Back to Basics Series: Attachments Part 2 of 2
In the first part of this series, we looked at the two main ways to attach documents in PowerDMS — Upload File and PowerDMS Document — both are used primarily for adding written directives and proofs of compliance.
Now, in this second and final part, we’ll look at the other two attachment types: Simple Note and New Rich Text.
These tools are great for adding context, links, or visual references directly into your standards — helping assessors understand your files more clearly without leaving PowerDMS.
Inside your assessment, open the standard where you want to add your note or reference.
On the right side of the screen, click the Attachments tab, then click the icon labeled “Add New Attachment.”
In the Type dropdown menu, select either Simple Note or New Rich Text.
The Simple Note attachment type is exactly what it sounds like — a quick way to add a brief comment or notation directly within a standard.
Simple Notes are best used for:
Clarifying something for assessors
Indicating when a standard is not applicable
Noting that there was no occurrence during the cycle
To add a Simple Note:
Choose Simple Note from the Type dropdown.
Type your comment in the text box.
Keep your note short, clear, and professional — think of it as something you’d want an assessor to read.
Click Save.
The note will appear in your attachment list as plain text, visible to anyone reviewing that standard.
Tip: Keep Simple Notes concise and use them sparingly. They’re helpful for adding context, but they don’t replace your written directives or proofs of compliance.
Tip: Simple Notes display in the same list as your other attachments. Place them after the documents they reference or explain or where assessors would expect to see a particular proof. This is so your assessors can easily follow the logical flow of the standard.
For a quick video to see what this looks like in action, click here: Back to Basics Series: Simple notes
The New Rich Text attachment type is much more dynamic than a Simple Note.
It allows you to include formatted text, hyperlinks, images, and even embedded web content — all within the standard itself.
You can use New Rich Text to:
Share hyperlinks to external information or resources
Insert screenshots or photos with explanatory text
Embed another website directly into the standard for seamless viewing
To add New Rich Text:
Choose New Rich Text from the Type dropdown.
Type or paste your content in the editor window.
Use the formatting toolbar to add hyperlinks, images, or embedded code.
Click Save.
Your formatted content will now appear within the standard, easily accessible to assessors.
Important: When inserting hyperlinks, always set them to open in a new browser tab or window.
Otherwise, assessors will be taken out of PowerDMS and may need to log back in to continue their review.
For a quick video to see what this looks like in action, click here: Back to Basics Series: New Rich Text
My favorite way to use New Rich Text is embedding other websites directly into the assessment itself.
This keeps assessors inside PowerDMS while allowing them to view the external content right within the standard.
It’s a seamless, professional way to present supporting information without adding extra clicks or confusion. Check out my Helpful Tip, in the File Building Tips folder called Embed Content in PowerDMS.
The Simple Note and New Rich Text attachment types may not hold your official documents, but they play a big role in enhancing clarity and communication within your assessment.
Use them to:
Add short explanations
Share resources
Embed visuals or external content
Together with document-based attachments, these tools help create a smoother, more informative experience — for you, your team, and your assessors.
Who do you know that could benefit from these accreditation-friendly tips and resources? Consider sharing this link with a colleague so they can sign up:https://www.accreditationacademy.net/signup
Areaka P. Jewell
Accreditation Academy
areaka@accreditationacademy.net
(305) 360-1075