diff --git a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/notes/NotesManager.java b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/notes/NotesManager.java
index 3d9213ea59..6861228905 100644
--- a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/notes/NotesManager.java
+++ b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/notes/NotesManager.java
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ public class NotesManager
 		if (notes == null)
 		{
 			notes = new ArrayList<>();
+			notes.add("");
 		}
 
 		// migrate from legacy single tab notes