How to Create New File in Selected Folder Using LaunchBar?

Question

Using Launchbar, I'd like to be able to do the following:

Navigate around by normal means in Launchbar > Once I'm in desired folder, I'd like to be able to run a command/action that asks me to enter a filename and then the command proceeds to ´touch´ (filename) in that directory.

How can this be achieved, any existing solutions?

Answer 1

This can be done by using the "New Text Document Here" action

Select folder -> tab -> start typing "New" -> select "New Text Document Here" -> type name -> enter.

If you're looking for a more complete solution that can create any type of file (including ones without the .txt extension that the New Text Document action forces) try this Applescript. Just put it in a file named New File.applescript in the ~/Library/Application Support/LaunchBar/Actions/ directory:

on handle_string(dir)
    display dialog "Enter filename:" default answer ""
    set fname to text returned of result
    set fullpath to dir & fname
    try
        do shell script "touch '" & fullpath & "'"
        open location "x-launchbar:select?file=" & fullpath
    on error errMsg
        display dialog "Error: " & errMsg
        open location "x-launchbar:hide"
    end try
end handle_string

It'll touch the file, then select it in LaunchBar upon completion (you can comment out the line that does that by adding -- to the beginning of the line or just removing it).

Answer 2

A custom script as in Justin's answer is the way to go if you need this to be Terminal-free, but if not I'd do it this way:

1. Select folder via LaunchBar
2. cmd-T (open Terminal there)
3. Type "touch whateverfile", return
4. cmd-W (close Terminal window)
5. Invoke LaunchBar, cmd-R, return (to get back to the app you were in)