As a Dungeon Master, one of your key responsibilities is to maintain the pace of the game during your D&D sessions. Effective pacing keeps players engaged, ensures smooth gameplay, and enhances the overall experience. Here are the first five essential strategies to help you keep your sessions dynamic and engaging. 

Throughout this article, I use the term scene, or scenes. In this context, a scene is a location. Anywhere the PCs go to, is a scene, easy as that. The Gatehouse of the castle is a scene. The tunnels under the castle walls are a scene. The tunnels may be split into several scenes, especially if the Party runs into some encounter. 

With that out of the way, let’s start.

Plan and Structure Your Session

Outline Key Scenes:

Identify Major Plot Points: Before the session, outline the key events and encounters that need to happen. This could include important conversations, battles, puzzles, or story reveals. For instance, if the session involves infiltrating a castle, identify scenes such as gathering information, sneaking in, confronting guards, and reaching the main objective.

Determine Objectives: Clarify the goals for each scene. This helps you understand what the players need to achieve to progress. For example, the objective of a tavern scene might be to gather information about the castle's defenses.

Set Time Limits:

Allocate Time per Scene: Estimate how long each scene should take. This keeps you mindful of the session’s overall pacing. For example, you might allocate 30 minutes for the initial planning phase, 45 minutes for the infiltration, and 30 minutes for the confrontation with the castle’s guards.

Adjust on the Fly: Be flexible with your time allocations, these are rough estimates to work out the flow of the game. If a scene is running longer than expected but remains engaging, let it flow naturally. Conversely, if a scene is dragging, find ways to wrap it up quickly and move on to the next one.

Incorporate Transition Scenes:

Smooth Transitions: Plan transition scenes to maintain flow between major events. This can be a brief travel montage, a quick recap of uneventful periods, or a short descriptive passage that sets the scene for the next major event. For example, after a battle, describe the journey to the next location briefly to avoid unnecessary downtime. This assumes that nothing will happen to the Party after the battle, and before they reach the next location.

Character Interactions: Use transitions for character interactions and development. This can be a good time for players to discuss their plans, reflect on past events, or engage in light role-playing that doesn’t require detailed DM intervention. Talking about the last battle, or planning what they will do at the next location are normal interactions among Party Members.

Include Flexibility for Player Choices:

Multiple Paths: Prepare for various outcomes based on player choices. For instance, if players can choose between a stealthy approach or a direct confrontation, outline potential scenes for both paths. This keeps the session dynamic and responsive to player decisions.

Improvisational Notes: Have notes on possible improvisations that can bridge gaps or respond to unexpected player actions. For example, if the players decide to negotiate with an enemy instead of fighting, have some dialogue prompts and outcomes ready to keep the scene moving. 

You don’t need to have exact dialogue, but you do need to know the character well enough to understand their motivations and goals for the interaction. If it’s a castle guard, he may be bored, just waiting to get off shift, and doesn’t really want to deal with the Party. Knowing just that little bit, will make playing the guard easier, and more believable.

Prioritize Important Scenes:

Focus on Key Moments: Identify which scenes are critical to the session’s progress and give them priority in your planning. For example, if the climax of the session is a dramatic confrontation, ensure you allocate enough time and detail to make it impactful.

Streamline Minor Encounters: For less critical encounters, keep them brief and straightforward. This ensures that the main plot points receive the attention they deserve without unnecessary delays. Again, knowing the basics of motivation for characters and scene dressing for the location will allow you to answer any questions the PCs ask, without needing to consult any notes.

Example of Structured Session Outline:

Opening Recap and Planning (15 minutes): Quick recap of previous session, players discuss and plan their approach to infiltrating the castle.

Gathering Information (30 minutes): Scene at the tavern to gather information, interaction with NPCs who provide clues. 

Infiltrating the Castle (45 minutes): Stealth and skill checks to bypass guards, possible minor skirmish if detected. 

Reaching the Objective (30 minutes): Navigating the castle interior, puzzle or trap to overcome.
Confrontation with the Guards (30 minutes): Combat encounter with the castle guards, decision point: capture the leader or escape. 

Climax and Cliffhanger (15 minutes): Final reveal or dramatic event, set up for the next session.

Keep Combat Encounters Snappy

Streamline Initiative:

Digital Tools: Use apps or digital tools to manage initiative order efficiently. Tools like D&D Beyond’s combat tracker or Roll20 can help automate and speed up the process. You will have already used

Dungeon Master Tools, to prep your session.

Pre-Roll Initiative: You can have players pre-roll their initiative at the start of the session or encounter to save time during the heat of battle. Personally, I enjoy rolling initiative at the beginning of combat. 

Initiative Cards: Use initiative cards placed in order on the table so everyone can easily see when their turn is coming up, reducing the need to constantly announce the order. Back in Ye Olde Days, we never played at a table, had maps, or any other modern conveniences. If you are at a table, absolutely have Initiative Cards for your players. You can even have the players make their own, with a picture of their character on it.

Simplify Enemy Actions:

Basic Attack Options: For minor enemies, stick to basic attack options instead of complex abilities or spellcasting. This keeps the focus on player actions and speeds up enemy turns. A hoard of Goblins are going to attack with a blade, or run away.

Batch Rolling: Roll attacks and damage for groups of similar enemies at once instead of individually. For example, if five goblins are attacking, roll their attacks simultaneously and then determine hits and misses. This can really only be done if you’re treating the group as a single monster, or if the individual monsters are one after the other in initiative order. 

Pre-Rolling and Tracking: Pre-roll enemy initiatives and have stats and abilities readily accessible. Track hit points on a simple sheet or app to avoid flipping through notes during combat. During session prep, you can make a piece of paper for the encounter, listing all the monsters/enemies, their basic stats and attacks, as well as AC and HP. Every time they are hit, cross out the current Hit Points and write the new.

Encourage Quick Decisions:

Time Limits: Gently enforce a time limit for player decisions, especially in combat. Let players know they have a set amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) to decide their actions once their turn begins, then set an actual alarm or timer so that they know exactly when their time is up.

Ready Actions: Encourage players to think about their next move while waiting for their turn. This reduces downtime and keeps the game moving. This can be a standard part of your “On Deck” notice. Just remind the player that they are up next, and should know what they plan to do. 

Turn Summaries: Ask players to quickly summarize their actions at the start of their turn. For example, “I’m going to move here and attack this enemy with my sword.”, any specific information you need can be asked for as needed.

Use Combat Shortcuts:

Average Damage: Use average damage for enemies instead of rolling for each attack. This speeds up combat while keeping the challenge consistent. This works very well for a hoard. If the Party is only facing a few antagonists, it’s just as easy to keep separate track of each.

Simplified Conditions: For common conditions like stunned or poisoned, have simplified rules ready to apply quickly without needing to reference the rulebook repeatedly. In fact, it might be a good idea to come up with standard simple rules for all conditions, and have them on your DM Screen. 

Legendary Actions and Lair Actions: For boss fights, utilize legendary actions and lair actions to add complexity without prolonging each turn excessively. This keeps the fight dynamic and engaging without bogging down in details.

Incorporate Cinematic Descriptions:

Describe Key Moments: Use brief, vivid descriptions to make key combat moments exciting. This keeps players engaged and minimizes the need for lengthy explanations. For example, describe a critical hit with flair: “Your sword slices through the air, striking the orc’s shoulder with a burst of sparks and a roar of pain.” The key to good descriptions is using words that evoke images. You can see the sparks fly off the Orc’s armor, and hear the scream of pain.

Summarize Mooks: For minor enemies, summarize their fate when defeated to keep the narrative moving. “With a swift slash, you dispatch the remaining goblins, clearing the room.”

Focus on Player Agency:

Highlight Player Actions: Keep the focus on player decisions and actions. This ensures they feel the impact of their choices and remain engaged. Unless they are fighting a Boss of some sort, make sure to describe things in terms of Player actions.

Quick Resolution for Minor Actions: Resolve minor actions quickly without getting bogged down in details. For instance, if a player wants to move through difficult terrain, make a quick judgment call rather than consulting the rules extensively. Basically, if it seems logical to do, allow it. A player wants to use Spider Climb to move around the pit. Sure, why not?

Manage Combat Flow:

Dynamic Environment: Use the environment to keep combat dynamic and interesting. Introduce hazards or changing conditions that force players to adapt quickly. Anyone can fight in an empty room, but it really brings the fight to life if they are fighting while jumping from droid to droid, floating over the river of molten lava.

Break Up Large Battles: For large battles, break them into smaller, more manageable encounters. This prevents combat from dragging on and allows for varied pacing. Always keep the action around the Party Members. If they are in the middle of two armies battling each other, keep what is happening closest to them, the focus. At the top of the round, you can describe other things that are happening, as long as those things are relevant to what the Party is doing.

Example of a Snappy Combat Encounter:

Setup (5 minutes): Pre-roll initiative for enemies and players, place enemy miniatures on the map and describe the scene briefly.

Combat Rounds (10-15 minutes): Players and enemies take turns, using time limits for decisions. Batch roll attacks for groups of enemies, use average damage for enemy attacks. 

Dynamic Elements (5 minutes): Introduce a hazard, like a collapsing ceiling or reinforcements. Describe environmental effects briefly to keep players on their toes. 

Resolution (5 minutes): Summarize the outcome of the combat, provide a quick description of any loot or clues found.

Streamline Role-Playing and Decision-Making

Summarize Conversations:

Key Points Only: Focus on summarizing the key points of conversations, especially when they involve lengthy discussions. For example, instead of playing out every word of a negotiation, summarize the main arguments and the outcome: “After a tense negotiation, the merchant agrees to lower the price in exchange for a favor.”

Use Highlights: Highlight the most important parts of the conversation to keep players informed and the story moving. For instance, when discussing strategy, quickly summarize the agreed-upon plan without delving into every detail. 

Scene Summaries: At the end of significant role-playing scenes, provide a brief recap to ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to move forward. This helps to maintain clarity and momentum. 

This is best used if the parties involved don’t enjoy roll playing. You know your players, let them do what they enjoy, at least for a little while. If the player enjoys haggling, haggle with them (as the NPC). If they enjoy seducing, allow them to seduce your NPC. Don’t skip over things the players enjoy doing, just because it will make the game go faster. It will also make the game less enjoyable for them.

Clear Choices:

Present Options Clearly: When players are faced with decisions, present their options clearly and concisely. This helps them understand the potential consequences and make decisions faster. For example, “You can either try to sneak past the guards, confront them head-on, or look for another way in.”

Limit Options: Avoid overwhelming players with too many choices. Offer no more than three clear and impactful options to streamline decision-making. For instance, when deciding how to approach a mission, give three distinct plans of action instead of an open-ended question. 

When faced with more than three options, people will hesitate, take their time and mull over the options far longer than necessary. More than three options causes people to stop, while they process things. Three options are the most a person can process without really thinking it over. 

Guide with Questions: Use guiding questions to help players clarify their thoughts and make decisions quickly. Ask questions like, “What’s your top priority here?” or “How do you want to approach this problem?”

Use Decision-Making Aids:

Pros and Cons Lists: Encourage players to quickly list the pros and cons of their options. This can help them weigh their choices more efficiently. For example, when deciding whether to negotiate with a villain or attack, list potential benefits and risks of each choice.

Flowcharts and Diagrams: Visual aids like flowcharts can help players understand the ramifications of their decisions at a glance. This is especially useful for complex scenarios with multiple branching paths. 

Decision Timers: Use a timer to keep the decision-making process brisk. Give players a set amount of time to discuss and decide on their course of action, such as a two minute timer for making strategic decisions during combat, or a five minute timer for deciding what to do outside combat.

Encourage Role-Playing Efficiency:

Focus on Key Interactions: Encourage players to focus on the most important role-playing interactions that drive the story forward. For example, a crucial conversation with a king or a heartfelt dialogue with a fellow party member about a significant plot point.

Role-Playing Prompts: Provide role-playing prompts to keep conversations focused and on track. Questions like, “How does your character feel about this situation?” or “What’s your character’s main concern right now?” can guide players to more meaningful and concise interactions. 

Pre-Defined Goals: Encourage players to define their goals for role-playing scenes at the beginning of the scene. This helps them stay focused on achieving those goals rather than meandering through dialogue. For instance, if a player wants to gather information, remind them to stay focused on asking pertinent questions.

Utilize Cut-Scenes:

Narrative Descriptions: Use narrative cut-scenes to describe events that don’t require player interaction but are important for the story. This can move the plot forward without slowing down the session. For example, describe a villain’s escape in a dramatic narrative rather than playing out every detail.

Transition Scenes: Employ brief cut-scenes to transition between major events or locations. This maintains narrative flow and reduces downtime. For instance, narrate the party’s travel from one town to another, highlighting any notable occurrences or changes in the environment. Typically this will be a simple “After three days travel, you arrive at the town. The two people you met on the road, indicated that the Lazy Mule was the place to get local gossip, and the Inn is located at the center of town”.

Example of Streamlined Role-Playing and Decision-Making:

Setup (5 minutes): Present the players with a situation requiring a decision, such as how to infiltrate a guarded fortress. Provide clear options: “You can sneak in through the sewer, disguise yourselves and enter through the front gate, or create a distraction and slip in during the chaos.”

Decision-Making (5 minutes): Encourage players to quickly discuss the pros and cons of each option. Use a timer to keep the discussion concise and focused. Summarize the chosen plan and outline the next steps: “You decide to disguise yourselves and enter through the front gate. As you approach the gate...” 

Role-Playing Interaction (10-15 minutes): Focus on key interactions needed to execute the plan, such as convincing a guard to let them in. Use role-playing prompts to keep dialogue concise and on target. Summarize lengthy conversations to maintain pace: “After a convincing argument, the guard agrees to let you pass, but warns you to be cautious.” 

Transition to Action (5 minutes): Narrate the transition from planning to action, using a brief cut-scene: “Disguised as merchants, you make your way through the gate and into the fortress courtyard.”

Encourage Player Preparedness

Pre-Session Prep:

Character Updates: Ask players to update their character sheets, including leveling up, choosing new spells, and noting any new abilities before the session starts. This avoids delays during gameplay. For example, remind players to handle level-up details between sessions rather than during the game. I ALWAYS tell my players after the game to update their character sheets before the next session and give specific direction, if I have them.

Equipment and Inventory: Ensure players have their equipment and inventory lists updated. This includes tracking ammunition, potions, and other consumables, so they don’t spend time mid-session figuring out what they have. Encourage your players to make notes for consumables on a separate sheet of paper. That way everything they need is on one piece of paper, separate from the character sheet. The character sheet can be updated between sessions. 

Session Goals: Encourage players to think about their character’s goals for the upcoming session. Knowing what they want to achieve can help streamline decision-making and keep the game focused. For instance, if a player wants to find information about a lost artifact, they can prioritize actions that move them toward that goal. Also encourage your players to contact you between sessions if they have questions, either about their characters, or what they want their characters to do.

Session Recaps:

Quick Recap at the Start: Begin each session with a brief recap of the previous session’s events. This helps players remember key plot points and objectives. For example, summarize: “Last time, you infiltrated the bandit camp and discovered their plans to attack the village. Now, you need to warn the villagers and prepare defenses.”

Highlight Key Information: Focus on important details that players need to remember to proceed with the current session. Mention any unresolved plot points or immediate threats. For instance, “Remember, the bandit leader escaped and might be planning a counterattack.”
Player Contributions: Invite players to contribute to the recap. This reinforces their memory of events and ensures everyone is on the same page. For example, ask, “Can someone remind us what clues we found about the bandits’ hideout?” 

Alternatively, you can just have the players do the recap of the last session for themselves, and you add in pertinent information they missed. This helps to set the information more permanently in mind for the session.

Encourage Note-Taking:

Designated Note-Taker: Assign a designated note-taker each session or rotate this role among players. Having someone responsible for recording key information helps keep the group organized and informed. They can be known as the Party Cartographer. They are mapping out the adventure as it happens.

Shared Documents: Use shared digital documents or notebooks where players can collectively jot down important details. This allows everyone to reference the same information quickly. Tools like Google Docs or a shared OneNote can be very effective. 

I’m not a fan of Google, because they take any data you give them, for their own purposes, but there should not be any personal data in the D&D notes. Even so, I have included alternatives to Google Docs at the end of the article. 

Summarize Key Points: Encourage players to summarize key points at the end of each session, focusing on new information, plot developments, and unresolved issues. For example, note down: “We learned that the artifact is hidden in the ancient ruins outside the city.”

Spell and Ability Preparation:

Pre-Select Spells: Encourage spellcasters to choose their spells before the session starts. This reduces downtime during gameplay when they need to decide what to cast. For example, ask wizards to prepare their spell lists ahead of time.

Ability Familiarity: Remind players to familiarize themselves with their abilities and how they work. This helps them make quicker decisions during combat or skill challenges. For instance, a rogue should review how Sneak Attack works to avoid asking for rules clarification mid-session. There are likely to be others at the table who can help a player with their abilities, but it should be the player’s responsibility to learn how their character works. 

Cheat Sheets: Provide players with cheat sheets for their character’s abilities, spells, and actions. This makes it easier for them to reference what they can do without searching through rulebooks.

Encourage Strategic Thinking:

Session Planning: Ask players to think about their strategy and actions before the session begins. This could involve discussing plans in a group chat or thinking about individual goals.

Strategic Discussions: Encourage players to discuss their plans and strategies briefly at the beginning of the session. This sets a clear direction and focus for the game. For example, “Our plan is to infiltrate the enemy base, disable the guards, and find the stolen artifact.” 

Review Tactics: Remind players to review their tactics and approach based on previous sessions’ outcomes. This helps them learn from past mistakes and improve their strategies.

Example of Encouraging Player Preparedness:

Pre-Session Prep (5-10 minutes): Remind players to update their character sheets, equipment, and inventory. Ask players to think about their character’s goals and priorities for the session. Most of this should be done between sessions.

Session Recap (5-10 minutes): Provide a brief recap of the previous session’s events, focusing on key plot points and objectives. Highlight any immediate threats or unresolved issues that need attention. Invite players to contribute to the recap and discuss their plans for the session. 

Note Taking (Throughout the Session): Assign a designated note-taker or use shared documents for collective note-taking. Encourage players to summarize key points and new information at the end of the session. 

Spell and Ability Preparation (5 minutes): Remind spellcasters to prepare their spells in advance. Provide players with cheat sheets for their abilities and actions to reference quickly.
Strategic Planning (5-10 minutes): Encourage players to discuss their strategy and actions briefly at the beginning of the session. Remind them to review their tactics based on previous outcomes.

Address Downtime Efficiently

Side Conversations:

Handle Outside Main Sessions: Encourage players to handle side conversations and downtime activities outside of the main game sessions. This can be done through text or email between sessions. For example, if a player wants to negotiate with a merchant or gather information, they can do so in text messages to you. Be sure everyone’s sound is off on their phones. If it’s not something that will affect the night’s game, have them contact you between sessions.

Pre-Session Planning: Allow time before the session starts for players to discuss minor plans or catch up on personal tasks. This helps clear up smaller tasks that might otherwise slow down the main gameplay. 

Individual Check-Ins: Conduct brief individual check-ins with players before or after sessions to handle personal character development or side plots. This keeps the main session focused on group activities and major plot points.

Quick Resolutions:

Summarize Outcomes: For minor tasks or activities that don’t require detailed role-playing, summarize the outcomes quickly. For example, “You spend the afternoon shopping and manage to find the items you need without any trouble.”

Fast-Forwarding: Use fast-forwarding techniques to skip over less critical activities. For instance, if the party is traveling through a safe area, summarize the journey: “After a few days of uneventful travel, you arrive at the city gates.” 

Narrative Handwaves: For routine activities, provide a brief narrative explanation to move the story along. For example, “You spend the evening resting and recovering, ready to face the challenges of the next day.”

Efficient Handling of Downtime Activities:

Downtime Tables: Use downtime tables or random encounter tables to quickly resolve common downtime activities. These can include training, crafting, researching, or carousing. For example, roll on a downtime table to determine the outcome of a character’s research efforts. These tables are part of Dungeon Master Tools. Just click and copy the activity the is presented.

Abstract Downtime Systems: Implement systems that abstract and streamline downtime activities. For instance, use a point-based system where players can spend points to achieve certain goals or complete tasks during downtime. 

Group Activities: Encourage group downtime activities to keep players engaged together. For example, if the party decides to explore a new city, have them visit a market or attend a festival together rather than splitting up.

Player Engagement During Downtime:

Involve the Whole Group: Whenever possible, involve the whole group in downtime scenes to maintain engagement. For instance, if one player is crafting an item, describe how the others assist or engage in related activities. This may not be possible, the other characters may not have the skills required.

Role-Playing Opportunities: Use downtime to create role-playing opportunities that build character relationships and develop the story. For example, have the party share stories around a campfire, discuss their next steps, or bond over a shared meal. 

Mini Quests: Introduce mini-quests or side missions that can be completed during downtime. These should be brief and not detract from the main plot but provide additional depth and engagement. Taking the idea about having the party as a whole involved in downtime, let’s say one of the characters wants to make an item. 

Perhaps one of the materials needed can’t be obtained through sale, so the Rogue needs to steal it. Maybe the Wizard needs to create and maintain a magical fire, so needs to obtain a material used in the spell. The Druid might need to obtain a material from the forest outside the city. Each of these could be mini quests.

Efficient Use of Downtime for Story Advancement:

Advance Plot Threads: Use downtime to advance secondary plot threads or foreshadow future events. For example, while the party is resting, they might overhear rumors about an impending threat or receive a mysterious message.

Character Development: Focus on character development during downtime, allowing players to explore their backstories, resolve personal conflicts, or pursue individual goals. This can be done through brief, meaningful scenes that add depth without taking up too much time. 

Resource Management: Handle resource management and logistical details during downtime. This includes things like restocking supplies, repairing equipment, or managing finances. Quickly summarize these activities to keep the game moving.

Example of Efficiently Addressing Downtime:

Pre-Session Planning (5-10 minutes): Allow players to discuss minor plans or handle personal tasks before the main session starts. Conduct brief individual check-ins to address personal character development or side plots.

Quick Resolutions (5-10 minutes): Summarize outcomes of minor tasks: “You successfully purchase the potions you need without any issues.” Use fast-forwarding for less critical activities: “After an uneventful journey, you reach the village by nightfall.” 

Handling Downtime Activities (10-15 minutes): Use downtime tables or random encounter tables (Dungeon Master Tools) to resolve common activities quickly. Implement abstract downtime systems for training, crafting, or researching. Encourage group activities to keep players engaged together. 

Player Engagement (10-15 minutes): Involve the whole group in downtime scenes to maintain engagement. Create role-playing opportunities that build character relationships. Introduce mini-quests or side missions for additional depth and engagement. 

Story Advancement (5-10 minutes): Use downtime to advance secondary plot threads or foreshadow future events. Focus on character development through brief, meaningful scenes. Handle resource management and logistical details quickly and efficiently.

By implementing these strategies for planning and structuring your session, keeping combat encounters snappy, streamlining role-playing and decision-making, encouraging player preparedness, and addressing downtime efficiently, you can ensure that your D&D sessions are dynamic, engaging, and well-paced. These techniques help minimize downtime, keep players focused, and enhance the overall flow of the game, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Google Docs Alternatives

There are several alternatives to Google Docs for sharing information in a group, especially if you are concerned about data privacy. Here are some options that prioritize user privacy and data security:

1. CryptPad

Description: CryptPad is an open-source, privacy-focused collaboration suite that includes document editing, spreadsheets, and other tools. 

Privacy: End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and your collaborators can read the contents of your documents. 

Website: CryptPad

2. Etherpad

Description: Etherpad is an open-source, web-based collaborative real-time editor, primarily for plain text documents. It can be hosted on your own server for full control over data privacy. 

Privacy: If self-hosted, you can ensure that no data is collected by third parties. 

Website: Etherpad

3. OnlyOffice 

Description: OnlyOffice offers a comprehensive suite of document editing and collaboration tools, which can be integrated with other platforms or hosted independently. 

Privacy: Self-hosting ensures that your data remains private and secure. 

Website: OnlyOffice

4. Nextcloud 

Description: Nextcloud is a self-hosted productivity platform that includes file sharing, document editing (via the OnlyOffice integration), and other collaboration tools. 

Privacy: Self-hosted, providing complete control over data privacy and security. 

Website: Nextcloud

5. LibreOffice Online 

Description: LibreOffice Online is the cloud-based version of the popular open-source office suite, offering document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing. 

Privacy: Can be self-hosted to ensure data privacy and security. 

Website: LibreOffice Online

6. Zoho Docs 

Description: Zoho Docs is a cloud-based office suite with a strong emphasis on privacy and security. 

Privacy: Offers robust security features and compliance with data privacy regulations. 

Website: Zoho Docs

7. Notion 

Description: Notion is an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, project management, and collaboration. While it is not specifically marketed as a privacy-focused tool, it has strong privacy policies. 

Privacy: Notion has implemented robust security measures, but it is not open-source, so you would need to review their privacy policies to ensure it meets your needs. 

Website: Notion

8. CodiMD/HedgeDoc 

Description: HedgeDoc (formerly known as CodiMD) is an open-source collaborative markdown editor that can be self-hosted. 

Privacy: Being open-source and self-hosted, it allows you to maintain full control over your data. 

Website: HedgeDoc

These alternatives provide various levels of privacy and security, with many offering the option to self-host to ensure that no user data is collected or shared with third parties. Depending on your specific needs and technical capabilities, one of these options should be a suitable replacement for Google Docs while prioritizing user privacy.

I cannot vouch for any of them, because I have not used them. As always, do your own research.

Part 2 will be posted next week. Let me know if I've missed anything out of the topics discussed so far, in the comments below.