# Notes Editor

The OpenCharts Notes editor is a free block-based rich-text environment with an inline Theo AI assistant (⌘J for rewrite, summarize, translate), 6 themes, a built-in task manager with due dates, web clipper, and export to PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown, and plain text.

## When to Use Notes vs. Flowcharts

### Notes

- Long-form writing, essays, and reports
- Meeting notes and agendas
- To-do lists and project plans
- Academic papers and documentation

### Flowcharts

- Process diagrams and workflows
- Decision trees and branching logic
- System architecture diagrams
- Visual step-by-step guides

## Creating a Note

### From the Projects Page

Click **"Create New File"** in the sidebar, then choose **"Note"**. A blank note opens immediately and auto-saves as you type.

### From a Template

Browse the Templates page and select a Notes template. Click **"Use Template"** to create a new note pre-filled with the template's structure and content.

### From a Team Organization

In a team's Projects page, click **"Add Project"** and create a new Note directly. It will be linked to the organization automatically.

## Content Blocks

Type `/` on a new line to open the block menu and choose from these block types:

### Paragraph

Standard text block. The default for all content.

### Headings

Three levels (H1, H2, H3) for document structure. Type / to access.

### Bullet List

Unordered list for grouping related items.

### Numbered List

Ordered list for sequential steps or ranked items.

### Checklist

Interactive to-do list with toggleable checkboxes.

### Code Block

Monospaced block for code snippets with syntax highlighting.

### Table

Structured data with rows and columns. Add/remove via toolbar.

### Blockquote

Indented block for quotations and callouts.

### Task Block

Trackable tasks with priorities, due dates, and automatic reminders.

## Inline Formatting

Select text to reveal the floating toolbar, or use keyboard shortcuts:

**Bold**  
`⌘/Ctrl + B`  
**Italic**  
`⌘/Ctrl + I`  
**Underline**  
`⌘/Ctrl + U`  
**Strikethrough**  
`⌘/Ctrl + Shift + X`  
**Code**  
`⌘/Ctrl + E`

## Writing Themes

Notes themes aren't just colors. Each one changes the editor's layout, typography, and available tools. [See the full theme guide →](/content/help/notes-themes/index.html)

### Modern

Clean sans-serif. The default experience.

### Manuscript

Serif paper card with word count & page estimate.

### Terminal

Monospace, dark mode, status bar & line numbers.

### Focus

Narrow column, typewriter scroll, distraction-free.

### Notebook

Ruled lines & handwritten-style headings.

### Academic

Outline sidebar, section numbering & structure tools.

Switch themes any time using the theme picker in the header bar.

## Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential shortcuts for the Notes editor:

**Toggle AI Writing Assistant**  
`⌘/Ctrl + J`  
**Force save**  
`⌘/Ctrl + S`  
**Undo**  
`⌘/Ctrl + Z`  
**Redo**  
`⌘/Ctrl + Shift + Z`  
**Bold**  
`⌘/Ctrl + B`  
**Italic**  
`⌘/Ctrl + I`  
**Underline**  
`⌘/Ctrl + U`  
**Inline code**  
`⌘/Ctrl + E`  
**Open block menu**  
`/`

## Key Features at a Glance

- ✓**Autosave**: your work is saved continuously as you type.
- ✓**AI Writing Assistant**: Generate, edit, and organize content with `⌘J`.
- ✓**6 Writing Themes**: Structurally different environments for every workflow.
- ✓**Rich Export**: Word, PDF, Markdown, HTML, JSON, and plain text.
- ✓**Real-Time Collaboration**: Presence avatars, live cursors, and threaded comments.
- ✓**Version History**: Browse, preview, and restore any previous version.
- ✓**Task Manager**: Checklist tasks with priorities, due dates, and [automatic reminders](/content/help/notes-tasks/index.html).
- ✓**Multi-Page Notes**: Organize long documents into pages with the tab bar.
- ✓**@Mentions**: Tag collaborators inline and they'll get notified.
- ✓**Sticky Notes & Emoji**: Drop sticky notes and emoji stickers on the canvas.
- ✓**Cross-Conversion**: Convert notes to flowcharts or presentations.

**Tip:** Press `/` on any empty line to open the slash command menu. It's the fastest way to add headings, lists, tables, and more.