Open Library → Snippets
From Chartnote on the web, open Library and choose Snippets.
Create New Snippet
Click Create new snippet. Give it a Title (e.g., Low back pain).
Assign a Abbreviation (e.g., lbp). When you are on Chartnote or in your EHR using the Chrome Extension you can expand the Snippet using this abbreviation.
Add a Voice Command. If you are dictating, you can insert the Snippet by saying "insert snippet 'voice command'".
(Optional) Set a Category (e.g., Musculoskeletal). Categories help search and organization.
Choose if the Snippet is designed for a specific section of your note, or just leave it as "None".
Write the snippet body
Paste or compose the text you want to reuse.
Add fields (optional but powerful)
Use fields to collect small bits of structured data:
Input - A short, single-line field meant for brief entries. Ideal for quick details such as the patient’s name, age, or chief complaint.
Dropdown - Best used when the possible responses are limited to a predefined set of options. Instead of typing free text, you select from a list (e.g., Male / Female / Nonbinary).
Placeholder - is represented by a pair of brackets (e.g., [ ]). It’s also known as a dynamic field. Placeholders act as markers within a snippet where you can later fill in specific details. Using keyboard shortcuts or voice commands, you can quickly jump between these fields as you complete your note, making the documentation process faster and more structured.
Text area - Similar to an input field, but designed for longer entries. A text area provides more space, making it ideal for capturing detailed information such as the description of injury, patient history, or any extended notes that don’t fit neatly into a short field.
Optional - A block of text that you can choose to include or leave out when using a snippet. Think of it as a toggle: turn it on if it’s relevant to the encounter, or keep it off to exclude it.
Date / time - A specialized field for inserting dates. With the Time Wizard, you can quickly calculate future dates by adding a specific number of days or weeks from today’s date. For example, you can auto-generate a follow-up appointment date two weeks from now without manual calculation.
Link - Use this field to insert an external hyperlink within your snippet. It’s perfect for referencing patient education resources, exercise instructions, or any other relevant information.
Save
Click Save and exit. Your snippet now appears in My Library.
Pro tips
Keep titles human‑readable; keep abbreviations short and memorable.
Use prefixes (e.g., msk-, cards-) to group shortcuts by specialty or to quickly find your own Snippets.
Search‑and‑insert: To quickly add a snippet, start typing "@" followed by your abbreviation in the note editor. A list of matching snippets will appear, and you can either click on the snippet with your mouse or press Enter or Tab to insert it instantly.
Voice insertion: While dictating, you can insert a snippet by saying “Insert snippet [voice command].”
Navigate placeholders: After inserting a snippet, you can move through the placeholders using your keyboard: press Ctrl + Right Arrow (Windows) or Command + Right Arrow (Mac). If you’re dictating, simply say “Next field” to jump to the following placeholder.
Download Charnote Chrome Extension: Inserting snippets directly into your EHR is only available for web-based EHRs through the Chartnote Chrome Extension. You’ll need to install the extension to enable this functionality. You can download it here: Chartnote Chrome Extension.
Search‑and‑insert: To quickly add a
snippet, start typing "@" followed by your abbreviation in the note
editor. Press Enter or Tab to insert it. If the snippet is simple, it will expand instantly. If it contains fields, a pop-up window will appear, allowing you to review and edit the fields before the snippet is inserted. You can also search for snippets directly from the Chrome Extension, and once you find the one you need, simply click on it to insert it where your cursor is placed.
Voice insertion: While dictating using the Chrome Extension, you can insert a snippet by saying “Insert snippet [voice command].”
Navigate placeholders: After inserting a snippet, you can move through the placeholders using your keyboard: press Ctrl + Right Arrow (Windows) or Command + Right Arrow (Mac). If you’re dictating, simply say “Next field” to jump to the following placeholder.