> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Documents

> Create rich, structured documents with powerful block-based editing

## 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.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Block-Based" icon="cube" iconType="solid">
    Build documents with modular blocks that can be rearranged and nested
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rich Media" icon="image" iconType="solid">
    Embed images, videos, files, and more directly in your documents
  </Card>

  <Card title="Smart Editing" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" iconType="solid">
    Use slash commands and AI assistance for faster content creation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Structured Content" icon="list-tree" iconType="solid">
    Create headings, lists, tables, and nested pages for organization
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Creating a Document

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create from sidebar">
    Click the **+** button in your workspace sidebar or press `Ctrl/Cmd + N` to create a new document.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a title">
    Click on **Untitled** at the top and give your document a name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start writing">
    Click in the editor area and start typing. Press `/` to open the slash menu and insert different block types.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Block Types

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

### 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

### 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

### 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

### 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

## Using the Slash Menu

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Type slash">
    In any empty line, type `/` to open the block menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search or browse">
    Start typing to filter blocks (e.g., `/image` or `/table`) or use arrow keys to browse
  </Step>

  <Step title="Insert block">
    Press `Enter` to insert the selected block type
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  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
</Tip>

## Text Formatting

Format text using keyboard shortcuts or by selecting text:

| Format            | Shortcut               | Markdown      |
| ----------------- | ---------------------- | ------------- |
| **Bold**          | `Ctrl/Cmd + B`         | `**text**`    |
| *Italic*          | `Ctrl/Cmd + I`         | `*text*`      |
| `Code`            | `Ctrl/Cmd + E`         | `` `text` ``  |
| ~~Strikethrough~~ | `Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + S` | `~~text~~`    |
| Link              | `Ctrl/Cmd + K`         | `[text](url)` |

<Note>
  AppFlowy supports Markdown syntax. Type Markdown shortcuts and they'll automatically convert to formatted text.
</Note>

## Working with Tables

Tables help organize structured information:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Insert table">
    Type `/table` and select the table size (rows × columns)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add content">
    Click into cells and type content. Press `Tab` to move to the next cell
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify structure">
    Right-click on rows or columns to insert, delete, or reorder
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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

## Nested Pages

Create hierarchical document structures:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add sub-page">
    Type `/sub` and select **Sub-page** from the menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the page">
    Give your sub-page a title
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate">
    Click the sub-page block to open it. Use breadcrumbs to navigate back
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Sub-pages appear in your sidebar hierarchy and can be moved independently.
</Tip>

## AI Writing Features

Boost your productivity with built-in AI assistance:

### 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

<Info>
  AI features require an AI provider to be configured. See [AI Setup](/ai/setup) for details.
</Info>

## 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

## Tips and Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use headings" icon="heading">
    Structure documents with H1, H2, H3 for better navigation and outline view
  </Card>

  <Card title="Toggle lists" icon="caret-right">
    Hide detailed sections in toggle blocks to keep documents scannable
  </Card>

  <Card title="Link pages" icon="link">
    Use `@` mentions or sub-pages to connect related documents
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="clone">
    Create reusable templates for meeting notes, project docs, and more
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts:

| Action       | Windows/Linux       | macOS             |
| ------------ | ------------------- | ----------------- |
| New document | `Ctrl + N`          | `Cmd + N`         |
| Bold         | `Ctrl + B`          | `Cmd + B`         |
| Italic       | `Ctrl + I`          | `Cmd + I`         |
| Code         | `Ctrl + E`          | `Cmd + E`         |
| Link         | `Ctrl + K`          | `Cmd + K`         |
| Undo         | `Ctrl + Z`          | `Cmd + Z`         |
| Redo         | `Ctrl + Shift + Z`  | `Cmd + Shift + Z` |
| Slash menu   | `/`                 | `/`               |
| Delete block | `Backspace` (empty) | `Delete` (empty)  |

<Note>
  Press `Ctrl/Cmd + /` to see all available shortcuts in the app.
</Note>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Databases" icon="table" href="/core/databases">
    Learn how to organize data with databases
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="clone" href="/core/templates">
    Create reusable document templates
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Features" icon="sparkles" href="/ai/ai-chat">
    Explore AI-powered writing tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collaboration" icon="users" href="/collaboration/sharing">
    Share and collaborate on documents
  </Card>
</CardGroup>