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Overview

AppFlowy Documents provide a flexible, block-based editor for creating everything from simple notes to complex documentation. Built on a powerful editor framework, documents support rich formatting, embeds, and real-time collaboration.

Block-Based

Build documents with modular blocks that can be rearranged and nested

Rich Media

Embed images, videos, files, and more directly in your documents

Smart Editing

Use slash commands and AI assistance for faster content creation

Structured Content

Create headings, lists, tables, and nested pages for organization

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Creating a Document

1

Create from sidebar

Click the + button in your workspace sidebar or press Ctrl/Cmd + N to create a new document.
2

Add a title

Click on Untitled at the top and give your document a name.
3

Start writing

Click in the editor area and start typing. Press / to open the slash menu and insert different block types.

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Block Types

Documents are built from blocks. Each block has specific functionality:

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Text Blocks

  • Paragraph: Standard text content
  • Headings (H1, H2, H3): Structure your document with hierarchical headings
  • To-Do List: Create checkable tasks within your document
  • Bulleted List: Unordered lists for organizing information
  • Numbered List: Ordered lists for sequential content
  • Toggle List: Collapsible sections to hide/show content
  • Quote: Highlight important quotes or excerpts
  • Callout: Draw attention to important information with colored backgrounds

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Media Blocks

  • Image: Upload or link images (supports JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG)
  • Video: Embed videos from URLs or upload directly
  • File: Attach any file type to your document
  • Photo Gallery: Display multiple images in a grid layout

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Content Blocks

  • Code Block: Syntax-highlighted code with language selection
  • Math Equation: Render mathematical formulas using LaTeX
  • Table: Create simple tables for organizing data
  • Divider: Add visual separation between sections
  • Sub-page: Link to or embed other pages within your document

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Database Blocks

  • Grid: Insert a spreadsheet-style database
  • Board: Add a kanban board for task management
  • Calendar: Embed a calendar view for events and deadlines

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Using the Slash Menu

The slash command (/) is your quick way to insert any block:
1

Type slash

In any empty line, type / to open the block menu
2

Search or browse

Start typing to filter blocks (e.g., /image or /table) or use arrow keys to browse
3

Insert block

Press Enter to insert the selected block type
Common slash commands:
  • /h1, /h2, /h3 - Insert headings
  • /todo - Create a to-do list
  • /code - Insert a code block
  • /table - Add a simple table
  • /ai - Trigger AI writing assistance

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Text Formatting

Format text using keyboard shortcuts or by selecting text:
FormatShortcutMarkdown
BoldCtrl/Cmd + B**text**
ItalicCtrl/Cmd + I*text*
CodeCtrl/Cmd + E`text`
StrikethroughCtrl/Cmd + Shift + S~~text~~
LinkCtrl/Cmd + K[text](url)
AppFlowy supports Markdown syntax. Type Markdown shortcuts and they’ll automatically convert to formatted text.

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Working with Tables

Tables help organize structured information:
1

Insert table

Type /table and select the table size (rows × columns)
2

Add content

Click into cells and type content. Press Tab to move to the next cell
3

Modify structure

Right-click on rows or columns to insert, delete, or reorder

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Table Features

  • Resize columns: Drag column borders to adjust width
  • Cell alignment: Left, center, or right align text
  • Background colors: Apply colors to cells, rows, or columns
  • Copy/paste: Works with Excel and Google Sheets

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Nested Pages

Create hierarchical document structures:
1

Add sub-page

Type /sub and select Sub-page from the menu
2

Name the page

Give your sub-page a title
3

Navigate

Click the sub-page block to open it. Use breadcrumbs to navigate back
Sub-pages appear in your sidebar hierarchy and can be moved independently.

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AI Writing Features

Boost your productivity with built-in AI assistance:

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AI Commands

  • Type /ai to open the AI writer
  • Select text and click the AI button in the toolbar
  • Ask AI to:
    • Generate content from prompts
    • Improve or rewrite existing text
    • Summarize long sections
    • Translate to other languages
    • Fix spelling and grammar
AI features require an AI provider to be configured. See AI Setup for details.

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Collaboration

Work together on documents in real-time:
  • Live cursors: See where collaborators are editing
  • Comments: Add inline comments by selecting text (coming soon)
  • Version history: Track changes and restore previous versions
  • Presence indicators: See who’s viewing the document

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Tips and Best Practices

Use headings

Structure documents with H1, H2, H3 for better navigation and outline view

Toggle lists

Hide detailed sections in toggle blocks to keep documents scannable

Link pages

Use @ mentions or sub-pages to connect related documents

Templates

Create reusable templates for meeting notes, project docs, and more

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts:
ActionWindows/LinuxmacOS
New documentCtrl + NCmd + N
BoldCtrl + BCmd + B
ItalicCtrl + ICmd + I
CodeCtrl + ECmd + E
LinkCtrl + KCmd + K
UndoCtrl + ZCmd + Z
RedoCtrl + Shift + ZCmd + Shift + Z
Slash menu//
Delete blockBackspace (empty)Delete (empty)
Press Ctrl/Cmd + / to see all available shortcuts in the app.

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Next Steps

Databases

Learn how to organize data with databases

Templates

Create reusable document templates

AI Features

Explore AI-powered writing tools

Collaboration

Share and collaborate on documents

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