# The editor and the slash menu

The editor is where you write. Type to add text, press `/` to add anything else.

![The slash menu open on an empty line, listing the blocks you can add](https://thenotemaker.com/help/editor.webp)

## The slash menu

On an empty line, type `/`. A menu lists every block you can add. Keep typing to narrow it down, use the arrow keys to choose, and press **Enter** to insert. Press **Esc** to close it.

| Group | What you can add |
| --- | --- |
| Text | Text, Heading 1, 2 and 3, Bulleted list, Numbered list, To-do list, Quote |
| Layout | Callout, Divider, 2 columns, 3 columns, Table, Code block |
| Media | Image, Video, Audio, Embed web page, Bookmark |
| Diagrams | Chart / diagram, draw.io diagram, Scribble |
| Learning | Quiz, Flashcards |
| Other | HTML, Sub-page, Link to page |

Each of these has its own page in this section. Start with [🔤 Text, lists, tables and callouts](https://docs.thenotemaker.com/write/text-lists-tables-and-callouts).

## Format selected text

Select some text and a small toolbar appears next to it. Use it for bold, italic, strikethrough, links, highlight and colour. The usual shortcuts work too: Ctrl+B or Cmd+B for bold, Ctrl+I or Cmd+I for italic.

## Markdown shortcuts

If you know Markdown, you can type it. NoteMaker turns it into formatting as you go:

-   `#`, `##` or `###` and a space make a heading.
-   `-` and a space make a bullet list. `1.` and a space make a numbered list.
-   `[ ]` and a space make a to-do item.
-   `>` and a space make a quote.
-   Three backticks make a code block.

## Move and rearrange blocks

Hover over a block and a handle appears on its left. Drag the handle to move the block, or click it for a menu to turn the block into another type, duplicate it or delete it. `Alt+↑` and `Alt+↓` move the block you are in up or down without the mouse.

## Work together

Every page is a live document. When someone else opens the same page you see their name and cursor, and both of you can type at the same time. Changes are saved as you type, so there is nothing to save by hand.

## On a tablet or phone

Without a keyboard there is no `/`. On a touch device a floating **Scribble** button lets you write by hand straight onto the page. See [📐 Diagrams and handwriting](https://docs.thenotemaker.com/write/diagrams-and-handwriting).

> [!info] 💡
> Not sure which block you need? Type `/` and a word, for example `/table` or `/image`. The menu filters as you type.

## Related

-   [📝 Write your first page](https://docs.thenotemaker.com/get-started/write-your-first-page)
-   [🔗 Links and mentions](https://docs.thenotemaker.com/write/links-and-mentions)
-   [🕘 Version history](https://docs.thenotemaker.com/organise-and-share/version-history)