How to Use Roam Research

Getting started with Roam Research

In this guide, you will learn how to set up Roam Research and create your first network of interconnected notes. By the end, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your ideas and research with ease.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Roam Research.
2. Click on the "Get Started" button.
3. Choose your preferred plan (Pro is $15/month or $165/year, Believer is $500 for 5 years).
4. Enter your email and create a password, then click "Sign Up".
5. Confirm your email address by clicking the link in the email you receive.
6. Log in to your new Roam account, and you’ll be taken to your dashboard.

Step 2: Your first note

1. Click on the "New Page" button located on the left sidebar.
2. Name your page (e.g., "My First Note") and hit Enter.
3. Start typing your note. To create a bidirectional link, type [[ followed by the name of another note (e.g., [[Another Note]]), then close with ]].
4. To create a block reference, type (( followed by the block you want to reference, then close with )).
5. Press Enter to save your note. You can view your linked notes in the right sidebar under "Linked References".

Step 3: Get better results

• Use tags by typing # followed by a keyword (e.g., #Research) to easily categorise your notes.
• Explore the "Graph Overview" by clicking the graph icon in the top right corner to visualise your connections.
• Regularly review your links and references to maintain a clear structure in your knowledge base.

Pro tip

Use the "Daily Notes" feature by clicking on the calendar icon in the left sidebar. This allows you to jot down daily thoughts and automatically links them to your other notes, creating a chronological context for your ideas.

Common mistake to avoid

Many beginners forget to create links and references between their notes. Always use [[ and (( to connect your ideas, as this is what makes Roam powerful for networked thought.