---
title: "Matter drop: capture anything into the right matter, fast"
url: https://thematteros.com/matter-drop
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# Matter drop: capture anything into the right matter, fast

Matter drop is the habit of putting every new piece of information onto its matter the moment it arrives, so the matter page stays the single source of truth. In MatterOS you do it with the matter's linked views and Notion's quick capture: add an action, a note or a document link directly from the matter, rather than leaving it in your inbox.

## Key takeaways

- The inbox is a transport layer, not a source of truth.
- Capture at the moment of arrival; filing later is how things get lost.
- Three captures cover most cases: an action, a note and a document link.
- A weekly sweep of the inbox and downloads catches what slipped through.

## Why does capture matter?

Information scattered across inboxes, downloads folders and notebooks cannot be found when needed. The discipline of dropping each item onto its matter as it arrives means any colleague can open the matter and see the whole picture.


## What are the three captures?

| Arrives as | Drop it as | Where in MatterOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A request or commitment | An action with owner and due date | Actions, linked to the matter |
| A call, meeting or thought | A dated note | The matter page or a notes database |
| A document or attachment | A link with classification | Evidence, linked to the matter |


## How do you make it quick?

1. Open the matter: Use search (Cmd/Ctrl + K) to jump straight to it.
2. Add from the linked view: Each matter page has linked views of actions and evidence with a New button.
3. Use buttons for repeat actions: A button can create a standard set of actions for a matter stage.
4. Sweep weekly: Check the inbox and downloads folder for anything not yet dropped.

- Open a new matter with one button: https://thematteros.com/features/matter_drop
- Document drop: https://thematteros.com/features/document_drop
- Inbound email: https://thematteros.com/features/inbound_email


## What about email?

Email needs an extra step: copy the key message or forward its content into a note, and link the original. MatterOS does not read your mailbox, which is deliberate: you decide what belongs on the matter.


## FAQ

### What is matter drop?

Putting each new item onto its matter at the moment it arrives.

### Does MatterOS capture email automatically?

No. You add emails or links to the matter yourself, or use Notion's tools.

### How fast can I add an action?

From the matter page's linked view, a few seconds.

### Should I file documents in Notion?

Link them to the Evidence record and keep authoritative files in your document system.

### How do I stop things slipping?

A weekly inbox and downloads sweep.

## Sources

- [Notion: Database buttons](https://www.notion.com/help/database-buttons)
- [Notion: Search](https://www.notion.com/help/search)