# Install and choose your vault

Pinfig works on macOS, Windows and Linux.

1. Download Pinfig from [pinfig.com/download](/download) and install it.
2. On first launch, choose a folder for your **vault**. Pick an empty folder, or a folder of Markdown notes you already have.
3. Pinfig reads the folder and opens your workspace.

## What's in a vault

- **Notes** are plain Markdown files. You can open them in any editor.
- **Attachments** (PDFs, images) are the files themselves.
- **Boards, kanbans and tables** sit beside them in the same folder.

Back the folder up, or sync it, however you like. Nothing has to leave your computer.

## Files from elsewhere

Drop files into the vault folder from your file manager, then press refresh at the top of **Files** in the left rail to pick them up.


Install and choose your vault

# Find your way around

The left rail is the way into everything.

- **Files** shows your vault as a folder tree.
- **Search** and **Finder** list everything you have, with previews.
- **Inbox**, **Calendar**, **Journal** and **Chat** are always one click away.
- Under **Content**, your pinned items and recent notes, boards and chats.

## Search everything with ⌘K

Press **⌘K** (Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux) and start typing. Results come from notes, board cards, kanban cards, chats and journal days, with a preview.

## Open things side by side

Click an item to open it in a tab. **⌘-click** it (Ctrl-click) to open it in the side panel instead, next to what you're working on: a note beside a board, a PDF beside a note.


Find your way around

# Your first note and board

## Create something

Click **+** next to **Apps** in the left rail and pick what to make: a document, a board, a kanban, a table or a notebook.

## Write a note

Notes are calm, block-based documents saved as Markdown. Type **[[** to link another note; the link follows it if you rename it.

## Lay out a board

On a board, use the toolbar at the bottom:

1. Pick the **sticky note** tool and click the canvas to add a sticky.
2. Pick the **frame** tool and drag to group stickies in a frame.
3. Drag notes, PDFs and images in from **Files** to place them as cards.
4. Use the **fit** button at the bottom right to see the whole board.


Your first note and board

Install Pinfig, choose the folder your work lives in, and find your way around.