> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.ellieplanner.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.ellieplanner.com/features/quick-capture.md).

# Quick Capture

Capture a task from anywhere on desktop and add dates, labels, lists, and estimates as you type.

Quick Capture is the fastest way to get a task into Ellie without stopping to organize every detail by hand.

## Capture from anywhere on desktop

In the Ellie desktop app, assign a global **Open Quick Capture** shortcut in **Settings → Keyboard shortcuts**. Use it while you are in any app to open Ellie's small standalone capture window. Press Command+Enter on macOS or Ctrl+Enter on Windows or Linux to save.

![Ellie's standalone Quick Capture window recognizing a natural-language date while another desktop background remains visible](https://3852134662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnmZdEkTM0SErtqWxGTII%2Fuploads%2FC9Suvcmh738lMLxgpUEY%2Fellie-desktop-quick-capture-x-reused-16x9.jpg?alt=media)

## Add task details as you type

Quick Capture understands:

* Dates and times: `Send the proposal tomorrow at 10am`
* Labels: `Review campaign #Marketing`
* Lists: `Order printer ink @Errands`
* Estimates: `Outline the report =45m`

`#label` is shorthand specific to Quick Capture. The `[label name]` syntax in the general Labels guide applies to that guide's workflow.

You can combine them in one line. For example:

`Review launch plan tomorrow at 9am #Deep Work @Work =45m`

Ellie shows the details it recognized before saving, so you can check them at a glance.

## Change the shortcut

Go to **Settings → Keyboard shortcuts**, select **Open Quick Capture**, and press the combination you want to use. You can disable or restore the default shortcut from the same screen.