explaingit

ether/ep_hide_line_numbers

Analysis updated 2026-08-08 · repo last pushed 2026-08-04

1JavaScriptAudience · ops devopsComplexity · 1/5ActiveSetup · easy

TLDR

An Etherpad plugin that hides the default line numbers in collaborative documents, giving the editor a cleaner, word-processor feel instead of a code-editor look.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Hides line numbers
      Cleaner editing view
      Word processor feel
    Tech stack
      JavaScript
      Etherpad plugin
      Nodejs
    Use cases
      Schools and writing groups
      Creative writing pads
      Brainstorming sessions
    Audience
      Etherpad administrators
      Non technical users
    Installation
      Use plugin manager
      Restart server
      Do not npm install

Code map

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filefunction / class

What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Set up Etherpad for a creative writing class without distracting line numbers.

USE CASE 2

Create a cleaner brainstorming space for non-technical users in a writing group.

USE CASE 3

Give a school's Etherpad instance a simpler, blank-page feel for students.

What is it built with?

JavaScriptEtherpadNode.js

How does it compare?

ether/ep_hide_line_numbers0xallam/stellar-ai0xdevalias/poc-react-stepper
Stars111
LanguageJavaScriptJavaScriptJavaScript
Last pushed2026-08-042022-12-242018-05-08
MaintenanceActiveDormantDormant
Setup difficultyeasymoderatemoderate
Complexity1/52/52/5
Audienceops devopsgeneraldeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min

Must install through Etherpad's built-in plugin manager, not npm, or the server can break.

The explanation does not mention a license, so it is unclear what permissions are granted for use or modification.

In plain English

Etherpad is a collaborative, browser-based text editor (similar to Google Docs) that numbers each line of a document by default. The ep_hide_line_numbers plugin does exactly what its name suggests: it hides those line numbers so they don't appear when someone opens a new pad. This gives the editing space a cleaner, more traditional word-processor feel instead of looking like a code editor. The plugin is installed through Etherpad's built-in plugin manager. An administrator can find it by searching for it in the Etherpad admin settings panel, or by running a single install command from the server's root directory. After installation, a server restart is all that's needed to take effect. The README includes a specific warning for anyone managing the server: don't try to install it manually using standard Node.js package commands. Etherpad has its own way of tracking plugins, and bypassing it can break the entire server. This tool is designed for administrators running an Etherpad instance who want a simpler, less technical presentation for their users. For example, if a school or writing group uses Etherpad for creative writing or collaborative brainstorming, line numbers might be an unnecessary distraction. Hiding them makes the tool feel more like a blank page and less like a developer's workspace. The project itself is straightforward and does one small thing well. The README doesn't go into detail on how the hiding mechanism works under the hood, but the scope is intentionally minimal: it removes a default interface element to create a cleaner editing experience.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
How do I install the ep_hide_line_numbers plugin on my Etherpad instance using the built-in plugin manager?
Prompt 2
What happens if I install ep_hide_line_numbers using npm install instead of Etherpad's plugin manager, and how do I fix it?
Prompt 3
Help me configure my Etherpad server so line numbers are hidden by default for all new pads using ep_hide_line_numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is ep_hide_line_numbers?

An Etherpad plugin that hides the default line numbers in collaborative documents, giving the editor a cleaner, word-processor feel instead of a code-editor look.

What language is ep_hide_line_numbers written in?

Mainly JavaScript. The stack also includes JavaScript, Etherpad, Node.js.

Is ep_hide_line_numbers actively maintained?

Active — commit in last 30 days (last push 2026-08-04).

What license does ep_hide_line_numbers use?

The explanation does not mention a license, so it is unclear what permissions are granted for use or modification.

How hard is ep_hide_line_numbers to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.

Who is ep_hide_line_numbers for?

Mainly ops devops.

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