How I created and use my analog Zettelkasten | Step-by-step guide

In this video, I show you step-by-step how to create and use an analog Zettelkasten.

// CHAPTERS //
00:00 - Introduction
01:07 - Supplies you will need
02:34 - Main components of a Zettelkasten
05:11 - Creating a Zettelkasten from Scratch
08:14 - Bib cards and extracting information from books
15:07 - Main cards
19:45 - Main card examples
26:44 - Using the index
29:44 - Bib box and catalog
31:54 - Wrap up

// LINKS //
Links to gear used in the video (some links are affiliate links)

[williamburke]

Thank you. 600 pages boiled down into a sane 30 mins. The book could’ve been a 100 page pamphlet, so you’ve done a great service to us all.

[finnfranks]

The best zettlekasten tutorial I’ve seen after doing a lot of searching. Thank you!

[fatherluke]

A concise and practical overview of Zettelkasten, with enough specifics to be a complete course in itself.

After years of searching for a way of studying that made sense to me, I found the Zettelkasten methodology, which as anyone familiar with it has experienced, is overwhelming in the amount of information available on YouTube and the internet.

This brief video is organized amazingly well, and is effective in introducing Zettelkasten in a way that nothing else I have researched has been able to do, itself a demonstration of how useful Zettelkasten may be.

Very nice work.
And thanks.

[fabsanh]

This is certainly the most straight forward to the Antinet Zettelkasten method. More straight forward than Scott himself indeed. Thanks and cheers from Chile 🇨🇱

[shariarshuvo]

I found this video unintentionally relaxing.

[nahidnfi]

This video give me complete clarity of using this method. Thank you.

[sehatatlier]

this video is far better than any other videos around for beginners

[TammyMidyette]

Thank you for creating such an informative and EASY way to manage this system.

[tammydewitt]

Thank you for boiling this down! I should have watched this video first.

[FakeFlowers]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[amandastiver]

This is very helpful, clear and concise. I've been wanting to begin to develop some book projects and this analog approach takes me right back to my high school research papers, so a good starting place. Very simple, very effective. Thank you.

[Mystery-syhf]

I am glad to hear I am not the only one struggling with the academic discipline references. Especially when they don't show the reference numbers anymore.
I appreciate your break down of the folgezettel, even though I think I have decided on a different approach. I think I will try letters for the main topic followed by a numbering for each card.

[carlosguio]

Thanks a lot, a very clear video. It was of great help for me. Now, I can to begin now my analog zettlekasten

[livinginthelogos]

Incredible job ser!

I’m reading Scott’s book rn and thought to myself I wonder who has distilled this on YouTube lol. And here it is, absolutely stellar.

Bought that same box. Have a project im about to start and I had just discovered obsidian after years of analog note taking; I’m not a slouch with computers but I just immediately felt uncomfortable. Stumbled on one of Scott’s videos. Super pleased :)

Take care and God bless 😊

[animalrave]

I like your video. I'm more interested in hearing success stories about how its helped people so im hoping you post some at a later date. I started creating my own around 10 months ago after reading that same book and watching about a dozen yt vids on it. I started with both obsidian and an analog one at the same time. Putting the same info into both and structuring them both the same. There is something about the tactile nature of writing and touching cards that seems to trigger better memorization in me over the digital version. I've settled on digital though mainly because of speed. In the same amount of time i put 1 zettle in i can put around 3-5 in the digital version and the graph view ive found increases my productivity in finding new connections. The biggest thing i found was that i got caught up in expanding it as quickly as possible but realized that it was too broad and narrowed it down to focus on specific goals/projects. I think you need to create it with a goal or goals in mind as this is really only useful for certain things in order for it to be productive for you. Its strength is in the finding/seeing connections/relationships between the things and helping you track them.

[LSGMedia]

About to embark on a history project, and this type of organization for outlining the many books I will have to read will be WAY easier because of this. Thanks for taking the time.

[dalydegagne]

I appreciate your approach to Zettelkasten, especially analogue Zettelkasten, without getting into polemics about analogue vs digital approaches.
I look forward to any future Zettelkasten videos you create.

[janeviebrock]

Excellent job of simplifying how to do a Z. Sometimes less is more. TY

[cfraschetti]

Great guide. Thank you. I have also done away with Scott's 5 starting cards and moved to doing what you describe here, start with what you are reading. Also, doing your notes, then putting the book down for a while. That is a great idea. I have found selection is the hardest discipline, and I wonder if doing that will help. I'm going to try it. Thanks!

[elclubdelasam]

ES EL MEJOR VIDEO QUE HAY SOBRE EL SISTEMA DE ZETTELKASTEN... MUY BIEN EXPLICADO.