QuickFiles is a free OSX 10.6 AppleScript service plugin that lets you create new files of any kind in the Finder with a keystroke. Install QuickFiles then place files or folders that you'd like to use as templates into the "QuickFiles Templates" folder. When you run QuickFiles, simply select a template from the list, and it will be copied into your current folder.

QuickFiles also supports multi-select, so you can create two or more files in one operation. Just hold Command or Shift to select multiple templates from the list.

Best of all, everything can be controlled via the keyboard by binding a shortcut to the service (I used Command-Control-N). Hit the keyboard shortcut, type the first letter or two of the template you want, then hit enter to copy it into your current folder. The new file is selected for you, so you can immediately hit Enter to rename it, or Cmd-O to open it for editing.

I originally created QuickFiles because I was jealous of Window's right-click menu to create new files in Explorer, but I think it's evolved into something much more powerful and usable.

Here's a few ways you can use it:

  • create a new blank text document
  • create a new class file, FLA, or xml file from a template file
  • create a copy of a sales letter or contract that you personalize often
  • create a new project folder with all of its sub folders and starting files already in place
  • create an alias to a file or folder that you use regularly
  • copy frequently used code libraries (including package directories) into your project

This version is only compatible with OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard. There is an older version available here, with less features, that supports early versions of OSX.

You can download QuickFiles for OSX 10.6 here. It includes the AppleScript workflow service file, and a ReadMe file that I highly recommend reading for information on installation, use, and setting up a keyboard shortcut (all very simple, not necessarily self-evident if you haven't installed services before).

I've found this plugin very useful for coding, and day to day tasks. Hopefully it's useful to other people as well.