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- Replace old docs structure with new comprehensive documentation - Organize into 8 major sections (0-START-HERE through 7-DEVELOPMENT) - Convert CONFIGURATION.md, CONTRIBUTING.md, MAINTAINER_GUIDE.md to redirects - Remove outdated MIGRATION.md and DESIGN_PRINCIPLES.md - Fix all internal documentation links and cross-references - Add progressive disclosure paths for different user types - Include 44 focused guides covering all features - Update README.md to remove v1.0 breaking changes notice
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Core Concepts - Understand the Mental Model
Before diving into how to use Open Notebook, it's important to understand how it thinks. These core concepts explain the "why" behind the design.
The Five Mental Models
1. Notebooks, Sources, and Notes
How Open Notebook organizes your research. Understand the three-tier container structure and how information flows from raw materials to finished insights.
Key idea: A notebook is a scoped research container. Sources are inputs (PDFs, URLs, etc.). Notes are outputs (your insights, AI-generated summaries, captured responses).
2. AI Context & RAG
How Open Notebook makes AI aware of your research without uploading everything to the cloud.
Key idea: RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) means the AI searches your content, finds relevant pieces, and answers based on what it found. You control which content is in scope.
3. Chat vs. Transformations
Why Open Notebook has different interaction modes and when to use each one.
Key idea: Chat is conversational exploration (you control context). Transformations are batch processing (you define the template). They answer different questions.
4. Context Management
Your control panel for privacy and cost. Decide what data actually reaches AI.
Key idea: You choose three levels—not in context (private), summary only (condensed), or full content (complete access). This gives you fine-grained control.
5. Podcasts Explained
Why Open Notebook can turn research into audio and why this matters.
Key idea: Podcasts transform your research into a different consumption format. Instead of reading, someone can listen and absorb your insights passively.
Read This Section If:
- You're new to Open Notebook — Start here to understand how the system works conceptually before learning the features
- You're confused about RAG — Section 2 explains what it is and why it matters
- You're wondering when to use Chat vs Ask — Section 3 clarifies the differences
- You want to understand privacy controls — Section 4 shows you what you can control
- You're curious about podcasts — Section 5 explains the architecture and why it's different from competitors
The Big Picture
Open Notebook is built on a simple insight: Your research deserves to stay yours.
That means:
- Privacy by default — Your data doesn't leave your infrastructure unless you explicitly choose
- AI as a tool, not a gatekeeper — You decide which sources the AI sees, not the AI deciding for you
- Flexible consumption — Read, listen, search, chat, or transform your research however makes sense
These core concepts explain how that works.
Next Steps
- Just want to use it? → Go to User Guide
- Want to understand it first? → Read the 5 sections above (15 min)
- Setting up for the first time? → Go to Installation