# Notes Export & History

Export your notes in 6 different formats, browse version history with preview and restore, and collaborate in real-time with presence and comments.

## Export Formats

Click the **"Export"** button in the header to open the export modal. Choose from document or developer formats.

### Document Formats

#### Word

.docx

Microsoft Word document. Ideal for sharing with non-technical collaborators

#### PDF

.pdf

Portable document. Great for read-only distribution and printing

#### Plain Text

.txt

No formatting. Useful for pasting into other systems

### Developer Formats

#### Markdown

.md

Plain text with formatting. Perfect for READMEs, docs, and static sites

#### HTML

.html

Web-ready document. Ready to embed in websites or emails

#### JSON

.json

Lossless OpenCharts Notes data. Re-importable for backups and integrations

You can also copy Markdown or HTML directly to clipboard without downloading a file.

## Version History

### How It Works

Every time you save, a history entry is recorded (throttled to one entry per 10 seconds). Entries are grouped by date and show the author's name, avatar, and timestamp.

### Preview a Version

Hover over any history entry and click the **eye** icon to open a read-only preview of that version. It renders in your current theme so you can compare visually.

### Restore a Version

Click the **restore** icon to replace your current content with that version. A confirmation dialog appears first. Restoring triggers an autosave so the change is permanent.

### Open History

Click the **History** button in the header bar to open the version history panel. It shows all recorded versions for the current note.

## Real-Time Collaboration in Notes

Notes projects support the same real-time collaboration as flowcharts. When multiple people view or edit a note, you'll see:

- **Presence Avatars**: Avatars of all active collaborators appear in the header bar.
- **Live Cursors**: Color-coded cursors show where others are reading or editing.
- **Canvas Comments**: Place comments directly on the note content, inline or canvas-pinned.
- **Real-Time Sync**: Edits sync automatically so everyone sees the latest content.

## Notes Workflow Best Practices

- ✓ **Use headings for structure**: Headings power the outline sidebar, AI section detection, and exported table of contents.
- ✓ **Match theme to task**: Academic for papers, Terminal for changelogs, Focus for deep writing sessions.
- ✓ **Use AI iteratively**: Generate a draft, then use Improve Writing or Expand Section on specific parts instead of regenerating everything.
- ✓ **Export before sharing externally**: Word and PDF are universally readable; Markdown is best for developer documentation.
- ✓ **Check version history for peace of mind**: If AI made an unwanted change, just restore from the previous version.

**Tip:** JSON export preserves the exact block structure. Use it for backups or to transfer notes between OpenCharts accounts.