# Notes
The Notes system on SIMKL is one of the most powerful features for curators and collectors who need to store extensive data alongside their media.
While a "Memo" is meant for a quick 140-character thought, Notes are designed for long-form archival and detailed metadata.
On SIMKL, you don't just track content; you curate your thoughts about it.
{% content-ref url="ratings-memos-reviews-and-comments/memos" %}
[memos](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/content-tracking/ratings-memos-reviews-and-comments/memos)
{% endcontent-ref %}
## Where to Add Notes: Two Primary Locations
### A. Per Title/Item (Within a Custom List)
Every movie, TV show, or anime within a Custom List has two specific buttons under the title: ADD PUBLIC NOTE and ADD PRIVATE NOTE.
* Public Note: Use this to share information with the community. It’s perfect for adding context to a recommendation or explaining why a title belongs in your list.
* Private Note: This is your personal workspace. Even if your list is set to "Public," these notes remain invisible to everyone but you. It is ideal for tracking purchase history, physical storage locations, or personal reminders.
* Character Limit: Both Public and Private per-item notes support up to 4,000 characters each. This allows for significantly more detail than a standard profile memo.
### B. The List-Wide "Notes" Tab
When editing a Custom List, you will see a dedicated Notes tab at the top. This opens a large-scale editor specifically for Private Notes regarding the entire collection.
* Markdown Support: This field fully supports Markdown, allowing you to use bold text, italics, headers, and even embed images or links.
* Markdown Preview: The editor features a side-by-side preview window so you can see exactly how your formatting looks before saving.
* Character Limit: This field is designed for massive datasets, supporting up to 100,000 characters.
* Best Use Case: Use this for a "Changelog" of your list, complex viewing order guides, or an internal manifest if you are managing a collaborative collection.
***
## Key Differences: Notes vs. Memos
{% content-ref url="ratings-memos-reviews-and-comments/memos" %}
[memos](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/content-tracking/ratings-memos-reviews-and-comments/memos)
{% endcontent-ref %}
| **Feature** | **Memos** | **Notes (Custom Lists)** |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Character Limit | Strict 140 characters | 4,000 (per item) / 100k (tab) |
| Formatting | Plain text only | Full Markdown support |
| Scope | Global (attached to your profile) | Contextual (attached to a specific list) |
| Visuals | Basic text | Side-by-side Markdown preview |
***
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1\. Is there a character limit for notes?
Yes. Per-item notes (Public or Private) allow 4,000 characters. The dedicated List Notes tab allows up to 100,000 characters.
2\. Can I use Markdown in all notes?
Yes! Markdown is supported in the List Notes tab and the individual item notes, allowing for rich text formatting and linked images.
3\. Who can see my "Private Notes" in a public list?
Only you. Your private thoughts and archival data remain strictly confidential, regardless of the list's privacy setting.
4\. Does the note save automatically?
In the 100k Notes tab, you should always ensure you hit save after editing. Per-item notes are saved when you click "Done."
5\. Will there be more notes features in the future?
SIMKL is constantly iterating. Planned improvements often focus on better searchability and cross-referencing between different list notes.
