Connections are the magic that transforms scattered notes into a living knowledge system. In Niv, linking ideas together is as simple as typing, but the power it unlocks is extraordinary.
How Connections Work
Creating Links
Link any note to another by wrapping its name in double brackets: [[Note Name]]
While you write:
We are working on [[Project Alpha]] which connects to our [[Q1 Goals]].
The challenge is [[Technical Architecture]] but we've solved
similar problems in [[Previous Projects]].Every [[bracketed phrase]] becomes a clickable link. If the note doesn't exist yet, Niv creates it for you - perfect for building knowledge structures as you think.
Automatic Two-Way Linking
Here's where Niv gets powerful: every link is bidirectional. When you link from Note A to Note B, Note B automatically shows that Note A links to it. This creates a web of connections without extra work.
Example:
You mention
[[Design System]]in your "Project Planning" noteThe Design System note automatically shows "Project Planning" as a connected note
Now you can navigate both directions through your knowledge
Why Connections Matter
For Individuals
Rediscover forgotten insights: Find related notes you wrote months ago
Build on previous work: See how new ideas connect to existing knowledge
Think in networks: Your brain naturally connects ideas - now your notes can too
For Teams
Discover colleagues' work: See who else is thinking about similar topics
Avoid duplication: Find existing notes before creating new ones
Build comprehensive knowledge: Everyone's insights contribute to the bigger picture
Types of Connections
Direct Links
[[Specific Note Name]] - Links to a specific note
Contextual Links
Link related concepts even if they're not the exact note title:
Our [[user research]] shows that [[mobile performance]] is critical.
This relates to [[page load times]] and [[user experience metrics]].
Cross-Space Links
In team environments, you can link to notes in other spaces your team has access to, creating knowledge bridges across different projects.
Building Knowledge Webs
Start with Core Concepts
Identify your key topics and create hub notes for them:
[[Product Strategy]][[Customer Feedback]][[Technical Decisions]]
Connect as You Go
Don't wait to make connections. Link ideas the moment you think of them:
The [[user feedback]] from yesterday's [[customer interview]]
suggests we need to rethink our [[onboarding flow]].
Create Connection Patterns
Develop linking habits:
Link to previous meetings:
[[Weekly Standup - March 15]]Connect to related projects:
[[Similar to Project Beta]]Reference decision points:
[[Why we chose React]]
Collaborative Connection Power
When your team builds connections together, something magical happens:
Knowledge Compounds: One person's research connects to another's ideas, creating insights neither would have reached alone.
Expertise Surfaces: Team members discover who knows what through the connection web.
Context Spreads: New team members can follow connection trails to understand project history and decision-making.
Ideas Cross-Pollinate: Solutions from one project naturally flow to related challenges.
Pro Tips
Be generous with links: Link more than you think you need. Future you (and your teammates) will appreciate the connections.
Use natural language: Link using the words you'd actually say, not formal titles. [[that API problem we had]] is better than [[API_Issue_Report_v2]].
Create hub pages: Make overview notes that link to everything related to a topic. These become natural starting points.
Follow the trail: When you find an interesting connection, click through and see where it leads. You'll often discover forgotten gems.
Review your graph: Periodically look at your Graph view to see connection patterns and find isolated notes that might need more links.
Connection Shortcuts
Quick search: Start typing
[[and Niv will suggest existing notes to linkBacklink discovery: Check any note's backlinks to see what connects to it
What's Next?
Now that your notes are connected, learn how to organize and find them:
Tags and properties - Add metadata to organize your knowledge
Searching notes - Find exactly what you need instantly
Graph - Visualize your knowledge connections
Ready to build your knowledge web? Start linking your ideas together! 🕸️