01 · Start fresh
Open a blank page.
Press ⌘N. Aside keeps the current page and opens a new one.
Aside guide
Start with the essentials.
Catch the first thought, learn how to keep a small working set, then adjust Aside when the defaults no longer fit.
Write
Catch your first thought.
Open Aside, write one thing down, then close it and keep working.
- 01
Start your trial or activate
Choose Start writing for the complete 14-day trial. If you bought Aside, choose Enter license key…. Leave Launch Aside at login on to keep it ready in the menu bar.
The trial begins when you start writing - 02
Open Aside over any app
Press ⌥Space without leaving what you are doing.
Change this shortcut in Settings - 03
Write, then close Aside
Write the thought, then press the shortcut again or Esc. The page is there when you return.
Navigate
Keep pages within reach.
Start a fresh page, return to recent ones, and archive what no longer needs your attention.
02 · Return
Bring an active page back.
Browse by recent edits, or cycle through viewing history and continue exactly where you stopped.
Previous / next⌃Tab
03 · Clear the list
Archive what no longer needs attention.
Archive a page now, or choose when inactive pages move out of the quick list automatically.
Auto-archive after
1 day1 week1 monthNever
Archive page⇧⌘A
Customize
Make it fit your workspace.
Adjust the panel and text size, choose an appearance, and change shortcuts when the defaults no longer fit.
Panel size
Give the thought the room it needs.
Make the panel smaller, fit it to its contents, enlarge it, or resize it with the mouse.
Text size
Keep every word comfortable to read.
Decrease, reset, or increase the editor text size from the keyboard.
Appearance
Follow your Mac or choose a side.
Use System, Light, or Dark appearance. Try each one in the preview.
Shortcuts
Use the keys that feel natural.
Hold Command to see available actions, then record your preferred shortcuts in Settings.
That’s all you need
Open Aside and catch the next thought.
The rest reveals itself as you need it.