**Notes that contain one idea, or represent one concept.** Atomic Notes are artifacts of a specific style of notetaking - the [[Slip-Box Method]]. It stands in opposition to the most common form of notetaking - longform notes. **Atomic Notes contain one idea, or represent one concept**. They range in length from one sentence, to a couple of paragraphs with some associated examples. They are uniquely identified so they can be referenced from one-another. There is no "exactly right" way to do Atomic Notetaking. Keep thoughts small enough so they can be clearly referenced, and keep them self-contained so they can be understood in a vacuum. [[My Notes are Atomic-ish]]. ## Benefits of Atomic Notes over Longform - Each note is small enough to be quickly reviewed. One of the [[6 Information Mapping Principles]]. - Each note is self-contained & can be understood without suffering [[Context Loading]] - Notes can be built like Lego into something bigger. - See [[Standardization Enables Creativity]] **** ### Source - [Mark Koester](http://www.markwk.com/smart-notes.html) - [Zettelkasten: It's Like GTD for Writing and Here's Why You Should Consider It](https://writingcooperative.com/zettelkasten-its-like-gtd-for-writing-and-here-s-why-you-should-consider-it-7dddf02be394) ### Related - [[Context Loading]] - [[Standardization Enables Creativity]] - [[Slip-Box Method]] - [[Externalizing the Brain]] - [[6 Information Mapping Principles]]