Here are the step-by-step instructions for inserting a new notecard into your notebox (Zettelkasten).
- Identify the concept covered in your newly created notecard
Take a moment to review the content of your newly written notecard and determine the main concept and index terms it relates to. This step helps you understand the subject matter and forces you to relate it to the existing knowledge (index and notecards) in your Zettelkasten.
By consciously trying to identify the concept and index terms covered in your new notecard, you engage in Active recall (“What index terms do I have in my Zettelkasten that relates to this?”, “What is my existing knowledge about this concept?”). Active recall enhances your memory retention and strengthens your understanding of the material.
By consciously trying to identify the concept and index terms covered in your new notecard, you also prime your mind for learning and associations. Priming in learning is a powerful and effective technique for learning new concepts. It activates relevant prior knowledge and associations and improves your understanding and comprehension by providing you with a context and a framework to organize and integrate new information. - Look up the concept in your index
Consult your index to find where the potentially related notecards are located. Search for the index terms or concepts you identified in the previous step.
Searching the index reinforces your memory of the terms and concepts in your index, and helps you locate existing cards that are relevant to your new notecard. It promotes the retrieval of related information and facilitates the connection of ideas. - Go to the top-level card listed in your index
Once you have found the relevant terms or concepts in your index, navigate to the top-level card associated with those topics. Explore the content of that card and also check the section of cards that come after it.
Reviewing the top-level card and subsequent cards refreshes your memory of the existing knowledge related to the topic. It provides a context for integrating your new notecard and helps you build upon the existing information. - Find the best notecard in that branch
Within the branch of cards associated with the identified topics, locate the card that best aligns with your new notecard. Consider the content, relevance, and similarity. Once you have identified the most similar card, file your new notecard behind it.
Placing your new notecard near the most similar existing card creates a logical and cohesive structure within your Zettelkasten. This organization aids memory and learning by facilitating the retrieval of related information and promoting the formation of connections between ideas. - (Optional) Cross-index the new notecard with terms or concepts in your index
If necessary, add index entries for the sub-topics or key terms related to your new notecard. This step enhances the discoverability of your new card and makes it easier to find in the future.
Cross-indexing your notecard with terms and concepts in your index expands the pathways for accessing the information and allows you to explore different angles and perspectives related to your topic, leading to a deeper understanding and more comprehensive knowledge. - (Optional) Reference (link) the new notecard with existing notecards in your notebox (Zettelkasten)
If necessary, add references (links) from your new notecard to related existing notecards in your notebox, or add references (links) from existing notecards to your new notecard. This step enhances the discoverability of your new card and makes it easier to find in the future.
Referencing other notecards helps you create a network of interconnected notes that stimulate your thinking and creativity. By linking your notes, you can see how different ideas relate to each other and discover new connections and insights. It helps you avoid duplication and fragmentation of information, and by linking your notes, you create associations and cues that can help you remember the information better. - (Optional) Create a new branch and/or index term for your new concept
In cases where you don’t find any existing cards or branches related to your new topic, it’s time to create a new branch and/or index term. Start by creating an index entry for the term associated with your new notecard. This ensures that your notebox remains adaptable and comprehensive, even for new and previously unexplored concepts.
Creating a new branch and index term allows you to expand your notebox (Zettelkasten) and incorporate new ideas and knowledge. It enables you to organize and connect information on previously uncharted topics, fostering creativity and the generation of new insights.
Zettelkasten is a flexible system designed to support your knowledge development and exploration. By following these steps and leveraging the power of the index and branching, you will enhance your memory, facilitate learning, and uncover unexpected connections between ideas.
Notes
- In the beginning, you’ll create many new index terms, but as your collection of notecards increases in size, the frequency will reduce. Still, it should not end as your collection develops. There are always new ideas and concepts to explore and learn.
- The more you use your notebox system (Zettelkasten), the more you’ll remember, especially for things you are interested in. Don’t worry if you forget things! This forgetting will make you surprised and lucky later and help you get new ideas when you use (and review) your notecards.