# Create your first note

> Make a note, write markdown, and see it render live.

Source: https://notate.md/docs/getting-started/first-note/

Category: Getting started

Updated: 2026-08-16

---

## Make a note

Click the **new note** button in the ribbon (the lime **+**). Notate creates a markdown file and drops you into the editor.

## Write Markdown

Type as you normally would. Notate renders structure live as you write. Try:

- `# A heading`
- `**bold**` and `*italic*`
- `- a list`
- `- [ ] a task`
- `[[Another note]]` to link notes together

## Your notes are files

Everything you write is saved automatically to a plain `.md` file on your device. Open your notes folder in Finder or the Files app and you will see them there, ready to back up, sync, or edit anywhere.

Next, learn the [Markdown basics](https://notate.md/docs/writing/markdown-basics/) Notate supports.