Quick Start

Get up and running with Lokus in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the essential features to help you start taking notes effectively.

First Launch

Creating Your First Note

# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3
 
**Bold text** and *italic text*
 
- Bullet point 1
- Bullet point 2
  - Nested bullet
 
1. Numbered list
2. Second item
 
> This is a blockquote
 
`inline code` and code blocks:
 
\`\`\`javascript
function hello() {
  console.log("Hello, Lokus!");
}
\`\`\`

Link to another note: [[Note Title]]
 
Link with custom text: [[Note Title|Custom Display Text]]
 
Link to a heading: [[Note Title#Heading]]

Advanced Features

Math Equations

Lokus supports LaTeX math equations using KaTeX:

Inline math: Wrap expressions in single dollar signs

The quadratic formula is $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$

Block math: Use double dollar signs for display equations

$$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} dx = \sqrt{\pi}
$$

Task Lists

Create interactive checkboxes with task list syntax:

- [ ] Incomplete task
- [x] Completed task
- [ ] Another pending item
  - [ ] Nested subtask

Click any checkbox to toggle its completion state. Lokus saves the state automatically.

Code Syntax Highlighting

Lokus provides syntax highlighting for numerous programming languages:

\`\`\`python
def fibonacci(n):
    if n <= 1:
        return n
    return fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2)
\`\`\`
 
\`\`\`typescript
interface Note {
  title: string;
  content: string;
  createdAt: Date;
}
\`\`\`

Tables

Create organized data with Markdown tables:

| Feature | Lokus | Others |
|---------|-------|--------|
| Local-first | Yes | Varies |
| Privacy | Full | Limited |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |

Essential Workflows

Search Everything

Lokus provides powerful search capabilities:

• Quick Search: Press Cmd+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) to open the command palette
• Full-Text Search: Press Cmd+Shift+F to search across all notes
• Filter by tags: Use #tag in search to find tagged notes

Graph View

Visualize connections between your notes:

1. Click the Graph View icon in the toolbar
2. See an interactive network of your notes and their links
3. Click any node to open that note
4. Use the graph to discover relationships and gaps in your knowledge

Templates

Save time with note templates:

1. Create a new note with your desired structure
2. Save it in a .templates folder in your workspace
3. Use Cmd+T to insert a template into any note

Example template:

---
created: {{date}}
tags: []
---
 
# {{title}}
 
## Summary
 
 
## Key Points
 
-
 
## References
 
-

Folders and Organization

Organize notes with folders:

• Create folders in the sidebar with right-click → New Folder
• Drag and drop notes between folders
• Use consistent naming conventions like:
  • projects/ for project notes
  • daily/ for daily notes
  • areas/ for areas of responsibility
  • resources/ for reference material

Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts to work efficiently:

Customization

Editor Settings

Customize your writing experience in Settings → Editor:

• Font family: Choose your preferred font
• Font size: Adjust text size for comfortable reading
• Line height: Set spacing between lines
• Theme: Switch between light and dark modes
• Vim mode: Enable Vim keybindings if preferred

Appearance

Make Lokus your own:

• Theme: Light, dark, or system-based
• Accent color: Customize the interface accent color
• Font: Choose from a variety of monospace and serif fonts

Next Steps

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, explore these guides:

• Workspace Setup - Learn advanced workspace management
• Markdown Reference - Complete Markdown syntax guide
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Master all shortcuts
• Templates & Automation - Create powerful workflows

Tips for Success