Skip to content

How to Set up Zettelkasten Part 2

The Zettelkasten Method for Beginners Part 2

Setting Default Location for New Notes

Note

For this part, we want all new notes to be stored in our "6 - Main Notes" folder (our Zettelkasten). This ensures all notes are consistently stored in one place.

Video Tutorial: Setting Default Location for New Notes

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select "Files & Links"
  3. Next to "Default location for new notes," select "Vault Folder" from the dropdown
  4. When 3 options appear, select "In the folder specified below"
  5. In the blank field labeled "Folder to create new notes in," type "6 - Main Notes"
  6. Done!

Now all new notes you create will automatically be placed in the Main Notes folder.

Creating a Template

Expand and you will see a pre-made template for you to use with your Zettelkasten system. Just copy and paste this on a notepad 
Created: {{date}} {{time}}


##### Status:  #baby

<!-- Indicate how developed this note is -->
<!-- Use #baby for basic initial thoughts -->
<!-- Use #child for somewhat developed ideas -->
<!-- Use #adult for well-developed concepts -->
<!-- Use #quote if this note contains direct quotes -->

##### Tags:

<!-- Add 2-5 relevant tags that help categorize this note -->
<!-- Use double brackets to create links: [[creativity]] [[psychology]] etc. -->
<!-- Choose tags that aren't too broad or too specific -->

### Main Content

<!-- Write your thoughts, analysis, and insights here -->
<!-- Focus on ONE clear idea per note -->
<!-- Aim for clarity and brevity (under 500 words) -->
<!-- Use your own words to demonstrate understanding -->
<!-- This is where the real value of your note system lives -->

### References

<!-- Link to related notes and source materials -->
<!-- Example: [[How creativity works]] -->
<!-- For source materials, link to your source notes folder -->
<!-- Example: [[2 - Source Material/Book - How to Take Smart Notes]] -->

### Connections

<!-- Describe how this note connects to other ideas -->
<!-- This helps build your network of knowledge -->
<!-- Example: This connects to my note on [[deliberate practice]] because... -->

Template Explanation

About The Template above

I'll explain what each section of the template means. If you want to skip this explanation and just copy-paste the template, feel free to jump ahead. I will cover more in depth in Workflow Examples.

The Status field indicates how developed your note is: 

#baby, #child, #adult, #quote

  • Baby: Basic initial thoughts

  • Child: Somewhat developed ideas

  • Adult: Well-developed concepts

  • Quote: Contains direct quotes (can be paired with baby, child, or adult)

In the Tags section, you'll use double square brackets instead of hashtags to create links to other notes. For example, if you're learning about TypeScript types, you might tag your note with: 

[[TypeScript]]

Tip

Add 2-5 relevant tags that help categorize your note. Don't make them too broad or too specific.

The Main Content section is where you'll write your thoughts, analysis, or insights. This can be anything from your own ideas to information you've collected from other sources. The key is to focus on one clear idea per note.

The References and Connections sections are optional but helpful for linking to other notes or citing sources.

Creating Your Template File

Video Tutorial: Creating Your Template File

  1. Press Ctrl+O (or Command+O on Mac)
  2. Name it "Template" and press Enter
  3. Click and Drag this file to the "5 - Template" folder (or hover your mouse on the Template file you created. Then, right-click and select "Move File to...")
  4. Add the template content from above

Setting Up Template Hotkey

Tip

Setting up a hotkey allows you to quickly insert your template into any note.

Video Tutorial: Setting Up Template Hotkey

  1. Go to Settings (gear icon on the bottom left)
  2. Click on "Core Plugins"
  3. Search for "Templates"
  4. Turn the switch on
  5. In the left sidebar of Settings, find "Templates"
  6. In "Template folder location," type "5 - Templates"
  7. In the left sidebar of Settings, click on "Hotkeys"
  8. In the search bar, type "Templates"
  9. Next to "Templates: Insert Template," click the plus sign
  10. Press Ctrl+R (or Cmd+R on Mac) to set that as your hotkey

Now you can press Ctrl+R (or Cmd+R) to insert your template into any note!

Adding Essential Community Plugins

Note

This section is optional but recommended for enhancing your Zettelkasten experience.

Video Tutorial: Adding Essential Community Plugins

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select "Community Plugins" and enable them
  3. Browse and install these two plugins:
    • Better Word Count
    • Smart Random Note

Testing Your New Zettelkasten

Success!

Congratulations! You've set up your Zettelkasten system. Let's test it out.

Video Tutorial: Testing Your New Zettelkasten

  1. Press Ctrl+O (or Command+O on Mac) to create a new note
  2. Name it "Test Note" and press Enter
  3. Press Ctrl+R (or Command+R on Mac) to insert your template
  4. Fill in the template with your content—modify the status, tags, and main content as you wish

In Conclusion

Success

  • You've successfully created your second brain! You now have a powerful system for organizing and connecting your thoughts.

  • You've learned how to set up a Zettelkasten, understand tags and indexes, take atomic notes, and link them with other notes. You can now transform chaotic information into an organized knowledge network.

  • In the next section, we'll explore practical workflow ways to use your new Zettelkasten system.