSS + Shadcn UI: Consistent and modern design system
- Tiptap: Rich text editor built on ProseMirror
Backend & Infrastructure
The backend is designed to support real-time collaboration efficiently:
- Liveblocks: Real-time collaboration (presence, cursors, shared state)
- Convex: Serverless database and backend logic
- Clerk: Authentication, session handling, and user management
Real-Time Collaboration Implementation
Live Editing & Presence
- Used Liveblocks rooms to sync document state
- Implemented live cursors with user names and colors
- Presence updates are broadcasted instantly across clients
Role-Based Access Control
- Editors can modify content
- Viewers have read-only access
- Permissions enforced both on UI and backend
Conflict Handling
- Leveraged Liveblocks’ real-time sync mechanisms
- Ensured document consistency during simultaneous edits
- Smooth experience even with multiple concurrent users
Technical Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Real-Time Cursor Synchronization
- Problem: Keeping cursor positions accurate across users
- Solution: Used Liveblocks presence API with debounced updates
Challenge 2: Concurrent Document Updates
- Problem: Multiple users editing the same content
- Solution: Integrated Tiptap with collaborative state handling
Challenge 3: Access Control & Security
- Problem: Preventing unauthorized edits
- Solution: Combined Clerk auth with backend permission checks
Performance Optimizations
- Optimized editor re-renders
- Minimal state updates for presence data
- Efficient document loading and syncing
Future Improvements
- AI-assisted writing features
- Offline editing support
- Folder & document organization
- Sharing via public/private links
Final Thoughts
CollabDocs represents a production-quality real-time collaboration system built with modern tools. It demonstrates my ability to design scalable frontend systems, handle real-time data flows, and deliver polished user experiences.
This project strongly reflects my interest in collaborative software, real-time applications, and high-quality SaaS products.