Templates#

Templates allow you to create new pages with pre-filled content and dynamic metadata. They are specific to each resource (notebook, todo, or calendar) and are stored within the resource itself.

Setup#

To use templates in a resource, create a hidden directory named .templates at the root of that resource.

cd my-notebook
mkdir .templates

Any markdown (.md) files you place in this folder will automatically appear as options in the “New” dialog within nocti list.

Creating from a Template#

1. Run nocti list inside your notebook.
2. Press n to open the creation menu.
3. Select your template from the list.
4. Enter a name for the new file (or use the pre-filled one).

Dynamic Content#

Templates support placeholders that are automatically replaced when a new file is created.

Built-in Variables#

Frontmatter Variables#

You can define custom metadata at the top of your template. Any key-value pair defined in the frontmatter can be used as a variable in the body.

The frontmatter section must end with a line containing at least three dashes (---).

Example Template (.templates/Meeting.md):

Project: Nocti CLI
Attendees: @user1, @user2
---
# Meeting: {{NAME}}
Date: {{DATE}}
Project: {{Project}}
Attendees: {{Attendees}}

## Agenda
...

The frontmatter section itself is stripped from the final file.

Advanced Naming#

Templates can suggest or enforce specific naming conventions using the filename key in their frontmatter.

Automated Date Naming#

filename: Log-{{DATE}}
---
# Daily Log for {{DATE}}

Selecting this template will pre-fill the naming prompt with Log-2026-05-12.

Automated Incrementers#

The {{INC}} variable automatically finds the next available number in the current directory.

filename: Task-{{INC}}
---
# Task {{INC}}

If Task-1.md and Task-2.md already exist in the folder, selecting this template will pre-fill the naming prompt with Task-3.