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Merging Notes

Merge two similar notes into one, with an optional AI-assisted preview.

Last updated April 2026

Retros often surface duplicate thinking - three people raising the same concern in different words. Merging combines two similar notes into a single, clearer one so the discussion focuses on the idea rather than the wording.

Who Can Merge

Note merging is a facilitator-only action. Participants cannot merge each other's notes. The merge can be triggered from the Completed tab on the manage retro page.

How a Merge Works

Open the Merge Notes modal and pick two notes you want to combine.
Optionally click Suggest with AI to have AI propose a merged note that captures both ideas. The facilitator can edit the suggestion before confirming.
Confirm. The two original notes stay on the board flagged as merged, and a new note carrying the combined content takes their place.

The merge broadcasts to every connected participant immediately, so the board updates live.

AI-Assisted Merge Preview

Pro
AI merge previews are a Pro feature. Free retros can still merge notes manually - you just write the merged text yourself.

The AI preview takes both source notes and proposes a single combined note. It is a starting point, not a final answer; the facilitator should review and edit the suggestion before confirming the merge.

Why the Originals Are Kept

Source notes are flagged with isMerged rather than deleted. That way the history of who said what is preserved - useful when reviewing the retro later or when investigating a recurring theme. The original notes do not vote separately; their votes transfer to the merged note.

Use merging sparingly. The point is to cut through duplication, not to flatten healthy disagreement. If two notes are saying related but distinct things, leave them as separate notes.

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