✅ What is Capture?

Capture is a fast note-taking system that:

• Collects information quickly with minimal keystrokes

• Uses templates to structure your notes consistently

• Automatically files content to the appropriate location

• Supports various capture types (TODOs, notes, journal entries, code snippets, etc.)

• Includes context from where you initiated the capture (links, selection, clipboard)

✅ Key Features

• Template-based capture: Define reusable templates for different types of content

• Flexible targeting: Capture to end of file, under specific headlines, or in date trees

• Context awareness: Automatically includes links to source location, timestamps, and selected text

• Quick capture commands: Fast shortcuts for common captures (TODO, note)

• Preview before saving: Optional preview of captured content before filing

• Custom variables: Rich template language with placeholders, timestamps, and prompts

✅ Philosophy

The capture system follows the principle of "capture first, organize later." Instead of interrupting your flow to decide where something belongs or how to format it, you simply invoke a capture template and let the system handle the details. This reduces friction and helps you maintain focus on your primary task.

✅ Your First Capture

The quickest way to capture a TODO is:

1. Press C-c c (or run Scimax: Capture)

2. Select the "Todo" template (or press `t')

3. Enter your task description

4. Press Enter

Your TODO is now filed to `todo.org' without leaving your current context.

Quick TODO Capture

For even faster TODO capture, use the dedicated quick capture command:

1. Press C-c t (or run Scimax: Quick Capture TODO)

2. Type your task

3. Press Enter

This bypasses the template picker and goes straight to TODO capture.

Capturing with Context

When you invoke capture with text selected:

1. Select some text in your editor

2. Press `C-c c'

3. Choose a template (e.g., "Code Snippet")

4. The selected text is automatically included in your capture

The capture system also includes a link back to where you initiated the capture, making it easy to return to context later.

Built-in Templates

Scimax comes with several built-in templates:

,* TODO Task description

,* Note title
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]

Note content here...

,* 2026
,** 2026-01 January
,*** 2026-01-13 Monday
,**** [2026-01-13 Mon 14:30] Entry title
Entry content...

,* Meeting: Subject
<2026-01-13 Mon 14:00>
,** Attendees
Names...
,** Agenda

,** Notes

,** Action Items

,* Description
:PROPERTIES:
:CREATED: [2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]
:SOURCE: [[file:/path/to/source.ts::42]]
:END:

,#+BEGIN_SRC python
selected code here
,#+END_SRC

,* [[https://example.com][Page Title]]
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]

Optional notes about the bookmark...

Viewing All Templates

To see all available templates:

• Run Scimax: List Capture Templates

• Or press `C-c c' to see the template picker

Each template shows:

• Its key (single letter shortcut)

• Template name and description

• Target file

Using the Template Creator

The easiest way to create a template is with the interactive creator:

1. Run Scimax: Create Capture Template

2. Enter a key (e.g., `r' for "Research note")

3. Enter a name (e.g., "Research Note")

4. Specify the target file (e.g., `research.org')

5. Choose where to insert (end of file, under headline, date tree)

6. Enter the template content

The template is saved to your VS Code settings and immediately available.

Manual Template Configuration

You can also define templates directly in settings.json:

{
  "scimax.capture.templates": [
    {
      "key": "r",
      "name": "Research Note",
      "description": "Capture research findings",
      "file": "research.org",
      "template": "* %^{Topic}\n%U\n\n%?",
      "target": {
        "type": "file+headline",
        "headline": "Research Notes"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Template Structure

Each template has these properties:

Basic Placeholders

Interactive Prompts

Link Placeholders

Expression Placeholders

Examples

,* TODO %^{Task}

,* TODO Write documentation

,* %^{Title}
%U

%i

Source: %a

,* Meeting notes
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]

Discussed project timeline

Source: [[file:/home/user/project.org::25]]

,* %^{Meeting subject}
%T
,** Attendees
%^{Attendees}
,** Agenda
%?

File Target (`file')

Appends to the end of the file.

{
  "target": {
    "type": "file"
  }
}

With prepend: true, inserts at the beginning (after file-level keywords):

{
  "target": {
    "type": "file",
    "prepend": true
  }
}

Headline Target (file+headline)

Inserts under a specific headline. If the headline doesn't exist, it's created.

{
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Inbox"
  }
}

This finds or creates a headline * Inbox and appends content as a child.

With prepend: true, inserts right after the headline:

{
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Inbox",
    "prepend": true
  }
}

Date Tree Target (file+datetree)

Creates a hierarchical date tree structure:

,* 2026
,** 2026-01 January
,*** 2026-01-13 Monday
,**** Your captured content here

{
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

Perfect for journal entries and time-based organization.

Default Target

If no target is specified, content is appended to the end of the file:

{
  "file": "notes.org",
  "template": "* %^{Note}\n%?"
}

Capture Command

The main capture command opens the template picker:

• Command: Scimax: Capture

• Keybinding: C-c c

This shows all available templates. Select one to begin capture.

Capture by Key

If you know the template key, you can capture directly:

• Command: Scimax: Capture by Key

• Enter the template key (e.g., `t' for TODO)

Quick Capture Commands

For common captures, use dedicated quick capture commands:

Capture Process

1. Invoke capture: Press C-c c or run a quick capture command

2. Select template: Choose from the picker (or skip if using quick capture)

3. Fill prompts: Enter values for any %^{prompt} placeholders

4. Preview (optional): Review the captured content

5. Confirm: Press "Capture" to file the content

The captured content is inserted at the target location, and you receive a confirmation message.

Capturing with Selection

When you have text selected:

1. Select text in the editor

2. Press `C-c c'

3. Choose a template

The selected text is available as %i in your template. Perfect for:

• Capturing code snippets

• Quoting text

• Collecting research excerpts

Capturing with Context Links

Templates can include links back to where you initiated the capture:

• `%a' creates a link to the source location

• %A creates a link with description (filename:line)

• `%l' creates a literal link string

Example template:

,* %^{Note}
%U

%i

Source: %A

Creates:

,* Important finding
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]

Selected text here

Source: [[file:/home/user/research.org::42][research.org:42]]

Capture Preview

Enable preview to review content before filing:

{
  "scimax.capture.showPreview": true
}

When enabled, you can:

• See the expanded template content

• Review formatting and placement

• Cancel or confirm the capture

Auto-open After Capture

Configure whether to open the target file after capture:

{
  "scimax.capture.openAfterCapture": true
}

When enabled, the target file opens and the cursor jumps to the captured content.

Journal Capture Template

The built-in journal template (j) uses date tree targeting:

{
  "key": "j",
  "name": "Journal",
  "file": "journal.org",
  "template": "* %U %^{Entry title}\n%?",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

Custom Journal Captures

Create specialized journal capture templates:

{
  "key": "d",
  "name": "Daily Reflection",
  "file": "journal.org",
  "template": "* Daily Reflection\n** What went well\n%^{Wins}\n** What to improve\n%^{Improvements}\n** Tomorrow's focus\n%?",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

{
  "key": "l",
  "name": "Log Entry",
  "file": "journal.org",
  "template": "* %U - %^{What happened?}",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

Integrating with Journal Directory

You can point capture templates to your journal directory:

{
  "scimax.capture.defaultDirectory": "~/scimax-journal",
  "scimax.capture.templates": [
    {
      "key": "j",
      "name": "Journal Entry",
      "file": "2026/01/13/2026-01-13.org",
      "template": "* %T %^{Entry}\n%?"
    }
  ]
}

Or use the journal's date structure dynamically with date tree targeting.

Inbox Setup

1. Create an inbox file (`inbox.org')

2. Define a capture template targeting it

{
  "key": "i",
  "name": "Inbox",
  "file": "inbox.org",
  "template": "* %^{Quick capture}\n%U\n%?\n\nSource: %a"
}

Inbox with Categories

Use headlines to organize inbox items:

{
  "key": "it",
  "name": "Inbox - Task",
  "file": "inbox.org",
  "template": "* TODO %^{Task}\n%U",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Tasks"
  }
}

{
  "key": "ii",
  "name": "Inbox - Idea",
  "file": "inbox.org",
  "template": "* %^{Idea}\n%U\n%?",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Ideas"
  }
}

Creates structure:

,* Tasks
,** TODO Review pull request
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:30]

,* Ideas
,** Build automated testing framework
[2026-01-13 Mon 14:35]

Settings Overview

Default Directory

Set a default directory for all capture files:

{
  "scimax.capture.defaultDirectory": "~/org"
}

Template file paths are resolved relative to this directory:

{
  "scimax.capture.defaultDirectory": "~/org",
  "scimax.capture.templates": [
    {
      "key": "t",
      "name": "Todo",
      "file": "todo.org",  // Resolves to ~/org/todo.org
      "template": "* TODO %^{Task}\n%?"
    }
  ]
}

File Path Resolution

Capture resolves file paths in this order:

1. Absolute paths: /home/user/notes/todo.org - used as-is

2. Home directory: `/org/todo.org - expands `'' to home directory

3. Default directory: todo.org - resolves relative to defaultDirectory

4. Workspace: todo.org - resolves relative to first workspace folder

Configuring Preview

Control whether to show preview before saving:

{
  "scimax.capture.showPreview": true
}

When enabled:

• Preview shows the expanded template content

• You can choose "Capture", "Preview", or "Cancel"

• Preview opens content in a temporary editor

When disabled:

• Content is captured immediately

• Faster workflow for trusted templates

Auto-open Behavior

Control whether the target file opens after capture:

{
  "scimax.capture.openAfterCapture": true
}

When enabled:

• Target file opens in editor

• Cursor jumps to captured content

• Useful for immediately expanding on the capture

When disabled:

• Capture happens in background

• You stay in your current file

• Faster workflow for quick captures

Complete Example Configuration

{
  "scimax.capture.defaultDirectory": "~/org",
  "scimax.capture.showPreview": false,
  "scimax.capture.openAfterCapture": false,
  "scimax.capture.templates": [
    {
      "key": "t",
      "name": "Todo",
      "description": "Quick TODO capture",
      "file": "todo.org",
      "template": "* TODO %^{Task}\n%U\n%?"
    },
    {
      "key": "n",
      "name": "Note",
      "file": "notes.org",
      "template": "* %^{Title}\n%U\n\n%?\n\nSource: %a",
      "target": {
        "type": "file+headline",
        "headline": "Quick Notes"
      }
    },
    {
      "key": "j",
      "name": "Journal",
      "file": "journal.org",
      "template": "* %U %^{Entry}\n%?",
      "target": {
        "type": "file+datetree"
      }
    },
    {
      "key": "m",
      "name": "Meeting",
      "file": "meetings.org",
      "template": "* %^{Subject}\n%T\n** Attendees\n%^{Attendees}\n** Notes\n%?\n** Action Items\n",
      "properties": {
        "MEETING_DATE": "%t"
      },
      "tags": ["meeting"]
    }
  ]
}

GTD Workflow

{
  "key": "i",
  "name": "Inbox",
  "file": "inbox.org",
  "template": "* %^{Capture}\n%U\n%?\n\nContext: %a"
}

Research Workflow

{
  "key": "r",
  "name": "Research Source",
  "file": "research.org",
  "template": "* %^{Source}\n:PROPERTIES:\n:URL: %^{URL}\n:ADDED: %U\n:END:\n\n** Summary\n%?\n\n** Quotes\n%i",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Sources"
  }
}

Code Documentation Workflow

{
  "key": "c",
  "name": "Code Example",
  "file": "code-snippets.org",
  "template": "* %^{Description}\n:PROPERTIES:\n:LANGUAGE: %^{Language|typescript|python|javascript}\n:SOURCE: %a\n:CREATED: %U\n:END:\n\n#+BEGIN_SRC %\\2\n%i\n#+END_SRC\n\n** Notes\n%?",
  "tags": ["code", "example"]
}

Meeting Notes Workflow

{
  "key": "ma",
  "name": "Meeting Agenda",
  "file": "meetings.org",
  "template": "* MEETING %^{Subject}\nSCHEDULED: %^t\n** Attendees\n%^{Attendees}\n** Agenda\n%?\n** Notes\n\n** Action Items\n",
  "properties": {
    "MEETING_TYPE": "%^{Type|standup|planning|review|1on1}"
  }
}

{
  "key": "mn",
  "name": "Meeting Note",
  "file": "meetings.org",
  "template": "* %T - %^{Note}\n%?",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+headline",
    "headline": "Meeting Notes"
  }
}

{
  "key": "mt",
  "name": "Meeting Action Item",
  "file": "todo.org",
  "template": "* TODO %^{Action Item}\nDEADLINE: %^t\n:PROPERTIES:\n:MEETING: %^{Meeting}\n:ASSIGNED: %^{Assignee}\n:END:\n%?",
  "tags": ["meeting-action"]
}

Daily Planning Workflow

{
  "key": "p",
  "name": "Daily Plan",
  "file": "journal.org",
  "template": "* Daily Plan\n** Top 3 Priorities\n1. %^{Priority 1}\n2. %^{Priority 2}\n3. %^{Priority 3}\n** Schedule\n%?\n** Notes\n",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

{
  "key": "dr",
  "name": "Daily Review",
  "file": "journal.org",
  "template": "* Daily Review\n** Completed\n%^{What did you complete?}\n** Wins\n%^{What went well?}\n** Learn\n%^{What did you learn?}\n** Tomorrow\n%?",
  "target": {
    "type": "file+datetree"
  }
}

Knowledge Base Building

{
  "key": "l",
  "name": "Learning",
  "file": "knowledge.org",
  "template": "* %^{What did you learn?}\n:PROPERTIES:\n:TOPIC: %^{Topic|programming|design|business|other}\n:LEARNED: %U\n:SOURCE: %a\n:END:\n\n%?\n\n** Related\n",
  "tags": ["learning"]
}

{
  "key": "q",
  "name": "Question",
  "file": "questions.org",
  "template": "* QUESTION %^{Question}\n%U\n\n** Context\n%?\n\n** Potential Answers\n\n** Resolution\n",
  "tags": ["question"]
}

Main Commands

Template Management Commands

Default Keybindings

Custom Keybindings

Add custom keybindings in keybindings.json (C-k C-s to open):

{
  "key": "ctrl+c n",
  "command": "scimax.capture.note"
}

{
  "key": "ctrl+c i",
  "command": "scimax.captureByKey",
  "args": "i"
}

{
  "key": "ctrl+c j",
  "command": "scimax.captureByKey",
  "args": "j"
}

Context-aware Keybindings

Capture only when editing org files:

{
  "key": "ctrl+c c",
  "command": "scimax.capture",
  "when": "editorLangId == org"
}

Start Simple

Begin with a few basic templates:

• TODO capture

• Note capture

• Journal entry

Add specialized templates as needs emerge.

Use Consistent File Organization

Keep capture files organized:

~/org/
├── inbox.org          # Unprocessed captures
├── todo.org           # Active tasks
├── projects/          # Project-specific files
│   ├── project-a.org
│   └── project-b.org
├── journal.org        # Journal entries
├── notes.org          # General notes
└── archive.org        # Completed items

Process Inbox Regularly

Set a schedule to process inbox.org:

• Daily: Quick review and refile urgent items

• Weekly: Deep review, refile everything

Leverage Context Links

Always include %a or %A in templates to link back to source:

Source: %a

This makes it easy to jump back to context when reviewing captures.

Use Tags for Filtering

Add tags to templates for easy filtering:

{
  "tags": ["meeting", "important"]
}

Later, search for :meeting: to find all meeting-related captures.

Combine with Agenda

Capture TODO items with timestamps to make them appear in the agenda:

,* TODO %^{Task}
SCHEDULED: %^t
%?

Create Domain-Specific Templates

For specialized work, create focused templates:

{
  "key": "bug",
  "name": "Bug Report",
  "file": "bugs.org",
  "template": "* BUG %^{Description}\n:PROPERTIES:\n:REPORTED: %U\n:SEVERITY: %^{Severity|high|medium|low}\n:COMPONENT: %^{Component}\n:END:\n\n** Steps to Reproduce\n%?\n\n** Expected Behavior\n\n** Actual Behavior\n\n** Environment\n",
  "tags": ["bug"]
}

{
  "key": "feat",
  "name": "Feature Request",
  "file": "features.org",
  "template": "* FEATURE %^{Feature}\n:PROPERTIES:\n:REQUESTED: %U\n:PRIORITY: %^{Priority|high|medium|low}\n:EFFORT: %^{Effort|small|medium|large}\n:END:\n\n** Description\n%?\n\n** Use Case\n\n** Technical Notes\n",
  "tags": ["feature"]
}

Disable Preview for Speed

For templates you trust, disable preview for faster capture:

{
  "scimax.capture.showPreview": false,
  "scimax.capture.openAfterCapture": false
}

This makes capture nearly instantaneous.

Use Keyboard-driven Workflow

Memorize keys for your most common captures:

• `C-c c' → `t' → Task description → Enter (TODO)

• `C-c c' → `j' → Entry title → Enter (Journal)

• `C-c t' → Task → Enter (Quick TODO)

With practice, capture becomes muscle memory.

Template Not Appearing in Picker

• Check `settings.json' for syntax errors

• Ensure template has required fields: key, name, file, template

• Reload window (`C-S-P' → `Reload Window')

Capture File Not Created

• Check file path in template configuration

• Ensure directory exists or use absolute path

• Check `scimax.capture.defaultDirectory' setting

• Verify write permissions

Template Placeholders Not Expanding

• Verify placeholder syntax: %^{Prompt} not $^{Prompt}

• Check for typos in placeholder names

• Some placeholders require context (e.g., `%a' needs source file)

Cursor Position (`%?') Not Working

• Ensure `%?' is in template

• Open file after capture (scimax.capture.openAfterCapture: true)

• The cursor jumps to `%?' position when file opens

Date Tree Not Creating Structure

• Verify target type: "type": "file+datetree"

• Ensure template is capturing to correct file

• Check file for malformed existing date tree structure

Journal Integration

Capture complements the journal system. Use capture templates with file+datetree targeting for seamless journal integration.

See Journal Documentation for details.

Agenda Integration

Captured TODO items with timestamps appear in the agenda view.

See Agenda Documentation for details.

Database Search

All captured content is indexed and searchable via the database.

See Database Search Documentation for details.

Quick Links

• Getting Started Guide

• Configuration Reference

• Keybinding Reference

• TODO Items Documentation

Template Hooks (Future)

Future versions may support JavaScript hooks for advanced template behavior:

{
  "beforeCapture": "return { customData: 'value' }",
  "afterCapture": "console.log('Captured!')"
}

Dynamic Template Selection (Future)

Future versions may support conditional template selection based on context.

Template Inheritance (Future)

Future versions may support template inheritance for sharing common configuration.

Complete Template Reference

Placeholder Reference

Target Type Reference

Example Templates Library

See examples/capture-templates.json in the Scimax repository for a collection of ready-to-use templates for various workflows.