Export Options
PatientNotes provides multiple ways to get your notes into your electronic health record or documentation system. Choose the method that works best for your workflow.
Copy to Clipboard
One-click copy to paste into your EHR
Download PDF
Save as a formatted PDF document
Print directly from your browser
Copy to Clipboard
The fastest way to get your note into most EHRs is to copy it to your clipboard and paste it directly into your charting system.
How to Copy
- Review your note to ensure it's complete
- Click the Copy button in the toolbar
- Switch to your EHR
- Paste (⌘V / Ctrl+V) into the appropriate field
Copied Successfully
You'll see a confirmation when the note is copied. The text is now ready to paste into your EHR.
Copy Formats
PatientNotes offers two copy formats depending on your EHR's capabilities:
Rich Text (Default)
Preserves formatting including headers, bold text, and lists. Works with most modern EHRs.
Plain Text
Simple unformatted text. Use this if your EHR doesn't support rich text or formatting looks wrong.
Plain Text Shortcut
Download as PDF
Download your note as a professionally formatted PDF document. Useful for record-keeping, sharing with other providers, or systems that accept PDF uploads.
How to Download
- Click the Download button in the toolbar
- Choose "PDF" from the format options
- The PDF will download to your Downloads folder
- Upload to your EHR or save for your records
What's Included
The PDF includes:
- Complete note content with formatting
- Session date and time
- Template name used
- PatientNotes branding (can be disabled in settings)
File Naming
Print your note directly from PatientNotes. The print view is optimized for paper, removing unnecessary interface elements.
How to Print
- Click the Print button in the toolbar
- Your browser's print dialog will open
- Select your printer and preferences
- Click Print
Print Tips
- Preview first: Check the print preview to ensure formatting looks correct
- Page orientation: Portrait works best for most notes
- Margins: Default margins work well; adjust if your printer clips edges
- Save as PDF: You can also "print to PDF" using your browser's print dialog
Working with Your EHR
Different EHR systems have different ways of accepting pasted content. Here are tips for common systems:
Epic▼
Epic accepts rich text in most note fields. Paste directly into the note composer. If formatting looks off, try pasting as plain text and use Epic's formatting tools.
Cerner▼
Cerner's PowerChart accepts both rich and plain text. Some templates may require plain text. Test with a sample note to see what works best for your setup.
athenahealth▼
athenahealth works well with rich text. Paste directly into the encounter documentation area. Formatting should be preserved.
eClinicalWorks▼
eCW supports rich text pasting in the Progress Notes section. Some users prefer plain text for cleaner integration with existing templates.
Other EHRs▼
Most EHRs accept pasted text. If rich text causes issues, try plain text. If you're having trouble with a specific EHR, contact our support team for guidance.
Export Shortcuts
Speed up your workflow with these keyboard shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⌘+C | Copy note (rich text) |
| ⌘+Shift+C | Copy note (plain text) |
| ⌘+P | Print note |
Best Practices
Review before exporting—always verify the note is complete and accurate before copying to your EHR.
Test your EHR first—try pasting a test note to see how formatting is handled before your first real session.
Use plain text if needed—if rich text causes issues, plain text is universally compatible.
Keep sessions accessible—PatientNotes saves all sessions, so you can re-export notes anytime.
Next Steps
You've completed the Sessions guide! Now explore templates to customize your documentation formats.