π 100 ROAM TIPS π
Just published a 25-min @RoamResearch intro course on YT.π₯
To celebrate this act of masochism, I'll be posting the tips in tweet format here too! Bit-by-bit as I get time.
here's the mini-course I wish I could give myself when I started.
#RoamGames @Conaw
Just published a 25-min @RoamResearch intro course on YT.π₯
To celebrate this act of masochism, I'll be posting the tips in tweet format here too! Bit-by-bit as I get time.
here's the mini-course I wish I could give myself when I started.
#RoamGames @Conaw
1. KEEP UP WITH CHANGES
@RoamResearch is a living tool w one of the fastest iteration cycles I've seen.
By the time you read this, these tips might have changed!
(Here's a blog post with these tips + any future changes: bit.ly/3u1fC9A)
@RoamResearch is a living tool w one of the fastest iteration cycles I've seen.
By the time you read this, these tips might have changed!
(Here's a blog post with these tips + any future changes: bit.ly/3u1fC9A)
2. SET UP
1. Sign up (free for 31 days)
roamresearch.com/#/signup
2. You get 3 graphs (separate "Roams" you can play with - not connected to each other)
3. Set up 1 then begin typing in your daily note!
EZ PZ. Roam runs directly in your browser (you must use Chrome, sorry), OR...
1. Sign up (free for 31 days)
roamresearch.com/#/signup
2. You get 3 graphs (separate "Roams" you can play with - not connected to each other)
3. Set up 1 then begin typing in your daily note!
EZ PZ. Roam runs directly in your browser (you must use Chrome, sorry), OR...
3. SET UP - DESKTOP APP
There's a "Progressive Web App" (basically a dedicated Chrome window you can launch from your toolbar).
This is great to avoid distractions while you work.
There's a "Progressive Web App" (basically a dedicated Chrome window you can launch from your toolbar).
This is great to avoid distractions while you work.
4. USE THE DAILY NOTE
Roam's wonderful because the structure emerges organically from your interests.
I neglected the daily note for months because it felt too wishy-washy and freeform. But it's the perfect staging ground for bottom-up emergent thinking.
Roam's wonderful because the structure emerges organically from your interests.
I neglected the daily note for months because it felt too wishy-washy and freeform. But it's the perfect staging ground for bottom-up emergent thinking.
5. MAKE SOME BULLETS
The bullet or ("block") is the primary unit in Roam.
Write a bullet. Then hit ENTER. You got a new bullet! Click enter. Write bullet. Hit tab. You've got an indented bullet! Woo!
Indentation is how you structure stuff in Roam. That way you can...
The bullet or ("block") is the primary unit in Roam.
Write a bullet. Then hit ENTER. You got a new bullet! Click enter. Write bullet. Hit tab. You've got an indented bullet! Woo!
Indentation is how you structure stuff in Roam. That way you can...
6. COLLAPSE & EXPAND BULLETS
Why look at everything at once?
You CLICK to hide sub-bullets ("children" to the "parent" bullet).
Do this all the time! Hide things and reduce your information overwhelm!
HOT-KEY:
Use hold CMD+UPπΌ or CMD+DOWNπ½ on the parent bullet. SPEEDY!
Why look at everything at once?
You CLICK to hide sub-bullets ("children" to the "parent" bullet).
Do this all the time! Hide things and reduce your information overwhelm!
HOT-KEY:
Use hold CMD+UPπΌ or CMD+DOWNπ½ on the parent bullet. SPEEDY!
7. Don't Like Bullets? Use Document View or Numbered Bullets
Right π± + View As to change bullets OR WHOLE PAGES into doc view (no bullets) or numbered lists.
Dov view simplifies formatting if you copy+paste into another app!
(P.S. Call 'em "blocks" not bullets for accuracy!)
Right π± + View As to change bullets OR WHOLE PAGES into doc view (no bullets) or numbered lists.
Dov view simplifies formatting if you copy+paste into another app!
(P.S. Call 'em "blocks" not bullets for accuracy!)
8.MULTI-LINES, 1 BLOCK
Hold SHIFT+ENTER.
Now you're on a new line WITHOUT creating a new block!
Great for sub-thoughts you -still want to see- even if you collapse the block (hiding sub-bullets).
(It's also the best way to tag items subtly! More on that later...)
Hold SHIFT+ENTER.
Now you're on a new line WITHOUT creating a new block!
Great for sub-thoughts you -still want to see- even if you collapse the block (hiding sub-bullets).
(It's also the best way to tag items subtly! More on that later...)
9. DRAG BLOCKS AROUND
What if you realize a new bullet is in the wrong spot, or actually just a sub-topic of an earlier thought, not really a standalone one?
Just drag it around!
Roam enables FREE-STYLE THINKING.
You can even drag a bullet into being a sub-bullet. NEAT!
What if you realize a new bullet is in the wrong spot, or actually just a sub-topic of an earlier thought, not really a standalone one?
Just drag it around!
Roam enables FREE-STYLE THINKING.
You can even drag a bullet into being a sub-bullet. NEAT!
10. SYNC CHANGES BUTTON
Roam auto-syncs changes as you make amendments, but if you're ever concerned that things aren't syncing, you can check the upper-right corner of the screen.
If things are green, you're good to go. Hover for more details!
Roam auto-syncs changes as you make amendments, but if you're ever concerned that things aren't syncing, you can check the upper-right corner of the screen.
If things are green, you're good to go. Hover for more details!
Keep scrolling for the rest of the tips (if they've been posted) π
If not -- BREAK: Will add more tips 10 at a time in this thread until I get to π―
You can check out the rest of the tips here in video format in the meantime!
If not -- BREAK: Will add more tips 10 at a time in this thread until I get to π―
You can check out the rest of the tips here in video format in the meantime!
11. MAKE TO-DO LISTS
I love getting things done in Roam.
To turn a block into a todo item, type CMD+ENTER when you're on that bullet.
(OR π±right click + MAKE TODO)
You should see a checkbox appear!
(p.s. type {{[[TODO]]}} out to get this if you like pain.)
I love getting things done in Roam.
To turn a block into a todo item, type CMD+ENTER when you're on that bullet.
(OR π±right click + MAKE TODO)
You should see a checkbox appear!
(p.s. type {{[[TODO]]}} out to get this if you like pain.)
12. MARK TODOs as DONE
Click a checkbox!
OR type CMD+ENTER again. π₯³
It will transform to DONE β (or {{[[DONE]]}} for masochists)
CMD+ENTER one a DONE β to return it to a plain block.
(You can cycle states - bullet->TODO->done->bullet - by hitting CMD+ENTER repeatedly!)
Click a checkbox!
OR type CMD+ENTER again. π₯³
It will transform to DONE β (or {{[[DONE]]}} for masochists)
CMD+ENTER one a DONE β to return it to a plain block.
(You can cycle states - bullet->TODO->done->bullet - by hitting CMD+ENTER repeatedly!)
13. Use DATES to Organize Thoughts
Type /today + ENTER to tag today's date.
/tomorrow + ENTER to tag tomorrow!
Use DATES to sort in Roam:
WHEN did I learn something? WHEN do I have to act?
(spoilers: tag 'tomorrow' and it will show up in tomorrow's daily note!' π )
Type /today + ENTER to tag today's date.
/tomorrow + ENTER to tag tomorrow!
Use DATES to sort in Roam:
WHEN did I learn something? WHEN do I have to act?
(spoilers: tag 'tomorrow' and it will show up in tomorrow's daily note!' π )
14. Use TIME STAMPING to Track Your Day
Want to note when something happened?
Type /current time + ENTER.
You'll get an exact time stamp for your current time.
I use this in my daily note to track and "commit" to what I'm working on at any given moment.
Want to note when something happened?
Type /current time + ENTER.
You'll get an exact time stamp for your current time.
I use this in my daily note to track and "commit" to what I'm working on at any given moment.
15. ZOOM IN & OUT on BLOCKS
To focus on just 1 bullet (+ its children), select the line then type CMD + . (period)
To zoom back type CMD + , (comma)
This is great because you have a full page to elaborate on any interesting block.
It's like EVERY BULLET IS A PAGE! π€―
To focus on just 1 bullet (+ its children), select the line then type CMD + . (period)
To zoom back type CMD + , (comma)
This is great because you have a full page to elaborate on any interesting block.
It's like EVERY BULLET IS A PAGE! π€―
16. ZOOM IN & OUT on BLOCKS
(pt 2 - addt'l hotkeys)
Other ways to focus a block if you don't like commas and periods:
- Simply double-click π±οΈ the block's bullet
- Right click π±οΈ then select "Focus on Block"
- ctrl + o (the letter O, not zero) when a block is selected
(pt 2 - addt'l hotkeys)
Other ways to focus a block if you don't like commas and periods:
- Simply double-click π±οΈ the block's bullet
- Right click π±οΈ then select "Focus on Block"
- ctrl + o (the letter O, not zero) when a block is selected
17. Go BACK or FORWARD One Page FAST
Type CMD + LEFT ARROW βοΈ to go back one page, or CMD + RIGHT ARROW βΆοΈ to jump forward again. π₯
(You may need to hit "Esc" to unselect any selected blocks first!)
ALTERNATIVELY, click the back or forward arrows in your browser. π€
Type CMD + LEFT ARROW βοΈ to go back one page, or CMD + RIGHT ARROW βΆοΈ to jump forward again. π₯
(You may need to hit "Esc" to unselect any selected blocks first!)
ALTERNATIVELY, click the back or forward arrows in your browser. π€
18. Return HOME to Your Daily Note
Click DAILY NOTES in the upper left you'll be back to today's Daily Note, which is basically your "Home Page."
If you're feeling cheeky, type CTRL + SHIFT + D.
You just jumped back home without any mouse shenanigans. Look at you!
Click DAILY NOTES in the upper left you'll be back to today's Daily Note, which is basically your "Home Page."
If you're feeling cheeky, type CTRL + SHIFT + D.
You just jumped back home without any mouse shenanigans. Look at you!
19. Make A New Page FAST
Highlight any word you've written. Type [ (left bracket) twice.
Boom! Congrats, this text is now a New Pageβ’οΈ! (Signified by the double-brackets)
If that page existed already, this creates a link the pre-existing page. Neat!
Highlight any word you've written. Type [ (left bracket) twice.
Boom! Congrats, this text is now a New Pageβ’οΈ! (Signified by the double-brackets)
If that page existed already, this creates a link the pre-existing page. Neat!
20. Pages are Concept Bundles
Bullets = "a thought."
Sub-bullets = "a line of thought."
Pages = "a concept bundle."
a.k.a. thoughts converging!
LINK to a page when you mention that page's idea...
...or add bullets directly on the page!
Bullets = "a thought."
Sub-bullets = "a line of thought."
Pages = "a concept bundle."
a.k.a. thoughts converging!
LINK to a page when you mention that page's idea...
...or add bullets directly on the page!
21. Find Out Every Time You've Ever Thought About Something
Look at the bottom of your new page.
You'll find the Linked References. ("backlinks")
These tell you every. single. time. you've linked this page.
This means any time we tag a page or concept it's tracked. DOPE!!!
Look at the bottom of your new page.
You'll find the Linked References. ("backlinks")
These tell you every. single. time. you've linked this page.
This means any time we tag a page or concept it's tracked. DOPE!!!
22. Remember Every Meeting & Coffee βοΈ
Add any work meetings, project calls, or coffees you grab with people in your Daily Note.
Then, link ANYTHING mentioned and ANYONE present.
This meeting's now linked to them (& vice versa)!
BEST lightweight CRM+meeting notes tool.
Add any work meetings, project calls, or coffees you grab with people in your Daily Note.
Then, link ANYTHING mentioned and ANYONE present.
This meeting's now linked to them (& vice versa)!
BEST lightweight CRM+meeting notes tool.
23. Easy Backlinks, Any Time
Past Linked References, click " βΆ Unlinked References."
This shows EVERY mention that isn't yet linked!
Click "Link" on any individual reference. "Link All" will tag 100% of them.
You can find anytime you've mentioned an idea this way!
Past Linked References, click " βΆ Unlinked References."
This shows EVERY mention that isn't yet linked!
Click "Link" on any individual reference. "Link All" will tag 100% of them.
You can find anytime you've mentioned an idea this way!
24. Sort Mentions Instantly
Click πͺ β 'Filter this page' in your linked references.
Then click any term to filter refs by THAT new term PLUS the current one!
(If you shift-click instead, you can HIDE refs π)
Use this to find linked "TODOS" for a topic (or hide DONEs)!
Click πͺ β 'Filter this page' in your linked references.
Then click any term to filter refs by THAT new term PLUS the current one!
(If you shift-click instead, you can HIDE refs π)
Use this to find linked "TODOS" for a topic (or hide DONEs)!
25. Sort Content On-Page
Click πͺ β 'Filter this page' in upper-right of page.
Click to filter the page itself by block references. :)
Filter out those DONEs! Show only bullets linked to "My Notes"! Show only bullet linked to "In Progress"! Limitless possibilities!
Click πͺ β 'Filter this page' in upper-right of page.
Click to filter the page itself by block references. :)
Filter out those DONEs! Show only bullets linked to "My Notes"! Show only bullet linked to "In Progress"! Limitless possibilities!
26. Check Out Your Beautiful Backlink Palace
Go to left toolbar + click π€ΈπΏ GRAPH OVERVIEW
This is a visualization of every time a page "talks" to another!
One day this might be useful (e.g. generate graph based on page you're currently in) but for now, it's mostly NEAT!
Go to left toolbar + click π€ΈπΏ GRAPH OVERVIEW
This is a visualization of every time a page "talks" to another!
One day this might be useful (e.g. generate graph based on page you're currently in) but for now, it's mostly NEAT!
27. Track Your Favorite Pages + Ideas
Click the β© icon in the upper-right corner of any page.
This adds it to the left bar as a Favorite!
This is a "bookmarks" bar for pages you're really into right now.
(tap that β again to remove a bookmark)
Click the β© icon in the upper-right corner of any page.
This adds it to the left bar as a Favorite!
This is a "bookmarks" bar for pages you're really into right now.
(tap that β again to remove a bookmark)
28. Change a Page Name FAST
Edit the title at the top of a page!
Change once to edit EVERY backlink EVERYWHERE. NEAT!
e.g. changes:
-"Apple" to "Apple (Company)"
"Marc" to "Marc Koenig,"
- "Bugrers" to "Burgers"
(Note: you can't change Daily Notes page names π πΌββοΈ)
Edit the title at the top of a page!
Change once to edit EVERY backlink EVERYWHERE. NEAT!
e.g. changes:
-"Apple" to "Apple (Company)"
"Marc" to "Marc Koenig,"
- "Bugrers" to "Burgers"
(Note: you can't change Daily Notes page names π πΌββοΈ)
29. Work in Multiple Pages at Once
Right-click any page link to click Open in Sidebar.
(This works on individual bullets too!)
This is like a "tab" you can work in, copy items from, etc.
Changes in Sidebar happen everywhere, even if the page is open in your main window!
Right-click any page link to click Open in Sidebar.
(This works on individual bullets too!)
This is like a "tab" you can work in, copy items from, etc.
Changes in Sidebar happen everywhere, even if the page is open in your main window!
30. Open into Sidebar FAST
To avoid right-clicking shenanigans, hold SHIFT key then Click on any link or bullet.
It will open directly in the Sidebar. Love it
To avoid right-clicking shenanigans, hold SHIFT key then Click on any link or bullet.
It will open directly in the Sidebar. Love it
31. Expand, Collapse, Move & Close Sidebar Items
You can move open Sidebar items around by dragging them like bullets.
You can also collapse them to hide them, like bullets.
Click the X to close a Sidebar item you grow weary of.
You can move open Sidebar items around by dragging them like bullets.
You can also collapse them to hide them, like bullets.
Click the X to close a Sidebar item you grow weary of.
32. Use the Search Bar to Find Pages or Bullets!
The search bar at the top of the screen can search for either pages or individual blocks you've made.
Type CMD + U to open it FAST, or if you're feeling leisurely, just click on it and start typing!
The search bar at the top of the screen can search for either pages or individual blocks you've made.
Type CMD + U to open it FAST, or if you're feeling leisurely, just click on it and start typing!
33. CREATE Pages Using the Search Bar
If you search and don't see a page, the search bar can create it!
Type a word or phrase. If it doesn't exist as a page, press ENTER to make it. (or click "New Page:" option in search bar)
If you search and don't see a page, the search bar can create it!
Type a word or phrase. If it doesn't exist as a page, press ENTER to make it. (or click "New Page:" option in search bar)
34. Open Items into Sidebar - from Search Bar
If you want to cut out the middle man, open a page you've searched for directly into the Sidebar.
Hold SHIFT and then hit enter on the selected item. NEAT!
(similar to shift+clicking links or bullets to get them into sidebar!)
If you want to cut out the middle man, open a page you've searched for directly into the Sidebar.
Hold SHIFT and then hit enter on the selected item. NEAT!
(similar to shift+clicking links or bullets to get them into sidebar!)
35. Move Content Around FAST with Sidebar
You can pull items from main window INTO sidebar & vice-versa.
e.g. Open a single bullet like Daily Task List in sidebar. Then grab tasks from wherever to pull into that bullet!
Death to copy-pasting! Long live dragging content!
You can pull items from main window INTO sidebar & vice-versa.
e.g. Open a single bullet like Daily Task List in sidebar. Then grab tasks from wherever to pull into that bullet!
Death to copy-pasting! Long live dragging content!
36. Open & Close Sidebars FAST
You can use mouse to close or open the sidebars if you're an ancient dinosaur.
OR you can...
- Type CMDΒ + \ (back slash) to toggle left sidebar (Favorites)
- Type CMD + / (forward slash) to toggle RIGHT sidebar
You can use mouse to close or open the sidebars if you're an ancient dinosaur.
OR you can...
- Type CMDΒ + \ (back slash) to toggle left sidebar (Favorites)
- Type CMD + / (forward slash) to toggle RIGHT sidebar
37. Move Around FAST with Your Keyboard
- πΌ & π½ to jump from line to line
- CMD + βΆοΈ or βοΈ to jump to start or end of line
- CMD+Backspace to full whole line
- ALT + βΆοΈ or βοΈ to jump forward or back a word
- Hold SHIFT while doing any of above to quickly highlight text
- πΌ & π½ to jump from line to line
- CMD + βΆοΈ or βοΈ to jump to start or end of line
- CMD+Backspace to full whole line
- ALT + βΆοΈ or βοΈ to jump forward or back a word
- Hold SHIFT while doing any of above to quickly highlight text
38. Move Blocks Around with Keyboard Power
Use Shift+ CMD + πΌ or π½ to move a block one spot up or down the page!
(Similar to collapsing+expanding with CMD + πΌ or π½ )
Hit TAB before doing this to move it into around into the nearest sub-bullets.
Use Shift+ CMD + πΌ or π½ to move a block one spot up or down the page!
(Similar to collapsing+expanding with CMD + πΌ or π½ )
Hit TAB before doing this to move it into around into the nearest sub-bullets.
39. Make Your Page Easy on the Eyes: Formatting
Let's make our pages pretty! Select text, then:
- Highlight: CMD+h - or: ^^text^^
- Bold: CMD+b - or: **text**
- Italicize: CMD+i - or: __text__
- Strikethrough: CMD+y - or: ~~text~~
Let's make our pages pretty! Select text, then:
- Highlight: CMD+h - or: ^^text^^
- Bold: CMD+b - or: **text**
- Italicize: CMD+i - or: __text__
- Strikethrough: CMD+y - or: ~~text~~
40. Make Your Page Easy on the Eyes: Header Styles
Select block, then:
- ALT+CMD+1: Header 1 (or put # + an empty space at line start)
- ALT+CMD+2: H2 (## + space)
- ALT+CMD+3: H3 (### + space)
- ALT+CMD+0 to remove headers (or "backspace" at line start)
Select block, then:
- ALT+CMD+1: Header 1 (or put # + an empty space at line start)
- ALT+CMD+2: H2 (## + space)
- ALT+CMD+3: H3 (### + space)
- ALT+CMD+0 to remove headers (or "backspace" at line start)
41. Make Your Page Easy on the Eyes: Quote Boxes
Add a > sign as the first character of a block to turn it into a quote block!
Great for knowing visually whether it's your own thoughts or someone else's.
Add a > sign as the first character of a block to turn it into a quote block!
Great for knowing visually whether it's your own thoughts or someone else's.
42. Make Your Page Easy on the Eyes: Line Breaks
To create a line break, just type --- (three dashes) as the only object in your block.
To create a line break, just type --- (three dashes) as the only object in your block.
43. Add Images and Files to Your Page
Type '/upload' then hitting ENTER.
This uploads files or images directly into Roam!
(Note: These images are secured only by the complexity of the URL for now so be thoughtful)
For external images, use: 
Type '/upload' then hitting ENTER.
This uploads files or images directly into Roam!
(Note: These images are secured only by the complexity of the URL for now so be thoughtful)
For external images, use: 
44. Adjust Image Sizes
If you drag the lower right corner of an image to adjust the image size down, or back up to the image's original size.
Especially useful for if you ever want to put images in the cells of a table (talk more about tables later...)
If you drag the lower right corner of an image to adjust the image size down, or back up to the image's original size.
Especially useful for if you ever want to put images in the cells of a table (talk more about tables later...)
45. Rename Internal Links (Aliases) + Link Externally
To link externally, type CMD+K, or type:
[Text Here](URL Here)
To create an alias (link to internal page with any text), replace URL above with a [[Page Link]]. This helps make backlinks more readable!
To link externally, type CMD+K, or type:
[Text Here](URL Here)
To create an alias (link to internal page with any text), replace URL above with a [[Page Link]]. This helps make backlinks more readable!
Interlude tweet reminder:
ROAM IS NOT ABOUT BEING FANCY. Enjoy yourself!
Roam is not Inbox Zero-able. It's beauty from imperfection.
Have fun!
ROAM IS NOT ABOUT BEING FANCY. Enjoy yourself!
Roam is not Inbox Zero-able. It's beauty from imperfection.
Have fun!
https://twitter.com/anthilemoon/status/1331898257883226113
(In that spirit...)
46. Make New Bullets and Indent Like a Madman
There's no penalty for making new bullets. You can always collapse them. Be prolific.
Every bullet can be a "sub-page" - zoom into them! Tend to them! Let them grow and multiply!
46. Make New Bullets and Indent Like a Madman
There's no penalty for making new bullets. You can always collapse them. Be prolific.
Every bullet can be a "sub-page" - zoom into them! Tend to them! Let them grow and multiply!
47. Make New Pages With Reckless Abandon
Link every person, book, tool, anything! Don't even add info. Be prolific!
Don't worry about dud pages.
In Roam, unused pages fade away. They don't ruin any folders or hierarchy.
Worst-case: you can delete, combine, rename, remix!
Link every person, book, tool, anything! Don't even add info. Be prolific!
Don't worry about dud pages.
In Roam, unused pages fade away. They don't ruin any folders or hierarchy.
Worst-case: you can delete, combine, rename, remix!
48. Make a To-Read or To-Watch System
Make a page or system of tags dedicated to fun stuff you want to do.
[[To-visit]], [[to-hike]], [[to-watch]]
Make a wishlist! [[Wishlist (Your Name)]]
Make a Bookmarks page, a Best Tweets, a "Resonance Calendar"... start collecting!
Make a page or system of tags dedicated to fun stuff you want to do.
[[To-visit]], [[to-hike]], [[to-watch]]
Make a wishlist! [[Wishlist (Your Name)]]
Make a Bookmarks page, a Best Tweets, a "Resonance Calendar"... start collecting!
49. Make a TODO or Weekly Review Page
By default, the TODO Page just grabs all your checkboxes.
Take the next step and segment by priority or create Weekly/Daily review systems!
I tag categories "Today," "Upcoming," and "Later", then move items into Weekly or Daily Plans.
By default, the TODO Page just grabs all your checkboxes.
Take the next step and segment by priority or create Weekly/Daily review systems!
I tag categories "Today," "Upcoming," and "Later", then move items into Weekly or Daily Plans.
50. Create Project Pages
Working on something big? Add it to the Favorite sidebar, and tag [[NAME/My Projects]] in your top bullet. This will let you filter and query for project-specific items later!
Iterate on sections you like to use and we'll make `em a template later!
Working on something big? Add it to the Favorite sidebar, and tag [[NAME/My Projects]] in your top bullet. This will let you filter and query for project-specific items later!
Iterate on sections you like to use and we'll make `em a template later!
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