Atoms and references
Understand how content becomes atoms, and how references keep them connected.
Concept 01
Everything is an atom
In Chronnote, every piece of content you create can stand on its own as an atom.
You do not need to choose the perfect folder first. Capture the idea, source, or task, then recombine it when it becomes useful.
An atom can be a note, a PDF, a whiteboard, a mind map, or a task. Each one can be opened, referenced, organized, and turned into new work.
Note
Capture quick notes, ideas, summaries, and longer writing.
Import papers, source material, and reports into your knowledge base.
Mind map
Structure ideas, break down concepts, and visualize thinking.
Task
A single action item you can add whenever it comes up.
Task list
A day plan, project checklist, or running list of work.
Infinite canvas
Freely arrange material for open-ended thinking and connection.
Next: create the atom you use most often and place it in your workspace.
Concept 02
References: update once, update everywhere
A reference is not a copy. When you place one atom in several places, it still points to the same source.
When you edit the atom itself, every page, whiteboard, and task that references it can show the latest version.
Use references for material that appears repeatedly and keeps changing: project context, research excerpts, meeting conclusions, task sources, or anything you do not want to maintain in two places.
- 01
Atom library
Keep the original source content.
- 02
Reference it
Place it in notes, whiteboards, tasks, or other workflows.
- 03
Edit once
Update the original atom.
- 04
Update everywhere
Every reference sees the same new version.
Next: drag one atom into another page and watch the connection stay intact.