Getting started

1. Configure settings

Visit your settings page in case you want to change the defaults.
2. Download system

Download your system as a zip file in one click.
3. Install folders

Unzip and place your new folders where you keep your files – Documents, Dropbox, Google Drive, or wherever suits you.
4. Create JDex

Import your JDex into your notes app of choice. Now you'll have a searchable index of every item in your system.
5. Move in

The satisfying part: go through your old files, find them a home in your new structure, and enjoy the calm.
6. Check email preferences

How to sign up to the low-volume mailing list if you haven't already.

Account & billing

Creating your account

If you don't already have a free acount, this is what happens.
Sign in/out of your account

How to sign in, sign out, or manage sessions across your devices.
Change your email address

How to update the address associated with your account.
Change your password

How to update the password associated with your account.
Add a passkey

How to add a passkey using your device's built-in authentication.
Upgrade your membership

See what's available beyond your current access.
Sign in/out of Stripe

Access your billing history and payment details via Stripe.
Delete your account

How to permanently delete your account and what to do first.

Email Johnny

If you need help with your account or system, or would like to submit feedback or a review, Johnny will reply personally.
Community

Join the friendly community. If you have a question, someone might answer it before Johnny even wakes up.
Mailing list, RSS, and social

The different ways to receive updates or follow us.
Media kit

Are you the editor of Filing Cabinet Monthly? Johnny would be love to be interviewed by you.

About us

The humans behind Johnny.Decimal and the business entity.
Licence

Here's the formal licence for use of our content.
Policies

Our policies for privacy, refunds, community behaviour, use of AI, and our general terms of service.

Site-wide and system settings

Configure your JDex notes app, emoji, and other preferences.

Should I choose emoji in my settings?

Emoji can help your brain, but they can cause problems.
Why do you recommend Bear?

If you're on Apple, Bear is our top pick for your JDex.
Why do you not recommend Apple Notes?

Notes is free and everywhere, but its import feature lets it down.
What if my notes app isn't in the list?

Try the generic Markdown option and let us know what you use.

How to: Search and navigate this site

Here's some handy keyboard shortcuts for search and navigation.
Error: 'Windows cannot open the folder'

Here's the fix if Windows won't open your downloaded zip file.
JDex app not supported

Why can't we 'open in JDex' for all apps?

Setting up the system

Start here after purchasing the system. This page tells you what you've got and walks you through the first steps.
About the system

This system has one area, five categories and 150+ IDs for your day-to-day stuff.
Deciding where things go

If you're not sure where something goes, pick the first ID that fits and leave yourself a JDex note.

Setting up the system

Start here after purchasing the system. This page tells you what you've got and walks you through the first steps.
About the system

This system has five areas, 21 categories, and 200+ IDs to organise your business stuff.
Using the categories

Figure out which categories in the 20s and 30s fit your business.
Creating new IDs

Figure out whether you need static, fluid, or transactional IDs.
Defined business terms

A glossary of business terms used in this system.

About Johnny.Decimal University

The home for our learning content.
About the Workbook

A text guide to building a system from scratch.
About the Workshop

A 5-hour video course about building your own system alongside Lucy.
About Task and Project Management

A 4-hour video course about organising the stuff you need to do.
About Learn with Lucy Excel

A bonus 14-hour video course that takes you from beginner to expert.