Your First Document
Create and edit your first Markdown document
Let's create your first document in AnySlate. By the end of this guide, you'll have a Markdown file with formatted text, a task list, and a code block - all rendered in a beautiful live preview.
Step by step
Add a workspace
Click 'Add Folder' in the sidebar or drag a folder into the app. This is where your files will be stored.
- •Choose a folder like Documents/Notes or a project directory
- •You can add multiple workspace folders
- •AnySlate respects .gitignore patterns
Create a new file
Press ⌘/Ctrl + N or right-click in the file browser and select 'New File'. Name it with a .md extension.
- •Files are automatically saved with .md extension
- •Use descriptive names like 'meeting-notes.md' or 'project-readme.md'
Start writing
Type your content using Markdown syntax. Headers, lists, bold, italic - it's all supported.
- •Use # for headings (## for h2, ### for h3, etc.)
- •**bold** and *italic* for emphasis
- •- or * for bullet lists, 1. for numbered lists
Preview your work
The live preview updates as you type. Toggle it with ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + P or use the view mode buttons.
- •Split view shows editor and preview side by side
- •Preview scrolls in sync with your cursor
- •See rendered tables, code blocks, and diagrams
Save your document
Press ⌘/Ctrl + S to save, or enable auto-save in Settings to save automatically.
- •Auto-save can be set to save every few seconds
- •Unsaved changes show a dot on the tab
- •Session restore reopens your files on restart
Try this sample
Copy this Markdown into your new document to see various features in action:
# My First Document
Welcome to **AnySlate**! This is your first Markdown document.
## What is Markdown?
Markdown is a simple way to format text using plain characters:
- **Bold text** with double asterisks
- *Italic text* with single asterisks
- `Code` with backticks
## Task List
- [x] Install AnySlate
- [x] Create my first document
- [ ] Explore more features
## Code Example
```javascript
function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
```
## Learn More
Check out the [AnySlate documentation](/docs) to discover all features!Essential shortcuts
| Action | macOS | Windows/Linux |
|---|---|---|
| New file | ⌘ + N | Ctrl + N |
| Save | ⌘ + S | Ctrl + S |
| Bold | ⌘ + B | Ctrl + B |
| Italic | ⌘ + I | Ctrl + I |
| Toggle preview | ⌘ + Shift + P | Ctrl + Shift + P |
| Quick switcher | ⌘ + P | Ctrl + P |
See all shortcuts in Keyboard Shortcuts
What's next?
Congratulations!
You've created your first document in AnySlate. As you continue exploring, you'll discover powerful features like diagrams, math equations, real-time collaboration, and more.