Create New File With Navigation Bar

Activate the Navigation Bar and create a new file somewhere in the project tree.

Want to create files without interrupting your flow?

Want to create a file somewhere in your project tree, without the mouse? Use the Navigation Bar to get to a directory then use the keyboard to make and open a new file at the target.

In Depth

How can I create a file if I've turned off the Project Tool? Let the Navigation Bar be your one-stop replacement for the Project Tool.

First, get to the target directory:

  • Activate the Navigation Bar with Navigate -> Jump to Navigation Bar (Alt-Home Win/Linux, Cmd-Up macOS)

  • Use the cursor keys to get to the target directory

  • Speed search to select any subdirectories

Once your target is selected, use New (Alt+Insert Win/Linux, Cmd-N for macOS) to bring up the new file dialog. Just like in the Project Tool, the new file is opened after creation.

Also like the Project Tool, your selection doesn't have to be on a directory. If you're on a file, the new file will be created as a sibling. This is particularly useful in the common case of creating a new file in the current directory:

  • Activating the navigation bar higlights the current file

  • Immediately press New (Alt+Insert Win/Linux, Cmd-N for macOS)

Quite simple: two key combos and you have a new sibling file, with no permanent file tree visible and no popups to close afterwards. That's what getting in the flow is about.

Full Video