Quickstart

This guide walks you through the core Margin workflow: create a notebook, run code, and share your findings in a brief.

Step 1: Create a Notebook

1. From your dashboard, click Notebooks in the sidebar
2. Click New notebook
3. Choose Blank notebook or upload an existing .ipynb file

You'll see a fresh notebook with one empty code cell.

Step 2: The Kernel Connects Automatically

The Python kernel connects automatically when you open a notebook. Watch the toolbar—the status shows:

• Connecting... → Establishing the connection
• Warming up... → Loading Python packages
• Kernel ready (green) → Ready to execute code

Step 3: Write and Run Code

Type some Python in the first cell:

import pandas as pd

# Create sample data
data = {
    'Month': ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr'],
    'Revenue': [12000, 15000, 13500, 18000]
}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)
df

Run the cell with Shift + Enter (or click the play button). You'll see the DataFrame rendered below the cell.

Add More Cells

• Press B to add a cell below (or A for above)
• Press M to convert a cell to Markdown
• Press Y to convert back to code

Keyboard Shortcuts

Margin notebooks support Jupyter‑style shortcuts:

Step 4: Save Your Notebook

Margin auto‑saves as you work. The status indicator in the navbar shows:

• Unsaved – Changes pending
• Syncing... – Save in progress
• Synced – All changes saved

You can also press Ctrl/Cmd + S to save immediately.

Step 5: Create a Brief

Now let's share your findings:

1. Click Briefs in the sidebar
2. Click New brief
3. Give it a title (e.g., "Q1 Revenue Summary")
4. Optionally, link it to your notebook (this enables artifact embedding)
5. Click Create brief

You'll land in the brief editor—a rich text editor for writing your narrative.

Step 6: Add Artifacts

If your brief is linked to a notebook, you can embed outputs directly:

1. Click Insert Artifact in the toolbar (or type / and select "Artifact from Notebook")
2. Choose a cell output (chart, table, or image)
3. The artifact appears in your brief, linked to its source

Step 7: Share Your Brief

Ready to publish?

1. Click the Share button in the brief editor
2. Toggle Public to on
3. Set a URL slug (e.g., q1-revenue)
4. Copy the public link

Your brief is now live at marginfordata.com/@username/briefs/q1-revenue.

Viewers see your narrative and embedded outputs—but not your raw data or notebook code.

What's Next?

• Learn about notebooks – Cells, outputs, and kernel features
• Learn about briefs – Editing, artifacts, and formatting
• Upload datasets – Work with your own data
• Sharing guide – Public profiles and privacy controls