Chrome extension beta

root

A private-by-default scratchpad and workspace for working text. Use Quick Capture and Inbox for fast intake, pull out tasks from plain text, reuse snippets, and copy only the context you actually want to share.

See the workflow Get support
Chrome Web Store Listing goes live at launch
Quick Capture to Inbox Local-first workspace Copy Context when ready

Why root

Built for the text you are still working with

root is not trying to be a giant note archive. It is a lighter work surface for rough notes, pasted research, links, tasks, project rules, quick captures, and the reusable text you keep reaching for while work is still moving.

If you just want a fast local notepad, root is good at that too. It just gives working text a little more structure without turning into a heavy system.

Capture without friction

Use Inbox when you do not know where something belongs yet. Quick Capture gives that same intake flow a tiny extension surface, and you can drag one or more .md or .txt files straight onto the workspace when the text already exists somewhere else.

Pull tasks from plain text

Task lines, Clean View, tags, and snippets help rough text become useful working context without forcing a database or project manager onto it.

Share only what matters

Copy Context opens Context Handoff so you can preview exactly what leaves root before you copy it, save it, or use it with browser AI workflows.

Workflow

Capture. Shape. Reuse. Copy context.

Copy Context keeps the boundary clear

Use the Copy Context action to open Context Handoff, then choose the current item, selected items, the current project, pinned context, or open tasks. Preview the bundle first, keep or remove metadata, and switch to links only when the references are the real payload. In some browser setups, the visible packet itself can be enough to work from without a separate paste step.

  • Project-aware quick context choices
  • Read-only preview before copy
  • Metadata toggle for framed or raw output
  • Links-only output for reference sharing
  • ATLAS button for on-page Atlas selection
  • Quiet local warnings for obviously sensitive text
root context handoff modal showing scoped preview before copy
root Quick Capture popup opening from the browser toolbar above the workspace

Quick Capture keeps the loop close

root keeps the organization shallow on purpose. Use Quick Capture and Inbox for intake, tags as lightweight projects, Open Tasks as the live checklist rollup, and Snippets for reusable text that should not clutter the main list. Quick Capture is the part that lets you save something while you are still on the page you were already using.

  • Quick Capture for fast intake from the extension button
  • Append into stays short on purpose: Inbox plus pinned items
  • Optional current-page link capture for research and follow-up
  • Task and date-stamp options right in the popup
  • Open workspace when you want the full surface
  • Optional redirect mode for one stable workspace tab
  • Snippets for reusable instructions, bios, prompt fragments, and simple prompt-library use

That means the capture step is not theoretical. It is a small real tool that drops text into the same workspace where you sort it later. If you prefer root on demand instead of on every new tab, turn on redirect mode in Quick Capture and use one stable workspace tab.

Examples

Small workspace, different kinds of work

root makes the most sense when you can picture the actual items sitting in the sidebar. The structure stays light, but the shape changes depending on what kind of work you do.

Developer

Bugs, feature requests, open tasks, quick captures from docs, and a clean context packet when you want help on the exact slice of work you are in.

  • Inbox
  • Bugs
  • Feature requests
  • Ideas

Content creator

Keep hooks, script fragments, sponsor notes, links, and posting checklists together without turning the whole thing into a giant content system.

  • Hooks
  • Script ideas
  • Sponsor links
  • Posting checklist

Executive assistant

Catch quick requests, prep notes, travel details, and follow-ups in one local workspace, then use Open Tasks and Copy Context to keep people aligned.

  • Daily handoff
  • Follow-ups
  • Travel notes
  • Meeting prep

Student

Use root for lecture dump notes, assignment checklists, research links, study prompts, and all the rough text that shows up before things feel organized.

  • Lecture dump
  • Assignment checklist
  • Research links
  • Study prompts

Principles

Private by default. Honest about what gets shared.

root should make sense even if you never paste into an assistant. root keeps your workspace local and is explicit about what it sends. Browser-level AI features still follow the browser's own sharing rules, so the same features that help you manage working text locally also make sharing calmer and more intentional when you do want to send something somewhere else.

Local first Workspace content stays in the browser unless you explicitly export or copy it. Browser AI still follows your browser's own sharing settings.
Plain text Markdown-friendly structure keeps the app lightweight, legible, and portable.
Scoped sharing Share the current item, project slice, pinned context, or open tasks instead of dumping everything.
Recovery built in Version history, Archive, Trash, and Export reduce the fear of moving quickly.

Explore more

Keep exploring root

If you want the details behind the workflow, these are the best next stops.

FAQ What root is, who it is for, and how Inbox, Quick Capture, Open Tasks, snippets, and Context Handoff work. Support Install help, Quick Capture basics, export/import guidance, troubleshooting, and what to try first. Contact Questions, bug reports, product feedback, and the right email for each kind of support. Blog Practical notes on working text, local-first workflows, and cleaner AI handoffs.