KeyRoutines
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How to save a quick note to a text file with a hotkey

Make a KeyRoutines routine with a Hotkey trigger, Ask for input to type the note, Format date for the time stamp, and Add text to file to add it as a new line in your notes file. No editor opens, so you stay in what you were doing.

Steps

  1. 1

    Add a Hotkey trigger

    Pick a chord such as Ctrl+Alt+N.

  2. 2

    Ask for the note

    Add Ask for input with the question "Note".

  3. 3

    Stamp it

    Add Format date with yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm.

  4. 4

    Save it

    Add Add text to file with your notes file, the text "date note" and On new line turned on. The file is created if it's missing.

Tips

  • Put the notes file in a synced folder, such as OneDrive, to read it on your phone.

Questions

Can it save to Markdown instead?
Yes. Use a .md file and start the text with "- " to make each note a list item.
What if I press Cancel?
Add an If with Compare values that stops the routine when the answer is empty.

Blocks this routine uses

Trigger · HotkeysFree

Hotkey

Hotkey starts a routine when you press a keyboard shortcut or mouse button. It's the most common way to run a routine, from a single app launcher key to a whole streaming setup on one combination.

Step · NotificationsFree

Ask for input

Ask for input pops up a question with a text box and waits for your answer. Use it when a routine needs something only you know, like a project name, a note, or a search term.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Format date

Format date writes a date as text in the layout you choose. It's the step behind dated file names, readable times in messages and timestamps in log files.

Step · FilesFree

Add text to file

Add text to file writes new text at the end of a text file without touching what is already there. It is the easy way to keep a running log, a journal entry per day, or a list of things a routine has handled.

More how-to guides

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