> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.are.na/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.are.na/docs/getting-started/blocks.md).

# Blocks

### What is a block?

Blocks are the individual pieces of content on Are.na.

<figure><img src="/files/OK7P1AWH0PmWfm2j02nN" alt=""><figcaption><p>A view of blocks in a grid</p></figcaption></figure>

**A block can be:**

* a file (like an image, a PDF, a text file, etc)
* a URL (link to a webpage, a YouTube video, a SoundCloud link, etc)
* a piece of raw text

### Why are blocks special?

When a block is saved to Are.na, we try to extract as much metadata as we can from it.

For example:

* If the block is an image, we will save the original source, extract any text, get the dimensions, etc.
* For webpages and links, we extract the text of the page, take a screenshot, etc.

Blocks can also be connected to an infinite number of channels, which means that a public block on Are.na accumulates context over time (see [Connections](/docs/getting-started/connections.md)).

<br>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.are.na/docs/getting-started/blocks.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.