diff --git a/design/differenzia-pallino.pen b/design/differenzia-pallino.pen
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f15b1b06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/design/differenzia-pallino.pen
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+{"version":"2.8","children":[
+  {"type":"frame","id":"dp01","x":0,"y":0,"name":"NoteStatus — NoteList (New vs Modified)","width":340,"height":"fit_content(600)","fill":"$--card","layout":"vertical","children":[
+    {"type":"text","id":"dp01t","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"NoteList — New vs Modified vs Clean","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"600","textTransform":"uppercase","letterSpacing":1,"width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp02","name":"Note Item — New (green dot)","width":"fill_container","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"bottom":1},"fill":"$--border"},"layout":"vertical","gap":4,"padding":[14,16],"children":[
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp02r","name":"titleRow","width":"fill_container","justifyContent":"space_between","alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"frame","id":"dp02tg","gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+          {"type":"ellipse","id":"dp02dot","name":"New Indicator (green)","width":6,"height":6,"fill":"$--accent-green"},
+          {"type":"text","id":"dp02ti","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Untitled Note","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"500"}
+        ]},
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp02d","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"just now","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":11}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp02s","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"New note created in this session, never saved to disk","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"width":"fill_container"}
+    ]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp03","name":"Note Item — Modified (orange dot)","width":"fill_container","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"bottom":1},"fill":"$--border"},"layout":"vertical","gap":4,"padding":[14,16],"children":[
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp03r","name":"titleRow","width":"fill_container","justifyContent":"space_between","alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"frame","id":"dp03tg","gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+          {"type":"ellipse","id":"dp03dot","name":"Modified Indicator (orange)","width":6,"height":6,"fill":"$--accent-orange"},
+          {"type":"text","id":"dp03ti","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Build Laputa App","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"500"}
+        ]},
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp03d","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"2 hours ago","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":11}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp03s","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"Existing note with uncommitted git changes","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"width":"fill_container"}
+    ]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp04","name":"Note Item — Clean (no dot)","width":"fill_container","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"bottom":1},"fill":"$--border"},"layout":"vertical","gap":4,"padding":[14,16],"children":[
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp04r","name":"titleRow","width":"fill_container","justifyContent":"space_between","alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"frame","id":"dp04tg","gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+          {"type":"text","id":"dp04ti","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Meeting Notes","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"500"}
+        ]},
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp04d","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"yesterday","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":11}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp04s","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"No indicator — clean, committed note","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"width":"fill_container"}
+    ]}
+  ]},
+  {"type":"frame","id":"dp10","x":360,"y":0,"name":"NoteStatus — TabBar (New vs Modified)","width":600,"height":"fit_content(200)","fill":"$--sidebar","layout":"vertical","children":[
+    {"type":"text","id":"dp10t","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"TabBar — Green vs Orange Status Dots","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"600","textTransform":"uppercase","letterSpacing":1,"width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp11","name":"Tab Row","width":"fill_container","height":45,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp11a","name":"Active Tab (new)","height":"fill_container","fill":"$--background","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"right":1},"fill":"$--border"},"padding":[0,12],"gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp11at","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Untitled Note","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"fontWeight":"500"},
+        {"type":"ellipse","id":"dp11adot","name":"New dot (green)","width":6,"height":6,"fill":"$--accent-green"},
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp11ax","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"×","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":14}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp11b","name":"Inactive Tab (modified)","height":"fill_container","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"right":1,"bottom":1},"fill":"$--sidebar-border"},"padding":[0,12],"gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp11bt","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"Build Laputa App","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12},
+        {"type":"ellipse","id":"dp11bdot","name":"Modified dot (orange)","width":6,"height":6,"fill":"$--accent-orange"}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp11c","name":"Inactive Tab (clean)","height":"fill_container","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"right":1,"bottom":1},"fill":"$--sidebar-border"},"padding":[0,12],"gap":6,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp11ct","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"Meeting Notes","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12}
+      ]}
+    ]}
+  ]},
+  {"type":"frame","id":"dp20","x":360,"y":220,"name":"NoteStatus — BreadcrumbBar (N vs M badge)","width":600,"height":"fit_content(200)","fill":"$--background","layout":"vertical","children":[
+    {"type":"text","id":"dp20t","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"BreadcrumbBar — Status Badge","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"600","textTransform":"uppercase","letterSpacing":1,"width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp21","name":"Breadcrumb — New Note","width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16],"gap":8,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp21type","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"Note","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp21sep","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"/","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp21title","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Untitled Note","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"fontWeight":"500"},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp21badge","name":"New Badge","fill":"$--accent-green","cornerRadius":3,"padding":[1,5],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp21bl","fill":"#ffffff","content":"N","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"700"}
+      ]}
+    ]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp22","name":"Breadcrumb — Modified Note","width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16],"gap":8,"alignItems":"center","stroke":{"align":"inside","thickness":{"top":1},"fill":"$--border"},"children":[
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp22type","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"Project","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp22sep","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"/","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp22title","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Build Laputa App","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":12,"fontWeight":"500"},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp22badge","name":"Modified Badge","fill":"$--accent-yellow","cornerRadius":3,"padding":[1,5],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp22bl","fill":"#ffffff","content":"M","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"700"}
+      ]}
+    ]}
+  ]},
+  {"type":"frame","id":"dp30","x":0,"y":640,"name":"NoteStatus — State Transitions","width":960,"height":"fit_content(300)","fill":"$--card","layout":"vertical","children":[
+    {"type":"text","id":"dp30t","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"State Transition Flow","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":10,"fontWeight":"600","textTransform":"uppercase","letterSpacing":1,"width":"fill_container","padding":[8,16]},
+    {"type":"frame","id":"dp31","name":"Flow","width":"fill_container","padding":[16,16],"gap":16,"alignItems":"center","children":[
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp31a","name":"Create","fill":"$--accent-green","cornerRadius":8,"padding":[12,20],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp31at","fill":"#ffffff","content":"Create Note → Green Dot","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"600"}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp31arr1","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"→","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":20,"fontWeight":"700"},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp31b","name":"Save","fill":"$--muted","cornerRadius":8,"padding":[12,20],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp31bt","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Cmd+S → Dot Removed","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"600"}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp31arr2","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"→","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":20,"fontWeight":"700"},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp31c","name":"Edit+Save","fill":"$--accent-orange","cornerRadius":8,"padding":[12,20],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp31ct","fill":"#ffffff","content":"Edit Existing → Orange Dot","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"600"}
+      ]},
+      {"type":"text","id":"dp31arr3","fill":"$--muted-foreground","content":"→","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":20,"fontWeight":"700"},
+      {"type":"frame","id":"dp31d","name":"Commit","fill":"$--muted","cornerRadius":8,"padding":[12,20],"children":[
+        {"type":"text","id":"dp31dt","fill":"$--foreground","content":"Git Commit → Dot Removed","fontFamily":"Inter","fontSize":13,"fontWeight":"600"}
+      ]}
+    ]}
+  ]}
+],"variables":{}}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/App.tsx b/src/App.tsx
index 7b502aa8..905d6aa8 100644
--- a/src/App.tsx
+++ b/src/App.tsx
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ function App() {
     updateVaultContent: vault.updateContent,
     setTabs: notes.setTabs,
     setToastMessage,
-    onAfterSave: vault.loadModifiedFiles,
+    onAfterSave: vault.loadModifiedFiles, onNoteSaved: vault.markSaved,
   })
 
   const commitFlow = useCommitFlow({
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ function App() {
         </div>
         <ResizeHandle onResize={layout.handleSidebarResize} />
         <div className="app__note-list" style={{ width: layout.noteListWidth }}>
-          <NoteList entries={vault.entries} selection={selection} selectedNote={activeTab?.entry ?? null} allContent={vault.allContent} modifiedFiles={vault.modifiedFiles} onSelectNote={notes.handleSelectNote} onReplaceActiveTab={notes.handleReplaceActiveTab} onCreateNote={handleCreateNoteImmediate} />
+          <NoteList entries={vault.entries} selection={selection} selectedNote={activeTab?.entry ?? null} allContent={vault.allContent} getNoteStatus={vault.getNoteStatus} onSelectNote={notes.handleSelectNote} onReplaceActiveTab={notes.handleReplaceActiveTab} onCreateNote={handleCreateNoteImmediate} />
         </div>
         <ResizeHandle onResize={layout.handleNoteListResize} />
         <div className="app__editor">
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ function App() {
             onNavigateWikilink={notes.handleNavigateWikilink}
             onLoadDiff={vault.loadDiff}
             onLoadDiffAtCommit={vault.loadDiffAtCommit}
-            isModified={vault.isFileModified}
+            getNoteStatus={vault.getNoteStatus}
             onCreateNote={handleCreateNoteImmediate}
             inspectorCollapsed={layout.inspectorCollapsed}
             onToggleInspector={() => layout.setInspectorCollapsed((c) => !c)}
diff --git a/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.test.tsx b/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.test.tsx
index 5cd34c8f..4ae4e65c 100644
--- a/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.test.tsx
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ const trashedEntry: VaultEntry = {
 
 const defaultProps = {
   wordCount: 100,
-  isModified: false,
+  noteStatus: 'clean' as const,
   showDiffToggle: false,
   diffMode: false,
   diffLoading: false,
diff --git a/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.tsx b/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.tsx
index f904fcd9..b2dbdc79 100644
--- a/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/BreadcrumbBar.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { memo } from 'react'
-import type { VaultEntry } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import {
   MagnifyingGlass,
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import {
 interface BreadcrumbBarProps {
   entry: VaultEntry
   wordCount: number
-  isModified: boolean
+  noteStatus: NoteStatus
   showDiffToggle: boolean
   diffMode: boolean
   diffLoading: boolean
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ const DISABLED_ICON_STYLE = { opacity: 0.4, cursor: 'not-allowed' } as const
 function BreadcrumbActions({ entry, showDiffToggle, diffMode, diffLoading, onToggleDiff,
   showAIChat, onToggleAIChat, inspectorCollapsed, onToggleInspector,
   onTrash, onRestore, onArchive, onUnarchive,
-}: Omit<BreadcrumbBarProps, 'wordCount' | 'isModified'>) {
+}: Omit<BreadcrumbBarProps, 'wordCount' | 'noteStatus'>) {
   return (
     <div className="flex items-center" style={{ gap: 12 }}>
       <button
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ function BreadcrumbActions({ entry, showDiffToggle, diffMode, diffLoading, onTog
 }
 
 export const BreadcrumbBar = memo(function BreadcrumbBar({
-  entry, wordCount, isModified, ...actionProps
+  entry, wordCount, noteStatus, ...actionProps
 }: BreadcrumbBarProps) {
   return (
     <div
@@ -162,7 +162,13 @@ export const BreadcrumbBar = memo(function BreadcrumbBar({
         <span className="font-medium text-foreground">{entry.title}</span>
         <span className="text-muted-foreground" style={{ margin: '0 4px' }}>&middot;</span>
         <span className="text-muted-foreground">{wordCount.toLocaleString()} words</span>
-        {isModified && (
+        {noteStatus === 'new' && (
+          <>
+            <span className="text-muted-foreground" style={{ margin: '0 4px' }}>&middot;</span>
+            <span className="font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent-green)' }}>N</span>
+          </>
+        )}
+        {noteStatus === 'modified' && (
           <>
             <span className="text-muted-foreground" style={{ margin: '0 4px' }}>&middot;</span>
             <span className="font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent-yellow)' }}>M</span>
diff --git a/src/components/Editor.test.tsx b/src/components/Editor.test.tsx
index a28258ad..73660880 100644
--- a/src/components/Editor.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/Editor.test.tsx
@@ -206,20 +206,33 @@ describe('Editor', () => {
         {...defaultProps}
         tabs={[mockTab]}
         activeTabPath={mockEntry.path}
-        isModified={() => true}
+        getNoteStatus={() => 'modified'}
       />
     )
     // Modified indicator shows "M" in the breadcrumb
     expect(screen.getByText('M')).toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
+  it('shows new indicator when file is new', () => {
+    render(
+      <Editor
+        {...defaultProps}
+        tabs={[mockTab]}
+        activeTabPath={mockEntry.path}
+        getNoteStatus={() => 'new'}
+      />
+    )
+    // New indicator shows "N" in the breadcrumb
+    expect(screen.getByText('N')).toBeInTheDocument()
+  })
+
   it('renders diff toggle button when file is modified', () => {
     render(
       <Editor
         {...defaultProps}
         tabs={[mockTab]}
         activeTabPath={mockEntry.path}
-        isModified={() => true}
+        getNoteStatus={() => 'modified'}
         onLoadDiff={async () => '+ added line'}
       />
     )
diff --git a/src/components/Editor.tsx b/src/components/Editor.tsx
index 9d219063..e01f32a9 100644
--- a/src/components/Editor.tsx
+++ b/src/components/Editor.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import { createReactInlineContentSpec, useCreateBlockNote, SuggestionMenuControl
 import { BlockNoteView } from '@blocknote/mantine'
 import '@blocknote/mantine/style.css'
 import { uploadImageFile, useImageDrop } from '../hooks/useImageDrop'
-import type { VaultEntry, GitCommit } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, GitCommit, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 import { Inspector, type FrontmatterValue } from './Inspector'
 import { AIChatPanel } from './AIChatPanel'
 import { DiffView } from './DiffView'
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ interface EditorProps {
   onNavigateWikilink: (target: string) => void
   onLoadDiff?: (path: string) => Promise<string>
   onLoadDiffAtCommit?: (path: string, commitHash: string) => Promise<string>
-  isModified?: (path: string) => boolean
+  getNoteStatus?: (path: string) => NoteStatus
   onCreateNote?: () => void
   // Inspector props
   inspectorCollapsed: boolean
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ function SingleEditorView({ editor, entries, onNavigateWikilink, onChange }: { e
 }
 
 export const Editor = memo(function Editor({
-  tabs, activeTabPath, entries, onSwitchTab, onCloseTab, onReorderTabs, onNavigateWikilink, onLoadDiff, onLoadDiffAtCommit, isModified, onCreateNote,
+  tabs, activeTabPath, entries, onSwitchTab, onCloseTab, onReorderTabs, onNavigateWikilink, onLoadDiff, onLoadDiffAtCommit, getNoteStatus, onCreateNote,
   inspectorCollapsed, onToggleInspector, inspectorWidth, onInspectorResize,
   inspectorEntry, inspectorContent, allContent, gitHistory,
   onUpdateFrontmatter, onDeleteProperty, onAddProperty,
@@ -392,7 +392,8 @@ export const Editor = memo(function Editor({
 
   const activeTab = tabs.find((t) => t.entry.path === activeTabPath) ?? null
   const isLoadingNewTab = activeTabPath !== null && !activeTab
-  const showDiffToggle = activeTab && (diffMode || isModified?.(activeTab.entry.path))
+  const activeStatus = activeTab ? getNoteStatus?.(activeTab.entry.path) ?? 'clean' : 'clean'
+  const showDiffToggle = activeTab && (diffMode || activeStatus === 'modified')
 
   useEffect(() => {
     setDiffMode(false)
@@ -432,14 +433,13 @@ export const Editor = memo(function Editor({
     }
   }, [activeTabPath, onLoadDiffAtCommit])
 
-  const activeModified = activeTab ? isModified?.(activeTab.entry.path) ?? false : false
   const wordCount = activeTab ? countWords(activeTab.content) : 0
 
   const tabBar = (
     <TabBar
       tabs={tabs}
       activeTabPath={activeTabPath}
-      isModified={isModified}
+      getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus}
       onSwitchTab={onSwitchTab}
       onCloseTab={onCloseTab}
       onCreateNote={onCreateNote}
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ export const Editor = memo(function Editor({
     <BreadcrumbBar
       entry={activeTab.entry}
       wordCount={wordCount}
-      isModified={activeModified}
+      noteStatus={activeStatus}
       showDiffToggle={!!showDiffToggle}
       diffMode={diffMode}
       diffLoading={diffLoading}
diff --git a/src/components/NoteItem.tsx b/src/components/NoteItem.tsx
index 7cfb01b2..00329496 100644
--- a/src/components/NoteItem.tsx
+++ b/src/components/NoteItem.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { useMemo, type ComponentType, type SVGAttributes } from 'react'
-import type { VaultEntry } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import {
   Wrench, Flask, Target, ArrowsClockwise,
@@ -46,10 +46,15 @@ function TrashDateLine({ entry }: { entry: VaultEntry }) {
   )
 }
 
-export function NoteItem({ entry, isSelected, isModified, typeEntryMap, onClickNote }: {
+const NOTE_STATUS_DOT: Record<string, { color: string; testId: string; title: string }> = {
+  new: { color: 'var(--accent-green)', testId: 'new-indicator', title: 'New (unsaved)' },
+  modified: { color: 'var(--accent-orange)', testId: 'modified-indicator', title: 'Modified (uncommitted)' },
+}
+
+export function NoteItem({ entry, isSelected, noteStatus = 'clean', typeEntryMap, onClickNote }: {
   entry: VaultEntry
   isSelected: boolean
-  isModified?: boolean
+  noteStatus?: NoteStatus
   typeEntryMap: Record<string, VaultEntry>
   onClickNote: (entry: VaultEntry, e: React.MouseEvent) => void
 }) {
@@ -75,12 +80,12 @@ export function NoteItem({ entry, isSelected, isModified, typeEntryMap, onClickN
       <TypeIcon width={14} height={14} className="absolute right-3 top-2.5" style={{ color: typeColor }} data-testid="type-icon" />
       <div className="pr-5">
         <div className={cn("truncate text-[13px] text-foreground", isSelected ? "font-semibold" : "font-medium")}>
-          {isModified && (
+          {noteStatus !== 'clean' && (
             <span
               className="mr-1.5 inline-block align-middle"
-              style={{ width: 6, height: 6, borderRadius: '50%', background: 'var(--accent-orange)', verticalAlign: 'middle' }}
-              data-testid="modified-indicator"
-              title="Modified (uncommitted)"
+              style={{ width: 6, height: 6, borderRadius: '50%', background: NOTE_STATUS_DOT[noteStatus].color, verticalAlign: 'middle' }}
+              data-testid={NOTE_STATUS_DOT[noteStatus].testId}
+              title={NOTE_STATUS_DOT[noteStatus].title}
             />
           )}
           {entry.title}
diff --git a/src/components/NoteList.test.tsx b/src/components/NoteList.test.tsx
index c21ee357..e137d511 100644
--- a/src/components/NoteList.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/NoteList.test.tsx
@@ -716,44 +716,51 @@ describe('filterEntries — trash', () => {
   })
 })
 
-describe('NoteList — modified indicators', () => {
-  it('shows modified indicator dot for entries in modifiedFiles', () => {
-    const modifiedFiles = [
-      { path: mockEntries[0].path, relativePath: 'project/26q1-laputa-app.md', status: 'modified' as const },
-    ]
+describe('NoteList — status indicators', () => {
+  it('shows modified indicator dot for modified notes', () => {
+    const getNoteStatus = (path: string) => path === mockEntries[0].path ? 'modified' as const : 'clean' as const
     render(
-      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} modifiedFiles={modifiedFiles} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
+      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
     )
     const indicators = screen.getAllByTestId('modified-indicator')
     expect(indicators).toHaveLength(1)
-    // The indicator's parent div contains the title text
     const noteRow = indicators[0].closest('[data-testid="modified-indicator"]')!.parentElement!.parentElement!
     expect(noteRow.textContent).toContain('Build Laputa App')
   })
 
-  it('does not show modified indicator when modifiedFiles is empty', () => {
+  it('does not show indicator when all notes are clean', () => {
+    const getNoteStatus = () => 'clean' as const
     render(
-      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} modifiedFiles={[]} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
+      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
     )
     expect(screen.queryByTestId('modified-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.queryByTestId('new-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('shows multiple modified indicators for multiple modified files', () => {
-    const modifiedFiles = [
-      { path: mockEntries[0].path, relativePath: 'project/26q1-laputa-app.md', status: 'modified' as const },
-      { path: mockEntries[1].path, relativePath: 'note/facebook-ads-strategy.md', status: 'modified' as const },
-    ]
+    const modifiedPaths = new Set([mockEntries[0].path, mockEntries[1].path])
+    const getNoteStatus = (path: string) => modifiedPaths.has(path) ? 'modified' as const : 'clean' as const
     render(
-      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} modifiedFiles={modifiedFiles} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
+      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
     )
     expect(screen.getAllByTestId('modified-indicator')).toHaveLength(2)
   })
 
-  it('does not show modified indicator when modifiedFiles prop is undefined', () => {
+  it('does not show indicator when getNoteStatus prop is undefined', () => {
     render(
       <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
     )
     expect(screen.queryByTestId('modified-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.queryByTestId('new-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+  })
+
+  it('shows green new indicator for new notes', () => {
+    const getNoteStatus = (path: string) => path === mockEntries[0].path ? 'new' as const : 'clean' as const
+    render(
+      <NoteList entries={mockEntries} selection={allSelection} selectedNote={null} onSelectNote={noopSelect} onReplaceActiveTab={noopReplace} allContent={{}} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} onCreateNote={vi.fn()} />
+    )
+    expect(screen.getAllByTestId('new-indicator')).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(screen.queryByTestId('modified-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 })
 
diff --git a/src/components/NoteList.tsx b/src/components/NoteList.tsx
index da80bbce..f348da9f 100644
--- a/src/components/NoteList.tsx
+++ b/src/components/NoteList.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useMemo, useCallback, memo } from 'react'
 import { Virtuoso } from 'react-virtuoso'
-import type { VaultEntry, SidebarSelection, ModifiedFile } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, SidebarSelection, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
 import {
   MagnifyingGlass, Plus, CaretDown, CaretRight, Warning,
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ interface NoteListProps {
   selection: SidebarSelection
   selectedNote: VaultEntry | null
   allContent: Record<string, string>
-  modifiedFiles?: ModifiedFile[]
+  getNoteStatus?: (path: string) => NoteStatus
   onSelectNote: (entry: VaultEntry) => void
   onReplaceActiveTab: (entry: VaultEntry) => void
   onCreateNote: () => void
@@ -248,17 +248,14 @@ function useNoteListData({ entries, selection, allContent, query, listSort, list
 
 // --- Main component ---
 
-function NoteListInner({ entries, selection, selectedNote, allContent, modifiedFiles, onSelectNote, onReplaceActiveTab, onCreateNote }: NoteListProps) {
+const defaultGetNoteStatus = (): NoteStatus => 'clean'
+
+function NoteListInner({ entries, selection, selectedNote, allContent, getNoteStatus = defaultGetNoteStatus, onSelectNote, onReplaceActiveTab, onCreateNote }: NoteListProps) {
   const [search, setSearch] = useState('')
   const [searchVisible, setSearchVisible] = useState(false)
   const [collapsedGroups, setCollapsedGroups] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
   const [sortPrefs, setSortPrefs] = useState<Record<string, SortConfig>>(loadSortPreferences)
 
-  const modifiedPathSet = useMemo(
-    () => new Set((modifiedFiles ?? []).map((f) => f.path)),
-    [modifiedFiles],
-  )
-
   const handleSortChange = useCallback((groupLabel: string, option: SortOption, direction: SortDirection) => {
     setSortPrefs((prev) => { const next = { ...prev, [groupLabel]: { option, direction } }; saveSortPreferences(next); return next })
   }, [])
@@ -279,8 +276,8 @@ function NoteListInner({ entries, selection, selectedNote, allContent, modifiedF
   }, [onSelectNote, onReplaceActiveTab])
 
   const renderItem = useCallback((entry: VaultEntry) => (
-    <NoteItem key={entry.path} entry={entry} isSelected={selectedNote?.path === entry.path} isModified={modifiedPathSet.has(entry.path)} typeEntryMap={typeEntryMap} onClickNote={handleClickNote} />
-  ), [selectedNote?.path, handleClickNote, typeEntryMap, modifiedPathSet])
+    <NoteItem key={entry.path} entry={entry} isSelected={selectedNote?.path === entry.path} noteStatus={getNoteStatus(entry.path)} typeEntryMap={typeEntryMap} onClickNote={handleClickNote} />
+  ), [selectedNote?.path, handleClickNote, typeEntryMap, getNoteStatus])
 
   return (
     <div className="flex flex-col overflow-hidden border-r border-border bg-card text-foreground" style={{ height: '100%' }}>
diff --git a/src/components/TabBar.test.tsx b/src/components/TabBar.test.tsx
index 5ddf4632..07b08b9c 100644
--- a/src/components/TabBar.test.tsx
+++ b/src/components/TabBar.test.tsx
@@ -112,26 +112,35 @@ describe('TabBar', () => {
 
   it('shows modified indicator dot on modified tabs', () => {
     const tabs = makeTabs(['Alpha', 'Beta'])
-    const isModified = (path: string) => path === tabs[0].entry.path
-    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} isModified={isModified} {...defaultProps} />)
+    const getNoteStatus = (path: string) => path === tabs[0].entry.path ? 'modified' as const : 'clean' as const
+    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} {...defaultProps} />)
     const indicators = screen.getAllByTestId('tab-modified-indicator')
     expect(indicators).toHaveLength(1)
   })
 
   it('does not show modified indicator when no tabs are modified', () => {
     const tabs = makeTabs(['Alpha', 'Beta'])
-    const isModified = () => false
-    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} isModified={isModified} {...defaultProps} />)
+    const getNoteStatus = () => 'clean' as const
+    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} {...defaultProps} />)
     expect(screen.queryByTestId('tab-modified-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+    expect(screen.queryByTestId('tab-new-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
   })
 
   it('shows modified indicator on multiple tabs', () => {
     const tabs = makeTabs(['Alpha', 'Beta', 'Gamma'])
-    const isModified = () => true
-    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} isModified={isModified} {...defaultProps} />)
+    const getNoteStatus = () => 'modified' as const
+    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} {...defaultProps} />)
     expect(screen.getAllByTestId('tab-modified-indicator')).toHaveLength(3)
   })
 
+  it('shows green new indicator on new tabs', () => {
+    const tabs = makeTabs(['Alpha', 'Beta'])
+    const getNoteStatus = (path: string) => path === tabs[0].entry.path ? 'new' as const : 'clean' as const
+    render(<TabBar tabs={tabs} activeTabPath={tabs[0].entry.path} getNoteStatus={getNoteStatus} {...defaultProps} />)
+    expect(screen.getAllByTestId('tab-new-indicator')).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(screen.queryByTestId('tab-modified-indicator')).not.toBeInTheDocument()
+  })
+
   it('does not reorder on drag cancel (dragEnd without drop)', () => {
     const onReorderTabs = vi.fn()
     const tabs = makeTabs(['Alpha', 'Beta', 'Gamma'])
diff --git a/src/components/TabBar.tsx b/src/components/TabBar.tsx
index f0a30826..96953ef6 100644
--- a/src/components/TabBar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/TabBar.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { memo, useState, useRef, useCallback, useEffect } from 'react'
-import type { VaultEntry } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { X } from 'lucide-react'
 import { Plus, Columns, ArrowsOutSimple } from '@phosphor-icons/react'
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ interface Tab {
 interface TabBarProps {
   tabs: Tab[]
   activeTabPath: string | null
-  isModified?: (path: string) => boolean
+  getNoteStatus?: (path: string) => NoteStatus
   onSwitchTab: (path: string) => void
   onCloseTab: (path: string) => void
   onCreateNote?: () => void
@@ -173,11 +173,29 @@ function DropIndicator({ side }: { side: 'left' | 'right' }) {
   )
 }
 
-function TabItem({ tab, isActive, isEditing, isModified, isDragging, showDropBefore, showDropAfter, onSwitch, onClose, onDoubleClick, onRenameSave, onRenameCancel, dragProps }: {
+const STATUS_DOT: Record<string, { color: string; testId: string; title: string }> = {
+  new: { color: 'var(--accent-green)', testId: 'tab-new-indicator', title: 'New (unsaved)' },
+  modified: { color: 'var(--accent-orange)', testId: 'tab-modified-indicator', title: 'Modified (uncommitted)' },
+}
+
+function StatusDot({ status }: { status: NoteStatus }) {
+  const cfg = STATUS_DOT[status]
+  if (!cfg) return null
+  return (
+    <span
+      className="shrink-0"
+      style={{ width: 6, height: 6, borderRadius: '50%', background: cfg.color }}
+      data-testid={cfg.testId}
+      title={cfg.title}
+    />
+  )
+}
+
+function TabItem({ tab, isActive, isEditing, noteStatus, isDragging, showDropBefore, showDropAfter, onSwitch, onClose, onDoubleClick, onRenameSave, onRenameCancel, dragProps }: {
   tab: Tab
   isActive: boolean
   isEditing: boolean
-  isModified: boolean
+  noteStatus: NoteStatus
   isDragging: boolean
   showDropBefore: boolean
   showDropAfter: boolean
@@ -215,14 +233,7 @@ function TabItem({ tab, isActive, isEditing, isModified, isDragging, showDropBef
           {tab.entry.title}
         </span>
       )}
-      {isModified && (
-        <span
-          className="shrink-0"
-          style={{ width: 6, height: 6, borderRadius: '50%', background: 'var(--accent-orange)' }}
-          data-testid="tab-modified-indicator"
-          title="Modified (uncommitted)"
-        />
-      )}
+      <StatusDot status={noteStatus} />
       <button
         className={cn(
           "shrink-0 rounded-sm p-0 bg-transparent border-none text-muted-foreground cursor-pointer transition-opacity hover:bg-accent hover:text-foreground",
@@ -264,7 +275,7 @@ function TabBarActions({ onCreateNote }: { onCreateNote?: () => void }) {
 // --- Main TabBar ---
 
 export const TabBar = memo(function TabBar({
-  tabs, activeTabPath, isModified, onSwitchTab, onCloseTab, onCreateNote, onReorderTabs, onRenameTab,
+  tabs, activeTabPath, getNoteStatus, onSwitchTab, onCloseTab, onCreateNote, onReorderTabs, onRenameTab,
 }: TabBarProps) {
   const { dragIndex, dropIndex, handleDragStart, handleDragEnd, handleDragOver, handleDrop, handleBarDragLeave } = useTabDrag(onReorderTabs)
   const [editingPath, setEditingPath] = useState<string | null>(null)
@@ -282,7 +293,7 @@ export const TabBar = memo(function TabBar({
           tab={tab}
           isActive={tab.entry.path === activeTabPath}
           isEditing={editingPath === tab.entry.path}
-          isModified={isModified?.(tab.entry.path) ?? false}
+          noteStatus={getNoteStatus?.(tab.entry.path) ?? 'clean'}
           isDragging={dragIndex !== null}
           showDropBefore={dropIndex === index}
           showDropAfter={dropIndex === index + 1 && index === tabs.length - 1}
diff --git a/src/hooks/useEditorSave.test.ts b/src/hooks/useEditorSave.test.ts
index c74e1d32..6d713dbc 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useEditorSave.test.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useEditorSave.test.ts
@@ -107,10 +107,13 @@ describe('useEditorSave', () => {
     })
   })
 
-  it('calls onAfterSave callback after successful save', async () => {
-    const onAfterSave = vi.fn()
+  it.each([
+    { name: 'onAfterSave', key: 'onAfterSave' as const },
+    { name: 'onNoteSaved', key: 'onNoteSaved' as const },
+  ])('calls $name callback after successful save', async ({ key }) => {
+    const cb = vi.fn()
     const { result } = renderHook(() =>
-      useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, onAfterSave })
+      useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, [key]: cb })
     )
 
     act(() => {
@@ -121,7 +124,7 @@ describe('useEditorSave', () => {
       await result.current.handleSave()
     })
 
-    expect(onAfterSave).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
+    expect(cb).toHaveBeenCalled()
   })
 
   it('calls onAfterSave even when nothing is pending (e.g. after rename)', async () => {
@@ -139,12 +142,15 @@ describe('useEditorSave', () => {
     expect(onAfterSave).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
   })
 
-  it('does not call onAfterSave when save fails', async () => {
+  it.each([
+    { name: 'onAfterSave', key: 'onAfterSave' as const },
+    { name: 'onNoteSaved', key: 'onNoteSaved' as const },
+  ])('does not call $name when save fails', async ({ key }) => {
     mockInvokeFn.mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Disk full'))
     const consoleSpy = vi.spyOn(console, 'error').mockImplementation(() => {})
-    const onAfterSave = vi.fn()
+    const cb = vi.fn()
     const { result } = renderHook(() =>
-      useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, onAfterSave })
+      useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, [key]: cb })
     )
 
     act(() => {
@@ -155,7 +161,7 @@ describe('useEditorSave', () => {
       await result.current.handleSave()
     })
 
-    expect(onAfterSave).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+    expect(cb).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
     consoleSpy.mockRestore()
   })
 
diff --git a/src/hooks/useEditorSave.ts b/src/hooks/useEditorSave.ts
index 855192b3..2902d9c0 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useEditorSave.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useEditorSave.ts
@@ -13,13 +13,16 @@ interface EditorSaveConfig {
   setTabs: (fn: SetStateAction<any[]>) => void
   setToastMessage: (msg: string | null) => void
   onAfterSave?: () => void
+  onNoteSaved?: (path: string) => void
 }
 
 /**
  * Hook that manages explicit save (Cmd+S) for editor content.
  * Tracks pending (unsaved) content and provides save + pre-rename helpers.
  */
-export function useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, onAfterSave }: EditorSaveConfig) {
+const noop = () => {}
+
+export function useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, onAfterSave = noop, onNoteSaved }: EditorSaveConfig) {
   const pendingContentRef = useRef<{ path: string; content: string } | null>(null)
 
   const updateTabAndContent = useCallback((path: string, content: string) => {
@@ -38,15 +41,16 @@ export function useEditorSave({ updateVaultContent, setTabs, setToastMessage, on
     if (pathFilter && pending.path !== pathFilter) return false
     await saveNote(pending.path, pending.content)
     pendingContentRef.current = null
+    onNoteSaved?.(pending.path)
     return true
-  }, [saveNote])
+  }, [saveNote, onNoteSaved])
 
   /** Called by Cmd+S — persists the current editor content to disk */
   const handleSave = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
       const saved = await flushPending()
       setToastMessage(saved ? 'Saved' : 'Nothing to save')
-      onAfterSave?.()
+      onAfterSave()
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('Save failed:', err)
       setToastMessage(`Save failed: ${err}`)
diff --git a/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.test.ts b/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.test.ts
index f17231cd..73937bdf 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.test.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.test.ts
@@ -133,16 +133,114 @@ describe('useVaultLoader', () => {
     })
   })
 
-  describe('isFileModified', () => {
-    it('returns true for modified files', async () => {
+  describe('getNoteStatus', () => {
+    it('returns modified for git-modified files', async () => {
       const { result } = renderHook(() => useVaultLoader('/vault'))
 
       await waitFor(() => {
         expect(result.current.modifiedFiles).toHaveLength(1)
       })
 
-      expect(result.current.isFileModified('/vault/note/hello.md')).toBe(true)
-      expect(result.current.isFileModified('/vault/note/other.md')).toBe(false)
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/hello.md')).toBe('modified')
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/other.md')).toBe('clean')
+    })
+
+    it('returns new for freshly added entries', async () => {
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useVaultLoader('/vault'))
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.entries).toHaveLength(1)
+      })
+
+      const newEntry: VaultEntry = {
+        ...mockEntries[0],
+        path: '/vault/note/brand-new.md',
+        filename: 'brand-new.md',
+        title: 'Brand New',
+      }
+
+      act(() => {
+        result.current.addEntry(newEntry, '# Brand New')
+      })
+
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/brand-new.md')).toBe('new')
+    })
+
+    it('returns clean after markSaved clears new status', async () => {
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useVaultLoader('/vault'))
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.entries).toHaveLength(1)
+      })
+
+      const newEntry: VaultEntry = {
+        ...mockEntries[0],
+        path: '/vault/note/brand-new.md',
+        filename: 'brand-new.md',
+        title: 'Brand New',
+      }
+
+      act(() => {
+        result.current.addEntry(newEntry, '# Brand New')
+      })
+
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/brand-new.md')).toBe('new')
+
+      act(() => {
+        result.current.markSaved('/vault/note/brand-new.md')
+      })
+
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/brand-new.md')).toBe('clean')
+    })
+
+    it('new status takes priority over git modified', async () => {
+      // If a path is both new and in modifiedFiles, it should show as new
+      mockInvokeFn.mockImplementation(((cmd: string) => {
+        if (cmd === 'list_vault') return Promise.resolve(mockEntries)
+        if (cmd === 'get_all_content') return Promise.resolve(mockContent)
+        if (cmd === 'get_modified_files') return Promise.resolve([
+          { path: '/vault/note/new.md', relativePath: 'note/new.md', status: 'modified' },
+        ])
+        return Promise.resolve(null)
+      }) as typeof defaultMockInvoke)
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useVaultLoader('/vault'))
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.modifiedFiles).toHaveLength(1)
+      })
+
+      const newEntry: VaultEntry = {
+        ...mockEntries[0],
+        path: '/vault/note/new.md',
+        filename: 'new.md',
+        title: 'New',
+      }
+
+      act(() => {
+        result.current.addEntry(newEntry, '# New')
+      })
+
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/new.md')).toBe('new')
+    })
+
+    it('ignores untracked git status for orange dot', async () => {
+      mockInvokeFn.mockImplementation(((cmd: string) => {
+        if (cmd === 'list_vault') return Promise.resolve(mockEntries)
+        if (cmd === 'get_all_content') return Promise.resolve(mockContent)
+        if (cmd === 'get_modified_files') return Promise.resolve([
+          { path: '/vault/note/hello.md', relativePath: 'note/hello.md', status: 'untracked' },
+        ])
+        return Promise.resolve(null)
+      }) as typeof defaultMockInvoke)
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useVaultLoader('/vault'))
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.modifiedFiles).toHaveLength(1)
+      })
+
+      expect(result.current.getNoteStatus('/vault/note/hello.md')).toBe('clean')
     })
   })
 
diff --git a/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.ts b/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.ts
index 38467908..ae111b89 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useVaultLoader.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useCallback, useEffect, useState } from 'react'
 import { invoke } from '@tauri-apps/api/core'
 import { isTauri, mockInvoke } from '../mock-tauri'
-import type { VaultEntry, GitCommit, ModifiedFile } from '../types'
+import type { VaultEntry, GitCommit, ModifiedFile, NoteStatus } from '../types'
 
 function tauriCall<T>(command: string, tauriArgs: Record<string, unknown>, mockArgs?: Record<string, unknown>): Promise<T> {
   return isTauri() ? invoke<T>(command, tauriArgs) : mockInvoke<T>(command, mockArgs ?? tauriArgs)
@@ -30,18 +30,46 @@ async function commitWithPush(vaultPath: string, message: string): Promise<strin
   }
 }
 
+function useNewNoteTracker() {
+  const [newPaths, setNewPaths] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
+
+  const trackNew = useCallback((path: string) => {
+    setNewPaths((prev) => new Set(prev).add(path))
+  }, [])
+
+  const markSaved = useCallback((path: string) => {
+    setNewPaths((prev) => {
+      if (!prev.has(path)) return prev
+      const next = new Set(prev)
+      next.delete(path)
+      return next
+    })
+  }, [])
+
+  const clear = useCallback(() => setNewPaths(new Set()), [])
+
+  return { newPaths, trackNew, markSaved, clear }
+}
+
+export function resolveNoteStatus(path: string, newPaths: Set<string>, modifiedFiles: ModifiedFile[]): NoteStatus {
+  if (newPaths.has(path)) return 'new'
+  if (modifiedFiles.some((f) => f.path === path && f.status === 'modified')) return 'modified'
+  return 'clean'
+}
+
 export function useVaultLoader(vaultPath: string) {
   const [entries, setEntries] = useState<VaultEntry[]>([])
   const [allContent, setAllContent] = useState<Record<string, string>>({})
   const [modifiedFiles, setModifiedFiles] = useState<ModifiedFile[]>([])
+  const tracker = useNewNoteTracker()
 
   useEffect(() => {
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/set-state-in-effect -- clear stale data then load new vault
-    setEntries([]); setAllContent({}); setModifiedFiles([])
+    setEntries([]); setAllContent({}); setModifiedFiles([]); tracker.clear()
     loadVaultData(vaultPath)
       .then(({ entries: e, allContent: c }) => { setEntries(e); setAllContent(c) })
       .catch((err) => console.warn('Vault scan failed:', err))
-  }, [vaultPath])
+  }, [vaultPath]) // eslint-disable-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps -- tracker.clear is stable
 
   const loadModifiedFiles = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
@@ -57,24 +85,18 @@ export function useVaultLoader(vaultPath: string) {
   const addEntry = useCallback((entry: VaultEntry, content: string) => {
     setEntries((prev) => [entry, ...prev])
     setAllContent((prev) => ({ ...prev, [entry.path]: content }))
-  }, [])
+    tracker.trackNew(entry.path)
+  }, [tracker])
 
-  const updateContent = useCallback((path: string, content: string) => {
-    setAllContent((prev) => ({ ...prev, [path]: content }))
-  }, [])
+  const updateContent = useCallback((path: string, content: string) =>
+    setAllContent((prev) => ({ ...prev, [path]: content })), [])
 
-  const updateEntry = useCallback((path: string, patch: Partial<VaultEntry>) => {
-    setEntries((prev) => prev.map((e) => e.path === path ? { ...e, ...patch } : e))
-  }, [])
+  const updateEntry = useCallback((path: string, patch: Partial<VaultEntry>) =>
+    setEntries((prev) => prev.map((e) => e.path === path ? { ...e, ...patch } : e)), [])
 
   const replaceEntry = useCallback((oldPath: string, patch: Partial<VaultEntry> & { path: string }, newContent: string) => {
     setEntries((prev) => prev.map((e) => e.path === oldPath ? { ...e, ...patch } : e))
-    setAllContent((prev) => {
-      const next = { ...prev }
-      delete next[oldPath]
-      next[patch.path] = newContent
-      return next
-    })
+    setAllContent((prev) => { const next = { ...prev }; delete next[oldPath]; next[patch.path] = newContent; return next })
   }, [])
 
   const loadGitHistory = useCallback(async (path: string): Promise<GitCommit[]> => {
@@ -83,34 +105,21 @@ export function useVaultLoader(vaultPath: string) {
   }, [vaultPath])
 
   const loadDiffAtCommit = useCallback((path: string, commitHash: string): Promise<string> =>
-    tauriCall<string>('get_file_diff_at_commit', { vaultPath, path, commitHash }, { path, commitHash }),
-  [vaultPath])
+    tauriCall<string>('get_file_diff_at_commit', { vaultPath, path, commitHash }, { path, commitHash }), [vaultPath])
 
   const loadDiff = useCallback((path: string): Promise<string> =>
-    tauriCall<string>('get_file_diff', { vaultPath, path }, { path }),
-  [vaultPath])
+    tauriCall<string>('get_file_diff', { vaultPath, path }, { path }), [vaultPath])
 
-  const isFileModified = useCallback((path: string): boolean =>
-    modifiedFiles.some((f) => f.path === path),
-  [modifiedFiles])
+  const getNoteStatus = useCallback((path: string): NoteStatus =>
+    resolveNoteStatus(path, tracker.newPaths, modifiedFiles), [tracker.newPaths, modifiedFiles])
 
   const commitAndPush = useCallback((message: string): Promise<string> =>
-    commitWithPush(vaultPath, message),
-  [vaultPath])
+    commitWithPush(vaultPath, message), [vaultPath])
 
   return {
-    entries,
-    allContent,
-    modifiedFiles,
-    addEntry,
-    updateEntry,
-    replaceEntry,
-    updateContent,
-    loadModifiedFiles,
-    loadGitHistory,
-    loadDiff,
-    loadDiffAtCommit,
-    isFileModified,
-    commitAndPush,
+    entries, allContent, modifiedFiles,
+    addEntry, updateEntry, replaceEntry, updateContent,
+    loadModifiedFiles, loadGitHistory, loadDiff, loadDiffAtCommit,
+    getNoteStatus, markSaved: tracker.markSaved, commitAndPush,
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/types.ts b/src/types.ts
index 4c52c451..15a34e2e 100644
--- a/src/types.ts
+++ b/src/types.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ export interface VaultEntry {
   order: number | null
 }
 
+export type NoteStatus = 'new' | 'modified' | 'clean'
+
 export interface GitCommit {
   hash: string
   shortHash: string