How to Create and Configure a Session

Creating a Session in Mind Dump is a simple, guided journey. Because we want to make sure your data is perfectly structured and secure, the creation process is broken down into two seamless phases: Phase 1: Creating the Session (building the foundation) and the optional Phase 2: The Setup Wizard (customising your workspace).

Phase 1: Creating Your Session

First, we need to build the basic "shell" for your new Session. You will start by opening the Create Session dialog and providing a few key details:

• Name: Give your Session a clear, recognisable name.

• Sort Mode: Choose how you want your data organised. Select Date if this session is for actionable tasks, or Alphabetical if it is for reference materials and knowledge.

• Special Flags: Here, you can designate if this is a specialised session, such as a Web Clipper or an AI Prompt library.

• Parent Session (Optional): If you are creating a "Child Session" that needs to link to an existing database (like linking notes to a specific client), you will select the parent session here.

Once you confirm these details, Mind Dump instantly builds the foundation for your database.

Phase 2: The Setup Wizard

Now that your Session exists, Mind Dump will automatically redirect you to a simple, 4-step Setup Wizard to help you furnish it. This wizard is designed to be completely flexible—you can use our quick-add recommendations, build everything from scratch, or simply skip steps to figure it out later.

Step 1: Choose Your Setup Style Mind Dump will look at the type of Session you just created and recommend a layout.

• Task Setup: Recommended for date-centric sessions. It pre-loads features perfect for project management.

• Knowledge Setup: Recommended for reference materials, pre-loading features for research and reading.

• Minimal Setup: A completely blank slate for you to customise from the ground up. You can always click to override our recommendation and choose a different setup!

Step 2: Set Up Your Tags Tags help you quickly filter and identify your records.

• Quick Add: Instantly apply a recommended bundle of tags (like urgent, in_progress, or research) based on your setup style.

• Custom: Manually type in your own tags and pick their custom colours.

• Skip: Move on and add tags later.

Step 3: Configure Custom Fields This is where you shape your database.

• Quick Add: Automatically add fields that match your workflow. For example, a Task setup will automatically give you Priority, Effort, and Owner fields.

• Custom: Build your own data entry forms. Choose from text, numbers, dates, dropdown menus, and more.

• Skip: Move on. (Note: A standard "Comments" field is always included automatically).

• Note on Child Sessions: If you linked this to a Parent Session in Phase 1, it will automatically inherit the custom fields of its parent to keep your data perfectly consistent.

Step 4: Organize into Groups Finally, decide where this Session lives in your workspace.

• Add to Existing: Check the boxes next to any of your existing folders or groups to add your new Session to them.

• Create New: Type a name to instantly create a brand new group and place your Session inside it.

• Skip: Leave it ungrouped and organise it later.

You're Done! Once you finish the wizard, your new bespoke database is ready to use.

A Quick Reassurance: Because the "shell" of your Session is created back in Phase 1, there is zero pressure while you are in the Setup Wizard. If you accidentally close the page, lose internet connection, or simply decide to abandon the setup midway through, nothing breaks. Your Session is safely saved, and you can jump back in to finish configuring your tags and fields whenever you are ready.