> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.nekst.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Adding Notes and using ScratchPad ## Adding Notes and Using Scratchpad This guide explains the difference between **Notes** and **Scratchpad** in Nekst, and when to use each while managing a transaction. Both tools help you capture information, but they serve different purposes. ## Notes – Structured and Permanent Information ### What Notes Are For Notes are designed for information that matters long term and may need to be referenced later. Use Notes to: * Document important decisions or confirmations * Capture client instructions * Record conversations that impact the transaction * Store information that should remain part of the transaction record Notes are ideal when information needs to be clear, intentional, and easy to reference in the future. ### How to Add a Note **Step 1:** Open a transaction **Step 2:** Click the ( ADD ) Button at the top and Select "Note" ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/screenshot-2026-01-21-at-11060_1emdtv4.png =350x383) **Step 3:** Enter your note and decide whether you want to publish it to the client portal ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/screenshot-2026-01-21-at-11081_50ch1m.png =500x282) **Step 4:** Enter your information and save. There will be a Date/Time stamp for the note. All notes can be read on the /Details page at the bottom, under the list of Detail Boxes ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/screenshot-2026-01-21-at-11092_1l4b995.png =500x239) ### Viewing and Adding Notes from the Transactions Page You can now view, add, and scan all notes for a transaction without opening it. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/transaction-notes-preview_c2ibk0.png =350x354) Each transaction row on the **Transactions** page shows a Notes icon with a count badge indicating how many notes are attached. **Hovering over the Notes icon opens a popover that shows:** * Every existing note (content, author, and date) * A scrollable list if the transaction has more notes than fit * An **+ Add Note** option for adding a note in place * A **View all** link that opens the full Transaction Detail page Use the hover preview when you want to glance at recent notes or drop in a quick update without leaving the Transactions list. Notes remain attached to the transaction and should be treated as part of the official workflow. ### Adding Notes While Launching from a Contract The same Notes icon appears while you are launching a transaction from a contract, so you can write things down as you review rather than trying to remember them until the transaction exists. You will find it on all five review steps: * Verify Contract Data * Select Groups * Key Dates * All Tasks * Transaction Parties Look for it in the top right, next to the **Next** button (or **Complete Setup** on the last step). It works the same way it does on the Transactions page: the badge shows how many notes are attached, and clicking it opens the panel where you can add, edit, and delete. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/add-comments-during-launch_1ca32rr.png =700x241) This is useful for the things that surface while you are reading the contract. "Buyer may be paying cash." "Seller asked about a leaseback." "Double-check the HOA docs before Friday." Write it down when you see it and it is waiting on the transaction the moment you finish launching. **Note:** The **View all** link is hidden during launch. It would navigate away from the wizard and lose your progress. Every note you add is still there on the transaction once setup is complete. ## Scratchpad – Quick and Informal Notes ### What Scratchpad Is For Scratchpad is designed for fast, informal input that helps you work in the moment. Use Scratchpad to: * Jot down reminders * Capture temporary context * Store quick thoughts while reviewing a file * Keep short notes visible while working through tasks Scratchpad stays visible on the main transaction page so you can quickly reference it without navigating away. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/screenshot-2026-01-21-at-11112_9wsuwj.png =250x220) ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/3/f/f43f5e89d91dd000/screenshot-2026-01-21-at-11113_f6hbhm.png =250x113) ### How Scratchpad Works * Scratchpad allows you to update details at any time with no date/time stamp. * It is internal only and not visible to clients * Content can be edited or cleared at any time * There is no formal structure or formatting required Scratchpad is meant to feel lightweight and flexible. ## Notes vs Scratchpad – When to Use Each Use **Notes** when: * The information is important long term * You may need to reference it weeks or months later * It affects how the transaction is handled * It belongs in the official record Use **Scratchpad** when: * The note is temporary * You need a quick reminder * You are actively working through details * The information will eventually be moved or discarded A good rule of thumb is this: If it matters later, use Notes. If it matters right now, use Scratchpad. ## Best Practices * Keep Scratchpad short and action focused * Move important details from Scratchpad into Notes or Tasks once finalized * Avoid duplicating the same information in both places * Treat Notes as permanent and Scratchpad as temporary ## Common Questions **Can clients see Scratchpad content?** No. Scratchpad is internal only. **Can clients see Notes?** Clients only see notes that are explicitly shared through the Client Portal. **Does Scratchpad replace Notes?** No. Scratchpad is meant to complement Notes, not replace them.