Quick Entry

Fast task capture from anywhere in the app.

Definition

Quick Entry is a floating button and keyboard shortcut that lets you instantly create new Tasks from anywhere in Locus GTD without navigating to a specific view.

Purpose

Capture Instantly

• No navigation needed
• Always accessible
• Minimal friction
• Fast input

Maintain Flow

• Don't lose context
• Stay in current view
• Quick capture and return
• Seamless workflow

GTD Capture Principle

"Capture everything that has your attention"

• Quick Entry makes this effortless
• Always ready to capture
• No excuse not to record

Accessing Quick Entry

Floating Button

Location: Bottom-right corner (most views)

Action: Tap the + button

Result: Quick Entry sheet appears

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Keyboard Shortcut

macOS: ⌘ + N

iPad with keyboard: ⌘ + N

Result: Quick Entry sheet appears

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From Widgets

Home Screen Widget: Tap "Quick Add"

Result: App opens with Quick Entry

Quick Entry Interface

Basic Fields

Task Title (Required)

• Main input field
• Type task description
• Press return to create

Optional Fields (Expandable):

• Project
• Tags
• Due Date
• Defer Date
• Notes

Two Modes

Quick Mode (Default):

• Title only
• Tap "Add" to create
• Goes to Inbox
• Fastest capture

Detailed Mode:

• Expand for more fields
• Set properties immediately
• Organize while capturing
• Skip inbox if fully organized

Using Quick Entry

Quick Capture (Recommended)

For fastest capture:

1. Tap + or press ⌘+N
2. Type task title
3. Press Return or tap Add
4. Task goes to Inbox
5. Organize later during processing

Time: 3-5 seconds

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Detailed Capture

When you know the details:

1. Tap + or press ⌘+N
2. Type task title
3. Tap ⌄ to expand
4. Set project, tags, dates
5. Tap Add
6. Task goes directly to project (skips Inbox)

Time: 15-30 seconds

Quick Entry Strategies

Capture Everything

During the day:

• Ideas → Quick Entry
• Requests → Quick Entry
• Reminders → Quick Entry
• Thoughts → Quick Entry

Don't filter, just capture.

Process Later

Don't organize while capturing:

• Slows you down
• Breaks flow
• Adds friction
• Reduces capture rate

Better: Capture quickly, organize during dedicated processing time.

Use Natural Language

Type naturally:

"Call John about project proposal"
"Buy groceries tomorrow"
"Review Q4 report by Friday"

Organize details later.

Batch Capture

When ideas flow:

1. Quick Entry
2. Type first idea
3. Add
4. Immediately open Quick Entry again
5. Type next idea
6. Repeat

Fast capture of multiple items.

Quick Entry Settings

Default Destination

Settings → Quick Entry → Default List

Options:

• Inbox (Recommended): All quick entries go here
• Specific Project: Direct to project
• Last Used: Remember last selection

Recommendation: Use Inbox for true GTD workflow.

Default Tags

Settings → Quick Entry → Auto Tags

Automatically apply tags:

• Add "Quick Capture" tag
• Add context tags
• Useful for tracking

Show/Hide Fields

Settings → Quick Entry → Visible Fields

Choose which fields show by default:

• Minimal: Title only
• Standard: Title + Project
• Full: All fields

Quick Entry Best Practices

Always Available

Keep Quick Entry easily accessible:

• Enable floating button
• Learn keyboard shortcut
• Add widget to home screen

Capture First, Organize Later

During capture:

• Focus on getting it recorded
• Don't overthink
• Don't organize
• Just write it down

During processing:

• Review inbox
• Organize properly
• Add details
• Set priorities

Use Descriptive Titles

Make titles clear enough to understand later:

✅ Good:

• "Call Sarah about Q4 budget meeting"
• "Review and approve marketing proposal"
• "Buy birthday gift for Mom"

❌ Too vague:

• "Call Sarah"
• "Review thing"
• "Buy gift"

Don't Interrupt Deep Work

During focus time:

• Quick capture only
• Minimal interruption
• Return to work immediately

Not during focus time:

• Can add more details
• Can organize immediately

Quick Entry vs Other Capture Methods

Method	Speed	Detail	Use Case
Quick Entry	⚡⚡⚡	Basic	Anywhere in app
Inbox Add	⚡⚡	Medium	In Inbox view
Project Add	⚡	Full	In specific project
Siri/Shortcuts	⚡⚡⚡	Basic	Outside app

Quick Entry: Best for in-app capture.

Quick Entry Workflow

Daily Capture Pattern

Morning:
- Review calendar
- Quick Entry: tasks for today
- Add to Inbox

During Day:
- Ideas arise → Quick Entry
- Requests come → Quick Entry
- Thoughts occur → Quick Entry

Evening:
- Process Inbox
- Organize captured items
- Plan tomorrow

Meeting Capture

During meetings:

1. Quick Entry open
2. Capture action items as mentioned
3. Don't organize during meeting
4. Process after meeting ends

Result: Nothing forgotten, full attention on meeting.

Advanced Tips

Quick Entry + Processing Mode

Perfect combination:

1. Capture throughout day with Quick Entry
2. Process once or twice daily with Processing Mode
3. Execute from organized lists

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn the shortcuts:

• ⌘+N: Open Quick Entry
• Type title
• Return: Create and close
• ⌘+N again: Next item

Super fast batch capture.

Widget Integration

Add Quick Entry widget:

• Home screen access
• Lock screen access (iOS 16+)
• No need to open app
• Instant capture

Siri Integration

"Hey Siri, add task in Locus"

• Voice capture
• Hands-free
• While driving/walking
• Quick and safe

Common Mistakes

Over-Organizing During Capture

Problem: Spending 2 minutes organizing each capture.

Solution: Title only, organize later.

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Vague Titles

Problem: "That thing" - unclear later.

Solution: Write enough to understand tomorrow.

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Not Using It

Problem: Navigating to Inbox every time.

Solution: Learn ⌘+N, use floating button.

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Filtering While Capturing

Problem: Deciding if it's "worth" capturing.

Solution: Capture everything, filter during processing.

Related Terms

• Inbox
• Task
• Processing Mode
• GTD
• Capture