Your First Vault
Six steps from an empty folder to a connected, AI-native knowledge base.
1. Create or open a vault
A vault is just a folder of Markdown files. Point Metis at a new folder, or open an existing one - including an Obsidian vault. Files on disk are the source of truth; Metis is a fast native view over them.
2. Write your first note
Create a note and start typing. The live-preview editor styles Markdown as you type and hides syntax markers on inactive lines. Switch to Reading mode to render the full document with tables, code, and LaTeX math.
3. Connect notes with links
Type [[ to link to another note. Backlinks appear automatically on the other side, and the graph view shows your growing web. Unlinked mentions surface notes that reference the current one in plain text.
4. Add structure with properties
Give a note typed properties (status, owner, due, custom keys) as YAML front matter, edited as color-coded chips. Checklist tasks and due dates roll up into the agenda, grouped by date.
5. Turn on git history (optional)
Make the vault a git repo to get snapshots, per-note history, side-by-side diffs, and one-click restore - plus optional auto-snapshot. Real provenance for your knowledge, using standard git.
6. Use on-device AI (optional)
On a Mac with Apple Intelligence (macOS 26), summarize notes, get writing assist on a selection, accept tag/link suggestions, and Ask Vault for answers across your notes with citations - all on-device, nothing uploaded.