> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.anara.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a new note

This tutorial will walk you through creating and working with notes in Anara, where you can write, organize thoughts, and leverage AI-powered writing assistance.

## Step 1: Create a new note

There are multiple ways to create a note:

### Option A: From the left sidebar

1. Click the **+** icon in the [left sidebar](/sidebars/left-sidebar)
2. Select **New note**
3. Your new note opens immediately in the editor

### Option B: From the notes sidebar

1. Open the [Notes sidebar](/sidebars/notes-sidebar) from the left panel
2. Click the **+** button in the top-right corner
3. A new note is created and ready for editing

## Step 2: Start writing

The note editor provides a rich writing environment:

1. **Give your note a title** by clicking on "Untitled Note"
2. **Start typing** in the main editor area
3. Use the **formatting toolbar** for basic formatting:
   * Bold, italic, underline text
   * Create headings (H1-H6)
   * Add bullet or numbered lists
   * Insert code blocks or quotes

## Step 3: Use AI writing assistance

When you select any text, a floating menu appears with AI-powered options:

### Edit with AI

1. Highlight text you want to improve
2. Click **Edit with AI** in the floating menu
3. Choose from predefined actions:
   * **Improve**: Enhance clarity and flow
   * **Expand**: Add more detail
   * **Shorten**: Make more concise
   * **Paraphrase**: Rewrite in different words
   * **Custom prompt**: Give specific instructions

### Add citations

1. Select text that needs a citation
2. Click **Cite** in the floating menu
3. Search your library or the internet for sources
4. Select relevant citations to add

<Info>
  The AI used in the editor can be different from your chat AI. Configure it in settings for optimal performance.
</Info>

## Step 4: Organize and manage notes

### In the Notes sidebar

* **View all notes**: See your complete note collection
* **Sort by recent**: Most recently edited notes appear first
* **Search notes**: Find specific content across all notes
* **Quick preview**: Click any note to preview without leaving your current work

### Note management options

Click the menu (three dots) in the top-right of any note to:

* Rename the note
* Open in full view for distraction-free writing
* Delete notes you no longer need

## Step 5: Connect notes to your research

### Reference other documents

* Mention specific papers or files from your library
* Link to other notes for cross-referencing
* Include citations from your research

### Use with chat

1. Open a note and start a chat
2. Select **Edit mode** in the chat
3. Ask AI to modify your note content:
   * "Convert this to a summary"
   * "Add an introduction paragraph"
   * "Reorganize into sections"

## Advanced features

### AI Autocomplete

Enable [AI autocomplete](/write/ai-autocomplete) for intelligent writing suggestions as you type.

### Export options

Export your completed notes in various formats:

* Word (.docx) with proper formatting
* PDF for sharing or printing
* Markdown for technical documentation

## Tips for effective note-taking

* **Create templates**: Start with a consistent structure for similar types of notes
* **Use headings**: Organize content with clear sections
* **Link liberally**: Connect related ideas across notes
* **Review regularly**: Revisit and refine notes to reinforce learning
* **Tag systematically**: Use consistent tags for easy retrieval

## Next steps

Now that you can create notes, explore:

* [Adding citations to your notes](/tutorials/search-citation)
* [Using agents](/tutorials/mention-agent) to enhance your writing
* [Importing research](/tutorials/import-chat) to reference in notes