Global command palette for lightning fast note capture and search

Bear feedback Feature Request
1

The main reason many of us use a notes app is speed. The ability to capture an idea instantly and retrieve information just as quickly.

Right now Bear is great for writing and organization, but I think it could be even more powerful with faster global interactions.

Two things that would significantly improve the workflow:

  1. Global quick capture
    A system wide shortcut that instantly opens a minimal capture field so we can write a note without opening the full app. The goal is capturing thoughts in seconds.

  2. Global search / command palette
    A command palette style shortcut similar to tools like Raycast or Spotlight where we can quickly search notes and jump directly to them.

The ideal workflow would be something like:
ā€¢ Press a global shortcut
ā€¢ Type to search notes or create a new one
ā€¢ Hit enter and continue working

Notes apps succeed when capture and retrieval are frictionless, and these features would make Bear much faster in daily use.

4 Likes
2

BUMP

To the first idea: It is the same for a to-do app. One Keyshorcut and a windows pop up to write a to-do that came to mind. Same would be nice with bear. Maybe limit the functionality as it is for ā€œquickā€ capture. Further editing should be done later.

To the second idea: I am really annoyed, that there is a difference between cmd+o and to click on top on the magnifying glass. Maybe combine them into one global search, that is the the same for cmd+o and the magnifying glass.

2 Likes
3

+1 would also really like this

1 Like
4
1 Like
5

I mean, thereā€™s always a workaround, but shouldnā€™t it be implemented at the app level rather than relying on workarounds?

2 Likes
6

Yes thatā€˜s what I thought too!

1 Like
7

Guys, there are global keywords in the preferences for creating a new note exactly where you are. Otherwise, one of Bearā€™s strengths is automation through best-in-class Shortcuts support. It takes five minutes to devise exactly the quick capture / quick search macro you want. Iā€™ve had mine set up for ages and they are literally two-steps automations. The strength of this is itā€™s flexible, you can do it in however way suits you. On top of this, get Keyboard Maestro and youā€™re golden.