Getting started

1. Pick a folder

rotli asks for one folder. That folder is your vault: every note you write is a plain Markdown file inside it. Choose an empty folder to start fresh, or one that already has Markdown notes in it.

Rotli Web works the same way: Chrome, Edge, and Arc open the folder directly, and Firefox, Zen, and Brave reach it through Rotli Helper. Safari and phones aren’t supported yet.

2. Try the Welcome folder

A new vault opens with a Welcome folder: nine short lessons on writing, tasks, tables, links, views, files, and AI. Each one is an ordinary note, so edit them freely and delete the folder when you’re done. Settings → General → Show me around runs a short guided tour.

3. Learn six keys

Key	What it does
⌥Space	Bring rotli up from anywhere on your Mac
⌘T	New note
⌘K	Search notes, files, chats, and actions
/ on an empty line	Insert a block: heading, task list, table, and more
[[	Link to another note
⌘0	Show or hide the sidebar

Every shortcut can be changed in Settings.

4. Keep what matters in Main

Main in the sidebar is your own arrangement of the notes you reach for. Right-click a note and choose Add to Main, or drag it in. Main never copies or moves a file; it’s a view over the same folder. Star a note to keep it in Quick access.

5. Optional: turn on more

• The Librarian files new notes into your folder’s structure while you keep working in Main.
• Chat can use an on-device model or a tool you already have. See What does AI see in rotli?.

Nothing here is required. A folder and a note is a complete setup.