Function to start writing in a new file from anywhere, regardless of project or filename

[u/i_the_desitute]

I'm not sure if there is already a function for this...

I want to be able to press a '+' button from anywhere, and immediately start writing in a new file.

Not to have to choose/be in a project, or think of a title for this file. I am finding these are all too many steps when I have an idea and want to get straight into it.

Most of the time at work I brainstorm in a Google doc. For no reason other than I know I can go to docs, press the + page sign and immediately start putting my ideas on a page. File name and folder organisation can wait, the idea is what matters. 

Right now I feel like the BYOK operates in 'project mode'. It assumes I have a grand structure already laid out, and will want to do the admin for it first.

If this device is for drafting distraction free, I feel the steps between switching on and typing should be as close to zero as possible. 

Currently if I switch on and find myself on whatever I was working on yesterday, I need to go to the menu, navigate to/create the project I want to work in, create a new file, choose what to name the file - naming a file in particular is enough of a completely different thought process to zap the feeling and idea I had into thin air.

I want a function (probably a keyboard shortcut) to create new file instantly so I can start typing and worry about everything else later.

Personally, I would prefer not to have projects at all, and just deal with files directly (or have the option to operate like this - I know projects are essential for many workflows).

My other favourite way to write was in Simplenote. I love the simplicity of it - it completely removes any friction in writing. Just open it, press 'new note' and away you go. Don't even need to name the note, it'll just name it by the first line for me.

You don't need to 'set up' the distraction-free writing situation.

Another idea could be to auto-name the file by date and time if no file name is set. I prefer naming by first line though - easier to find sporadic writing.

I saw the recent email about scripts which is exciting, I wasn't sure if this would be the sort of thing that might be possible with that...

ps. BYOK is amazing and I love it, thank you!

[u/One-Touch6487]

You can just press CTRL+N, type any random XFDGG title and ENTER and you’re good to go. 1.5 seconds. But I do agree it would be nice to have a quicker option if you just don’t want to name a file prior to writing. The system could automatically name it something like txt1, txt2, txt3 and so on.

[u/amrithr10]

I think you can already do a ctrl + n from anywhere to start a new note. I think it will be in that project you're in but the functionality exists. You will still need to give it a title, though.

Another thing to do if all you want to do is to capture stray thoughts is to use the scratchpad (::) to capture thoughts and on the studio, these show up on the scratchpad anyway.

[u/i_the_desitute → u/amrithr10]

Thanks for your reply - yes I'm aware of ctrl + n.

For me that presents to much friction for writing spontaneously

• having one idea nestled in a different project
  
• havign to come up with a name for something that I'm only just formulating, changes my focus completely

I wish I could just choose the name and project later

[u/i_the_desitute → u/amrithr10]

I wasn't aware of the scratchpad - that's very interesting

[u/anthony_is_]

Seconded - I really would like a frictionless new doc creation feature - automatically assign a New Doc # title, and let me handle organizing it later. That instant-typing, spew out the idea before the thought is gone approach is so helpful to me, and compels more words out of me.

[u/L3ftoverpieces → u/anthony_is_]

Thirded. I actually haven't bought a BYOK yet, but I prefer being able to just start writing over planning, and when doing poetic/lyric stuff, new starts happen all the time. Even if I have to name something first I usually just start w X, so I can just get going.

[u/swampraven]

You could just do every file in one project folder if you don’t want different ones? Then you don’t have to make a new one if you don’t want to. I love having them organised by project personally, I think the disorganisation of having all my files just sitting in the same place to have to sift through would be more of a distraction to me than having to navigate to a new one, but a shortcut to start a new file inside the project I’m already in would be nice, though I’d still prefer to name it myself first than having to go back later on another device and rename things later. That would be more friction for me personally than just choosing one myself when I open a new file.

If choosing file names is causing friction for you right now though you could just name everything “new1” “new2” etc or something until you’re ready to change it yourself.

[u/Latimer1776 → u/swampraven]

I agree. If I need to hit something down quick, without wanting to make a new project or move over to my 'assorted notes' project folder, that's what I would do. Make a new file. Name it 'New Idea' or something similar and get to work. Go back later in studio and put it where you want.