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Understanding the Raycaster File System

Raycaster provides a hierarchical file organization system, designed specifically for life sciences and biotech research teams. The file system supports multiple content types including sheets, pages, documents, and folders, all organized in an intuitive, structured way.
File System Overview

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Content Types Overview

Raycaster supports several types of content that can be organized within the file system:
Content TypePurposeKey Features
SheetsData tables with research capabilitiesAI research, data analysis, collaboration
PagesFlexible Notion-like content areasRich formatting, embedded content, documentation
DocumentsGoogle Docs-like collaborative text editingReal-time collaboration, version history
FoldersHierarchical organization containersContent organization, permission inheritance

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Universal Creation Workflow

All content types in Raycaster follow a consistent creation pattern, making it easy to create any type of content from anywhere in your workspace.
1

Access Creation Options

Navigate to your workspace and choose one of these methods:
  • Main Toolbar: Click the ”+” button or “Create” button at the top right
2

Select Content Type

Choose what you want to create:
  • New Sheet: For data tables and research workflows
  • New Page: For documentation and flexible content
  • New Document: For collaborative text editing
  • New Folder: For organizing other content
3

Configure Properties

Set up your content with universal properties:
  • Title: Enter a descriptive name
  • Description (Optional): Add context and details
  • Visibility: Set access permissions (Private, Team, Public)
  • Template: Apply templates when available
4

Create Content

Click “Create” to add the content to your workspace and begin working
All content types inherit permissions from their parent folder by default, but you can customize permissions at the individual item level for fine-grained access control.

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Sheets

Sheets provide powerful data tables with AI research capabilities, perfect for organizing and analyzing research data. With built-in research functions and collaboration features, sheets serve as the foundation for data-driven life sciences work.

Comprehensive Sheets Guide

Complete documentation for creating, managing, and using sheets for research workflows, data analysis, and team collaboration.

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Pages

Pages provide flexible content areas similar to Notion, designed for documentation, structured content, and organizing research information. Pages support rich formatting, embedded content, and real-time collaboration.

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Creating and Using Pages

Pages include a powerful Notion-like editor with drag-and-drop content blocks: Content Block Types:
  • Text Content: Headings (H1-H6), paragraphs, lists, quotes
  • Media and Structure: Images, tables, code blocks, dividers
  • Interactive Elements: Task lists, bookmarks, embedded content
Key Features:
  • Drag & Drop Organization: Reorder content blocks by dragging
  • Auto-save Protection: Content saves automatically every 3 seconds
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Type / to open block menu, use standard formatting
  • Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit simultaneously
Page editor showing content blocks and formatting options

Page editor with drag-and-drop content blocks

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Page Management

Templates and Reusability:
  • Pre-built Templates: Research documentation, meeting notes, project plans
  • Custom Templates: Create and share templates across your organization
  • Professional Formats: Compliance-ready structures for life sciences teams
Search and Discovery:
  • Full-text search across all accessible pages
  • Recent activity tracking with user timestamps
  • Bookmark system for quick access to important pages
Export Options:
  • PDF Export: Professional document formatting
  • Markdown Export: Portable text format
  • HTML Export: Web-ready content
Create page templates to standardize common structures like research protocols, project updates, and meeting notes across your organization.

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Documents

Documents provide professional-grade rich text editing with real-time collaboration, built specifically for life sciences teams. Using the advanced TipTap editor, documents combine familiar word processing with modern collaborative features.

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Rich Text Editor

Text Formatting:
  • Basic Formatting: Bold, italic, underline, inline code
  • Document Structure: Multiple heading levels, lists, blockquotes
  • Advanced Content: Tables, task lists, images, code blocks
Collaboration Features:
  • Multi-user Editing: Real-time collaborative editing with live cursors
  • AI Integration: AI assistant can make real-time edits with oversight
  • Auto-save Protection: Content saves automatically every 2 seconds
Document showing real-time collaboration and AI assistant

Document editor with real-time collaboration

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Import and Export

Import Capabilities:
  • Markdown (.md): Technical documentation, GitHub repos (100MB max)
  • Word Documents (.docx): Microsoft Word files with formatting preserved
Export Options:
  • Markdown (.md): Perfect for technical documentation and version control
  • Word Documents (.docx): Professional formatting for regulatory submissions

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Use Cases for Life Sciences

Research Documentation:
  • Protocol development and standard operating procedures
  • Literature reviews with structured findings
  • Equipment usage guides and validation methods
Regulatory and Compliance:
  • SOP documentation with version control
  • Compliance reports for regulatory submissions
  • Training materials and audit-ready documentation

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Folders

Folders provide hierarchical organization containers for all your content types. Think of folders as digital filing cabinets that help you structure your workspace logically, making it easy to find and manage related content.

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Folder Features

Organization Benefits:
  • Hierarchical Structure: Create logical content hierarchies
  • Permission Inheritance: Child content inherits folder permissions by default
  • Bulk Operations: Move, organize, and manage multiple items
  • Access Control: Set permissions at the folder level for streamlined management
Best Practices:
  • Create logical hierarchies based on projects or teams
  • Limit folder nesting depth to 4-5 levels maximum
  • Use descriptive folder names that explain contents
  • Regular reorganization to maintain clarity
Folder organization hierarchy

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Quick Navigation

Breadcrumb Navigation: Clear path showing your current location with click-to-navigate functionality View Options:
  • Grid View: Visual thumbnails with quick preview
  • List View: Detailed information in sortable columns
Search and Filtering: Full-text search across content with sorting by name, date, and type

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Content Organization

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Moving and Managing Content

1

Select Content

Click on the three dots at the right of any file to open the context menu
2

Choose Move Option

Click “Move to…” to open the destination selector
3

Select Destination

Choose destination folder from the hierarchical tree view
4

Confirm Move

Click “Move” to complete the operation

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Permission Management

Access Control Levels:
  • Private: Only you can access the content
  • Team: All organization members can access
  • Public: Anyone with the link can access

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Deletion

Permanent deletion that cannot be undone.
1

Select Content

Click the three dots on the content you want to delete
2

Choose Delete

Select “Delete” from the context menu
3

Confirm Deletion

Confirm the action in the dialog that appears

Ready to organize your workspace? Start by exploring our comprehensive Sheets guide for data management and research workflows.