5.3 main notes are where your thinking is stored long term

A main note is where the long-term storage of knowledge occurs in a Zettelkasten. A main note should, at a bare minimum, contain

• a single idea, and
• a link to another idea in your zettelkasten

Main notes can also contain:

• a title
• a unique ID
• a quote or reference to where the idea came from
• links to how the idea has been used in your own writing

Source: Doto, B (2024) A System for Writing

Next: 5.4 Literature or reference Notes for notes taken while consuming media

See: 5.3a main notes in a zettelkasten should be atomic for more on atomicity

See: 5.3b main notes should reflect your thoughts on a topic for how to use main notes to improve your knowledge

See: 5.3c why you should use main note over permanent note for more on the terminology

See: 5.3d titles should be declarative for more on titling your main notes

See: evergreen notes for how Andy Matuschek style notes compare to a zettelkasten main note

See: folzegettel for more on using an alphanumeric Id system in your zettelkasten