--- title: "Pads - CoderPad Interview Docs" description: "Learn how to use an Interview pad -- the collaborative environment where you'll be assessing your engineering candidates." canonical: "https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/" last_modified: "2026-07-02 02:54:08" --- 1. [Docs home](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/) / 2. [Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/) / 3. [Pads](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/) [Documentation menu](#docs-navigation) # Pads Last updated on July 2, 2026 > ![✅](https://coderpad.io/assets/emoji/2705.svg) If you’re looking for the quickstart guide for live Interview pads, [you can find that here](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/live-interview-pads/). You can find the quickstart guide for [Take-Home pads here](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/interviewers/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/take-home-projects/). A “pad” is the collaborative interview session where the candidate will write and run code. It consists of a code editor on the left side and output on the right side. You should make a new pad for each interview. > ![✅](https://coderpad.io/assets/emoji/2705.svg) The right window will also contain test case results, private interviewer notes, and candidate instructions depending on the type of pad you create and the role of the user. - [Add your starter code](#add-your-starter-code) - [Drag and drop files](#drag-and-drop-files) - [Execute the code](#execute-the-code) - [Program Output](#program-output) - [Reviewing interview results](#reviewing-interview-results) - [Pad status](#pad-status) ## Add your starter code You can add starter code either when you [create a question](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/question-bank/creating-and-editing-a-question/) or directly into an open pad. For any of the non-framework or single-file languages you can just type your starter code directly into the editor: [![A single file pad with code highlighted in the code editor on the left of the pad.](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-15-1024x500.png)](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-15.png) ### Drag and drop files For multi-file languages, you can also add your starter code to the editor OR you can use our drag-and-drop feature to load multiple files and folders into the pad — perfect if you have interview questions already set up in your desktop or code repository. Simply drag the files or folders into the file tree on the left side of the screen and you’ll see them load into the file tree ready for use by you or your candidate: Some things to keep in mind if you use the drag and drop feature: - While most file types are accepted, you won’t be able to load any file with binary characters. This includes things like images or compiled apps. - When uploading a file with the same name as an existing file, you’ll have the option to replace or keep both. - Certain files that are prepopulated by CoderPad cannot be removed. Any packaging or build files (like`package.json`,`vite.config.ts`, etc.) are necessary for the application to run and as such you will not see an option to remove them from the file tree — though you can still edit them as needed. ## Execute the code In order to run code in any language, simply hit on the Run button in the top left hand corner of a pad. [![An example pad with code in the left window and interviewer notes in the right window. A big green run button is in the top left.](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-11-1024x500.png)](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image-11.png) We also give a handy [keyboard shortcut](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/keyboard-shortcuts/) if you don’t want to take your hands off the keyboard. ## Program Output As soon as you click on the Run button, your code will be executed and showcase the program output in a REPL window. If there are any errors in the code that is executed, the errors will also show in the output window. To clear the output of the REPL at any time, simply click on the Reset button, located in the top right hand corner of a pad. This will not reset any code in the left hand pane, it will simply clear the output within the REPL. For some languages (Ruby, Python, Javascript) – the REPL carries over variables from the left pane, and are available in the REPL. For other languages (Clojure, Erlang, OCaml, Perl, R, MySQL, PostgreSQL) the REPL is “disconnected” from the left pane. Any code written into the REPL isn’t saved/visible in playback. ## Reviewing interview results A record of everything the candidate types in the pad will be permanently saved for your team to [review and share afterwards](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/playback-mode/). ## Pad status In the Pads List in your dashboard you’ll notice that each pad is assigned a Status: [![A pads list with the status column highlighted.](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-18-1024x342.png)](https://coderpad.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/image-18.png) The pad status flow is as follows: Live interview pads | Take-home pads Not started: Pad created and there has been little-to-no participant action. | Not started: Pad created with no candidate action. Opened: A candidate has opened the pad. Started: At least two pad participants have joined the pad at some point AND at least two detectable actions have been performed (e.g., typing code + running code). | Started: At least five minutes must have passed AND at least two detectable actions have been performed (e.g., typing code + running code). Ready for Review: Either the candidate has submitted the pad or the time limit has been reached and the pad was automatically submitted. Ended: The End Interview button has been clicked OR the pad has been auto-ended due to account settings. | Reviewed: The Finish Review button has been clicked on the playback review page. ## Table of Contents - [Jupyter Notebooks](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/jupyter-notebooks/) - [Creating a pad](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/creating-a-pad/) - [Code editor](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/code-editor/) - [Keyboard Shortcuts](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/keyboard-shortcuts/) - [Settings](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/settings/) - [Using pad features](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/using-pad-features/) - [Private Interviewer Notes](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/private-interviewer-notes/) - [Playback & Pad Summary](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/playback-mode/) - [Video & audio chat](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/video-and-audio-call/) - [Duplicate pads](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/duplicate-pads/) - [Pad bulk actions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/pad-bulk-actions/) - [API client](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/api-client/) - [AI Notetaker](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/live-interview-transcription/) - [AI Tools for Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/interview-ai-assist/) Close Docs Index - [Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/) Toggle children pages - [Quick start guides](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/recruiters-quickstart/) Toggle children pages - [Onboarding Checklist](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/recruiters-quickstart/screen-onboarding-checklist/) - [The CoderPad Screen Score Guide](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/the-coderpad-screen-score-guide/) - [Video Guides](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/recruiters-quickstart/video-guides/) - [Tests](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/) Toggle children pages - [Creating a test](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/creating-a-test/) - [Customizing test content](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/customizing-test-content/) - [Editing test settings](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/editing-test-settings/) - [AI Tools for Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/ai-tools-for-screen/) - [Test management](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/test-management/) - [Test retake requests](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/test-retake-requests/) - [Cheating prevention and detection in Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/cheating-prevention-detection/) Toggle children pages - [Webcam proctoring](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/cheating-prevention-detection/webcam-proctoring/) - [Test Insights](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/test-insights/) - [Projects NEW](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/tests/projects/) - [Candidate management](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-management/) Toggle children pages - [Anonymizing candidates](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-management/anonymizing-candidates/) - [Import candidates from CSV file](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-management/import-candidates-from-csv-file/) - [Candidate reports](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-reports/) Toggle children pages - [Candidates dashboard](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-reports/candidate-dashboard/) - [Code playback](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-reports/code-playback/) - [Fixing an incorrectly marked question](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-reports/fixing-an-incorrectly-marked-question/) - [Error messages in candidate reports](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/candidate-reports/error-messages-in-candidate-reports/) - [Customizing questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/) Toggle children pages - [Creating custom questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/creating-custom-questions/) Toggle children pages - [Custom Project questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/creating-custom-questions/custom-project-questions/) - [Importing questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/importing-questions/) - [Customized domains and skills](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/customized-domains-and-skills/) - [Sharing your custom questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/customizing-questions/sharing-your-custom-questions/) - [Integrations](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/) Toggle children pages - [Ashby for Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/ashby-for-screen/) - [Greenhouse for Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/greenhouse/) - [iCIMS](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/icims/) - [Jobvite](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/jobvite/) - [Lever](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/lever/) - [SmartRecruiters](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/smartrecruiters/) - [Taleez](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/taleez/) - [Taleo](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/taleo/) - [Teamtailor](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/teamtailor/) - [Workable](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/workable/) - [Workday](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/workday/) - [Account management](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/) Toggle children pages - [Editing your profile](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/editing-your-profile/) - [Managing users & teams](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/managing-users/) - [Billing](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/billing-history/) - [Configure data protection](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/configure-data-protection/) - [Insights](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/insights/) - [SSO](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/sso/) Toggle children pages - [Okta SSO legacy process](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/sso/okta-sso-legacy-process/) - [Cancel your subscription](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/unsubscribing/) - [More](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/) Toggle children pages - [FAQ](https://coderpad.io/faqs/#screen-faq) - [Supported languages, frameworks, & technologies](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/) Toggle children pages - [Available domains](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/available-domains/) - [What compiler does my Screen project run on?](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/what-compiler-does-my-screen-project-run-on/) - [What compiler does my Screen test run on?](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/what-compiler-does-my-test-run-on/) - [Supported browser versions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/browser-versions/) - [API key access](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/api-key-access/) - [Accessibility](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/accessibility/) - [API documentation](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/api-documentation/) - [Troubleshooting Screen](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/troubleshoot/) - [Static code analysis](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/static-code-analysis/) - [Code editor](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/monaco-code-editor/) - [Report a question leak](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/report-a-question-leak/) - [Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/) Toggle children pages - [Quick start guides](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/) Toggle children pages - [Onboarding Checklist](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interview-onboarding-checklist/) - [Interviewers](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/) Toggle children pages - [Live Interview quick start](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/live-interview-pads/) - [Take-home project quick start](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/take-home-projects/) - [Interview best practices](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/interviewers/interview-best-practices/) - [Recruiters](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/recruiters/) - [Account administrators](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/account-admins/) - [Video Guides](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/coderpad-interview-quickstart-video-guides/) - [Engineer’s guide to multi-file frameworks](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/multi-file-frameworks-for-engineers/) - [Talent acquisition’s guide to multi-file frameworks](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/quick-start-guides/multi-file-frameworks-for-talent-acquisition-teams/) - [Pads](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/) Toggle children pages - [Creating a pad](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/creating-a-pad/) - [Using pad features](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/using-pad-features/) - [Jupyter Notebooks](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/jupyter-notebooks/) - [API client](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/api-client/) - [AI Tools for Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/interview-ai-assist/) - [Code editor](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/code-editor/) - [Video & audio chat](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/video-and-audio-call/) Toggle children pages - [AI Notetaker](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/live-interview-transcription/) - [Interview Highlights NEW](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview-highlights/) - [Interview Outlines NEW](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/video-and-audio-call/interview-outlines/) - [Private Interviewer Notes](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/private-interviewer-notes/) - [Settings](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/settings/) - [Keyboard shortcuts](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/keyboard-shortcuts/) - [Playback & Pad Summary](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/playback-mode/) - [Duplicate pads](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/duplicate-pads/) - [Pad bulk actions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/pads/pad-bulk-actions/) - [Drawing mode](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/drawing-mode/) - [Interview question bank](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/question-bank/) Toggle children pages - [Creating and editing questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/question-bank/creating-and-editing-a-question/) - [Example questions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/question-bank/example-questions/) - [Test cases](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/question-bank/test-cases/) - [Focus Time](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/focus-time/) - [Databases](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/databases/) - [Custom files](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/custom-files/) - [Integrations](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/) Toggle children pages - [Ashby for Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/ashby/) - [GoodTime](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/goodtime/) - [Google Chrome Calendar extension](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/google-chrome-calendar-extension/) - [Greenhouse for Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/greenhouse/) Toggle children pages - [Greenhouse live interview integration](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/greenhouse/live-interview-integration/) - [Greenhouse take-home projects integration](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/greenhouse/take-home-integration/) - [iCIMS](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/icims/) - [Lever](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/lever/) - [Gem](https://support.gem.com/hc/en-us/articles/26933157317399-How-do-I-connect-my-CoderPad-account) - [SmartRecruiters](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/integrations/smartrecruiters/) - [ModernLoop](https://modernloop.notion.site/coderpad) - [Workday](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/integrations/workday/) - [Account management](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/) Toggle children pages - [Team management](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/team-management/) - [Managing users](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/managing-users/) - [SSO](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/account-management/sso/) - [Insights](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/insights/) - [Billing](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/billing-history/) - [Canceling your subscription](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/account-mgmt/unsubscribing/) - [More](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/more-interview-resources/) Toggle children pages - [Cheating prevention and detection in Interview](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/cheating-prevention-in-interview/) - [FAQ](https://coderpad.io/faqs/#live-faq) - [Accessibility](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/accessibility/) - [Supported technologies & languages](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/more-interview-resources/supported-technologies-languages/) Toggle children pages - [Languages & frameworks](https://coderpad.io/languages/) - [Unit testing](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/unit-testing/) Toggle children pages - [Using Jest with React](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/unit-testing/using-jest-with-react/) - [Supported browser versions](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/screen/more-screen-resources/supported-languages-frameworks-technologies/browser-versions/) - [API key access](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/more-interview-resources/api-key/) - [API documentation](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/more-interview-resources/api-documentation/) - [Troubleshooting](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/interview/more-interview-resources/troubleshooting/) - [Server statuses](https://status.coderpad.io/?_gl=1*ta4d92*_ga*MTkzMTE2ODYyMC4xNjU4MjQ5Mzcw*_ga_XBQ5N5CE2N*MTY2NzQxOTY5OS4yNjIuMS4xNjY3NDIxNDQ0LjAuMC4w&_ga=2.62808234.704669655.1667307151-1931168620.1658249370) - [Data management and privacy policy](https://coderpad.io/privacy/) - [AI Fluency](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/ai-fluency/) - [For candidates](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/) Toggle children pages - [Screen preparation guide](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/screen-preparation-guide/) Toggle children pages - [Webcam and microphone access](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/screen-preparation-guide/webcam-access/) - [Projects exercises](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/screen-preparation-guide/projects-exercises/) - [Interview preparation guide](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/interview-preparation-guide/) Toggle children pages - [Try the sandbox](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/for-candidates/interview-preparation-guide/sandbox/) - [FAQ](https://coderpad.io/faqs/#faq-do-candidates-have-to-register-an-account-or-pay-to-use-interview) - [What’s new?](https://coderpad.io/resources/docs/changelog/)