# Get started in five minutes (https://docs.commonplot.co/en/user/getting-started/)

This guide walks through the core commonplot loop: create a notebook, add sources, research with AI, and save the result as a document. The **Get started** checklist in the sidebar also guides you step by step.

## 1. Sign in [#1-sign-in]

Sign in at [commonplot.co](https://www.commonplot.co/en) with Google or an email verification code. You can browse Discover without an account, but saving and AI require one.

## 2. Create your first notebook [#2-create-your-first-notebook]

A notebook holds everything for one topic or research question. Choose **Create** → **New notebook** and name it after what you want to find out, for example:

![The Create menu: New resource and New notebook](https://docs.commonplot.co/images/en/create-menu.png/)

- AI chip supply chain
- The AI agent market in 2026
- Thesis: multi-agent coordination

A description is optional. New notebooks are private, so only you can see them; you can make one public later under **Edit**.

![The New notebook dialog with name, description, and Make private](https://docs.commonplot.co/images/en/new-notebook-dialog.png/)

## 3. Add sources [#3-add-sources]

In the notebook's resources rail, choose **Add** → **Add resource**, then either:

- **Paste links**: articles, YouTube, papers, and X posts all work, up to 20 at a time; or
- **Upload PDF or image**: up to 10 MB each, or drag files in.

![The Add resource dialog with three pasted links](https://docs.commonplot.co/images/en/add-resource-dialog.png/)

commonplot fetches and summarizes the content in the background, so you can close the dialog. **Imports** shows each item's status; **Ready to read** means it is done.

## 4. Ask AI about your sources [#4-ask-ai-about-your-sources]

The AI rail sits on the right of the notebook. Choose **Add context** → **Notebook resources**, pick the sources for this question, and ask:

```text
Summarize these sources: the core arguments, key data, and conclusions.
```

```text
Compare these sources. Where do they agree and disagree, and what evidence does each use?
```

**3 sources** under the answer lists what the AI used, so you can check the originals.

![The AI rail answering a comparison of three sources](https://docs.commonplot.co/images/en/ai-answer.jpg/)

## 5. Save it as a document [#5-save-it-as-a-document]

Ask the AI: "Turn this into a research document." The document is created in the notebook. Open it to edit it yourself or ask AI to revise specific sections. A version is saved before every AI edit, so you can always restore one.

## 6. Share it (optional) [#6-share-it-optional]

Documents start visible only to you. To share one, set a username in **Settings → Profile**, then choose **Share** on the document and change **Who can read** to **Anyone with the link** or **Public**.

## Next steps [#next-steps]

- [Save articles, papers, and videos](https://docs.commonplot.co/en/user/saving/): every way to add content
- [Organize research with notebooks](https://docs.commonplot.co/en/user/notebooks/): how resources, documents, and AI work together
- [Use the AI assistant](https://docs.commonplot.co/en/user/ai-assistant/): choosing context and models