How do I sign up and explore the interface?

# Step 1: Get Started with Roam Research 1. Visit [roamresearch.com](https://roamresearch.com/) and click 'Start Free Trial' to create an account (31-day trial available). 2. Name your first graph (database), e.g., 'Personal Knowledge Base'. 3. Familiarize with the interface: - **Left sidebar**: Daily Notes, Graph Overview, All Pages, Shortcuts. - **Top search bar**: Type to search or create pages. - **Right sidebar**: Open multiple pages (right-click titles). - Bottom-right **?** icon: Access help and [/commands]. 4. Open Daily Notes (today's date) and add a test bullet point.

How do I create pages and master blocks?

# Step 2: Build Pages and Blocks 1. Create a page: Type `[[Your Topic]]` (e.g., [[Learning Roam]]) in Daily Notes or search bar and press Enter. 2. Understand blocks: Every bullet is a block. Press Enter for new block, Tab to indent, Shift+Tab to outdent. 3. Switch views: Right-click page title > 'Open in sidebar' or 'Document mode' for linear writing. 4. Use Daily Notes daily: Log thoughts, tasks; archive to pages later. 5. Star important pages: Hover > star icon for Shortcuts menu access.

How do I leverage bi-directional links?

# Step 3: Connect Ideas with Links 1. Create links: Highlight text > `[[` or type `[[Keyword]]` to make a page. 2. View connections: At page bottom, see **Linked References** (explicit) and **Unlinked References** (mentions). 3. Link unlinked: Click suggestions to connect. 4. Practice: On [[Learning Roam]], link to related pages like [[Blocks]] or [[Daily Notes]]. 5. Keyboard: Cmd/Ctrl+K for quick link.

How do I format, embed, and manage tasks?

# Step 4: Enhance with Commands and Embeds 1. Slash menu: Type `/` in a block for TODO, image upload, embed tweet/video, table, etc. 2. Formatting: **bold**, *italic*, `~~strikethrough~~`, highlight (Cmd/Ctrl+H). 3. Block refs: Type `((` to reference specific blocks (reusable). 4. Tasks: `/TODO` or Cmd/Ctrl+Enter; view on [[TODO]] page. 5. Explore shortcuts: Bottom-right ? > Keyboard shortcuts.

How do I visualize graph and build a project?

# Step 5: Query, Visualize, and Apply 1. Graph Overview: Sidebar > Visualize connections; click nodes to highlight. 2. Queries: Type `{{query: [[Your Tag]] }}` or use TODO/DONE views. 3. Build project: Create [[Project Name]] page, link prior notes, embed refs. 4. Customize: [[roam/css]] for themes; join Slack for tips. 5. Export/Share: Three-dot menu > PDF/Markdown.

Master Networked Note-Taking with Roam in 5 Steps

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Instant Toolkit

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Get Started with Roam Research

Visit roamresearch.com and click 'Start Free Trial' to create an account (31-day trial available).
Name your first graph (database), e.g., 'Personal Knowledge Base'.
Familiarize with the interface:
- Left sidebar: Daily Notes, Graph Overview, All Pages, Shortcuts.
- Top search bar: Type to search or create pages.
- Right sidebar: Open multiple pages (right-click titles).
- Bottom-right ? icon: Access help and [/commands].
Open Daily Notes (today's date) and add a test bullet point.

Why this step matters:

-Builds familiarity with the core workspace for efficient navigation
-Enables quick capture of ideas without setup friction

15-30 minutes

Roam Research account, Web browser, Computer or tablet

$0 (trial)

Definition of Done

•Successfully created a graph and navigated sidebar sections
•Added and edited a block in Daily Notes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overlooking the left sidebar navigation

→Click each section (Daily Notes, All Pages) to see their purpose

❌ Skipping the trial sign-up due to cost concerns

→Use the 31-day free trial to evaluate fully before committing

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Following along, or just reading? 👀

Spin up a personalized “learn Roam Research” plan you can save, check off, and return to anytime — unlimited on the free trial.

Start free trial →

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Master Networked Note-Taking with Roam in 5 Steps