---
title: "Reader Overview"
slug: "reader-overview"
updated: 2026-04-17T16:55:35Z
published: 2026-04-17T16:55:35Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.technolutions.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reader Overview

**Reader** is a the user-facing review and decision-support tool in Slate for interacting with [Workflows](/v1/docs/workflows).

Use Reader to:

- Organize records into **bins** that represent stages of a process
- Display relevant data, materials, and history for each record
- Submit **review forms** for structured evaluation
- Manage **user queues** for distributed review work

This article covers the Reader layout and navigation. Understand these basics before building a review process.

## Navigate Reader

Select **Reader** from the top navigation bar. While in the Reader, the left-hand menu provides access to the following tools:

| **Left Hand Navigation** | **Description** |
| --- | --- |
| **Home** | Return to Reader dashboard |
| **Browse** | View process stages and record counts |
| **Search** | Search and filter records |
| **Queue** | View items assigned to you |
| **Recent** | View recently accessed records (user-specific) |
| **Share** | Share your Reader view (e.g., during team meetings) |
| **Classify** | Model outcomes or group records for planning |
| **Help** | Access documentation and training resources |
| **Exit** | Return to the Slate homepage or record |

## Browse

The **Browse** view displays your bin structure.

Bins represent stages in a process as defined in a [Workflow](/v1/docs/workflows), such as:

- New / Unreviewed
- In Progress
- Needs Follow-Up
- Ready for Decision
- Completed

Use [customized views](/v1/docs/workflows#creating-a-view) to filter the displayed records to a specified subset.

## Search

The **Search** view displays records in a list format.

Key functionality:

- **Search**: Quickly locate a specific individual or record
- **Filter by Stage (Bin)**: Narrow results to a specific step in the process
- **Build Query**: Send filtered results to the Query tool for reporting or batch actions

Queue-related actions:

- **+5 / -5**: Add or remove five random records from your queue
- **Add to Queue**: Assign selected records for review
- **Display Copy**: View a record without assigning it to your queue

## Queue

The **Queue** view displays records currently assigned to the user for action.

To remove records:

1. Click **Remove from Queue**
2. Select records
3. Click again to confirm

Queues help distribute work across teams—for example:

- Advisors reviewing student alerts
- Advancement staff evaluating prospects
- Staff processing submitted forms or requests

Queue management can also be automated through [workflow rules](/v1/docs/workflows#bin-queue-automations).

## Viewing a Record in Reader

When opening a record, Reader displays a series of **tabs** along the left side of the page that organize information such as:

- Submitted forms or materials
- Interaction history
- Notes or alerts
- Custom data relevant to the process

Users can navigate between tabs to review all relevant context before taking action.

To configure the contents of the tabs shown in the Reader, configure [reader tab materials](/v1/docs/workflows#reader-tabs).

## Key Actions and Tools

| Option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Add to Queue / Remove from Queue** | Assign or remove the record from your workload |
| **Annotations** | Highlight, comment, and add notes to documents |
| **Review Form / Send to Bin** | Submit an evaluation and move the record to the next stage |
| **Record Snapshot** | View history, prior reviews, and activity |
| **Lookup Record** | Open the full record |
| **Open in New Window** | Launch Reader in a separate window |
| **New Materials Report** | Identify updates since last review |
| **Edit Bin/Queue** | Manually update stage or assignment |
| **Download PDF** | Export a printable version of the record |
| **Review Forms** | View previously submitted evaluations |