Niv

Creating new notes

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Creating notes in Niv is designed to be frictionless - no barriers between your thoughts and getting them down. Whether you're capturing a quick idea or starting a major project, Niv makes it instant.

Ways to Create Notes

The Quick Way: + Button

Click the + button in your sidebar to instantly create a new note. You'll get a blank note ready for writing, and you can name it as you go.

The Smart Way: Inline Creation

This is where Niv shines. Just type [[any note name]] anywhere in your writing, and you've created a link to a new note. Don't worry if the note doesn't exist yet - Niv will create it for you when you click the link.

Perfect for planning workflows:

My project needs:
- [[Research phase]]
- [[Design mockups]] 
- [[Development timeline]]
- [[Testing strategy]]

Now you have four linked notes ready to fill in later. This is how you build your knowledge structure first, then fill in the details.

The Placeholder Strategy

One of the most powerful ways to use Niv is creating "placeholder notes" - notes that exist as titles first, content second.

Here's how it works:

  1. Start with your main topic: "Project Documentation"

  2. Create links to all the pieces: [[Getting Started]], [[API Reference]], [[Troubleshooting]]

  3. Click through each link to create the empty notes

  4. Fill them in over time as you develop your thoughts

This approach lets you:

  • Map out ideas before diving deep

  • See the big picture of what you're building

  • Work non-linearly - jump between sections as inspiration strikes

  • Collaborate effectively - team members can see the structure and contribute to any section

Notes in Spaces

When you're working in a team space, every note you create is automatically shared with your collaborators. They can:

  • Edit alongside you in real-time

  • See your placeholder structure and contribute

  • Build on your ideas and connections

Pro Tips

Start with structure: Create your main topic, then immediately add [[subtopic]] links. This gives you a roadmap to follow.

Use descriptive names: Instead of "Meeting Notes", try "Q1 Planning Meeting - Marketing Goals". Your future self (and teammates) will thank you.

Create liberally: Don't worry about creating "too many" notes. It's better to have a placeholder than to lose an idea.

Think in connections: As you create notes, think about what they connect to. Add [[related topic]] links as you go.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to create notes, learn how to connect them together:

Ready to start building your shared second brain? Create your first note and start connecting ideas! 🚀