What is an quick way to create a new blank file in Lion?

Question

In Windows, one can create a new file using Right Click -> Add New -> Type of File. Is there an analogous action in Lion?

I just want to create a new blank file on my Desktop.

Answer 1

To-Do's

If you just want to create a To-Do list, you might look at third-party solutions like:

• NotesTab (free) which 'rests' in the menubar and has a beautiful GUI.

• Wunderlist (free) which provides sync between OSX, Win, iOS and Android

However, if you want to use a feature provided by OSX, try Stickies. It's Apple's program for taking notes. Very minimalistic and fast.

• format how you like
• edit with hyperlinks
• drag and drop pictures
• export as *.txt
• use ⌘+N to create a new note
• use ⌥+⇥ to create a list within the stickie
  • with right-click you get to customize the list
  • 

Contextual Menu item

There used to be NuFile which added the Windows-like feature to OSX. Unfortunately, the software hasn't been updated in years. There is commercial solution available now:

Neu

This applications adds "Create Document..." and "Create And Open Document..." menus to various places, including the main menubar, the Dock, and the Services menu that the Finder shows when you right-click on something. You can also trigger Neu from any application using a special key combination.

Answer 2

If you're not adverse to using a 3rd pary app, then Document Palette sounds like what you need.

EDIT: This looks like its been discontinued by the developer. However, I managed to grab it from here and it seems to work just fine on Lion.

Document Palette, a free application from Cold Pizza Software, gives Windows switchers and long-time Mac OS X users searching for yet another way to save time, the ability to create new documents in the Finder with a quick keyboard shortcut...

Document Palette runs in the background and is invoked by hitting Command + Control + Option + N. Doing so brings up a semi-opaque bezel (much like the built-in Application Switcher) containing document icons from which you can choose to create new documents. By default, a plain text, rich text and HTML file are available, but you can add your own document types simply by dragging a document into the Document Palette application list window.

Answer 3

You can also use the Evernote, http://www.evernote.com/, to manage your To-Do list, which can also be synced between devices.

Answer 4

I'm currently using this AppleScript with FastScripts.

try
    tell application "Finder"
        set il to POSIX path of (insertion location as text)
        set ans to text returned of (display dialog "" default answer "new.txt")
        if ans is "" then return
        do shell script "touch " & quoted form of (il & ans)
        set f to POSIX file (il & ans) as alias
        if il is POSIX path of (desktop as text) then
            set selection to f
        else
            select f
        end if
    end tell
end try

You could save it as an Automator service.

Answer 5

(I just re-read the question and am uncertain whether this post applies. My answer below is a solution for simple To-Do creation. If this question is really about creating a blank text file, though, my solution doesn't apply. Perhaps the original question could be clarified?)

I use LaunchBar, in conjunction with Wunderlist and a little Applescript. This is a fluid action for me now: Cmd-Space, then "AW", Space, and my To-Do text.

For those not familiar with LaunchBar, Cmd-Space brings up LaunchBar itself, "AW" is a shortcut to my "Add to Wunderlist" script, "Space" brings up a text field, and the contents of that field go to my Wunderlist task list.

The Applescript is really simple, it just takes a string and emails it to Wunderlist. It looks like this:

on handle_string(the_string)
    set sendemail_string to "/usr/local/bin/sendemail -f my_email_address@gmail.com
      -t me@wunderlist.com -s "
    set gmail_string to "smtp.gmail.com:587 -xu my_email_address@gmail.com
      -xp myemailpasswordgoeshere -m "
    do shell script sendemail_string & gmail_string & the_string
end handle_string

This script DOES make your email password available in clear text in the script itself. I have a disposable Gmail account that I use only for this purpose, so I'm not that bothered if the account is compromised.

This system may be a bit more technical than many would like, but it allows me to use Wunderlist (which I love). If you're already a LaunchBar user, I think you'll like it too.

Answer 6

Neu is a simple application that makes it easier to create new documents in the Finder, without you having to open an application first.

http://www.elegantchaos.com/neu (demo available)

$10 on the Mac App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/neu/id405033825?mt=12