diff --git a/papers/doc/2-interface/README.md b/papers/doc/2-interface/README.md
index 117cfd8d..c61bf575 100644
--- a/papers/doc/2-interface/README.md
+++ b/papers/doc/2-interface/README.md
@@ -4,3 +4,4 @@ the Furnace user interface is where the job gets done.
 
 - [UI components](components.md)
 - [global keyboard shortcuts](keyboard.md)
+- [basic mode](basic-mode.md)
diff --git a/papers/doc/2-interface/basic-mode.md b/papers/doc/2-interface/basic-mode.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a8b0402f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/papers/doc/2-interface/basic-mode.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+# basic mode
+
+Furnace comes with a "basic mode" that can be toggled through the "settings" menu. it disables certain features in Furnace that may look intimidating or confusing for newcomers. if you find that a certain feature of furnace is missing, see if this setting is enabled or not.
+
+among the features that cannot be accessed in this mode are:
+* file menu:
+  * chip manipulation options (add, configure, change, remove chips)
+* edit menu:
+  * paste special…
+  * operation masking
+  * input latch
+  * find and replace
+* speed window:
+  * virtual tempo
+  * divider
+  * song length
+* song info window:
+  * manual system naming
+  * tuning options
+* right-clicking on the pattern window:
+  * gradient/fade…
+  * scale
+  * randomize
+  * invert values
+  * flip selection
+  * collapse
+  * expand
+* these windows:
+  * mixer
+  * grooves
+  * channels
+  * pattern manager
+  * chip manager
+  * compatibility flags