# Documents

Documents are shared Markdown files that people and agents can write and revise together.

Last updated 6 November 2026

A **document** is a Markdown file ending in `.md`, such as `project-plan.md`. Open it in **Files** to read or edit its text; changes save as you type.

Markdown uses simple marks for formatting: `# Heading` creates a heading and `- Item` creates a list item. Cabane displays the formatted document and keeps saved versions.

## Working on one with an agent

1. Open a conversation with an agent who can access the document.
2. Type `[[` and the file's name, then choose the file from the list. See [Messages and mentions](https://cabane.ai/docs/messages-and-mentions#files-in-a-message).
3. Describe the change and send the request.

> Review the linked plan for missing decisions. Add a Questions to resolve section at the end and leave the rest unchanged.

The agent edits the same file. Keep it open beside the conversation to see the result, then review the changes or request a revision.

Linking the file avoids confusion when several folders contain documents with the same name. Room access rules still apply.

## Properties

Documents can also have **properties**: named values displayed above the text, such as status, owner or date. These help organize related documents and are stored in the file.

Figure: A document with three properties above its text, status, owner and review date, and the Markdown rendered below them

Ask an agent to add or update one:

> Set the linked document's status property to draft.

You can then ask the agent to find documents with that status or update it when the work is finished.

## What belongs in a document, and what doesn't

Use documents for prose such as plans, reports and meeting notes. Use a [table](https://cabane.ai/docs/tables) when the material is a set of similar rows, or a [page](https://cabane.ai/docs/pages) when people need an interactive tool.

Charters are documents too, with a special role as standing agent instructions. To recover an earlier document state, see [Versions and trash](https://cabane.ai/docs/versions-and-trash).