Quick Note

Capture quick notes in a plain text file on Mac

Use this Rule to collect reminders or ideas in a plain text file while another app is open. The note comes from an input dialog, so you can write a new thought rather than needing to select existing text.

When: Type ;note with exact case matching. Do: Ask for Input, append the answer to ~/Documents/Quick Notes.txt, then show a notification. Each entry contains a bullet, the entered text, the current date and time, and a newline. There is no If Condition; cancelling the input stops the Rule.

Configure and try it

1. Import with Open this Rule in Rulr and choose a typed trigger you do not normally use in documents.
2. Select a writable notes file in Write to File. Keep append-to-end mode to retain earlier notes.
3. Allow Accessibility for Text Typed and Notifications for the completion message.
4. Enable the Rule, type the trigger in a normal text field, and submit a test note. Inspect the file, then add another note to check the entry separation. Try cancelling the dialog as well.

Requirements and limits

Text Typed and Write to File require Rulr Pro. The completion notification depends on macOS notification settings; inspect the file to confirm the saved content.

This writes to a local text file, rather than creating an Apple Notes Quick Note. It does not capture a source URL or selected passage. For collecting existing passages, use Save Selected Text.

Does each note replace the previous one?

Write to File uses append-to-end mode. The sample adds a bullet, your entered text, the current date and time, and a newline, keeping earlier entries in the same file. Leave append mode selected if you want one running notes file instead of replacing its contents.