# Template: Add an Inbox Item

> Create a timestamped inbox note from a template, naming the file with the current date and time plus your input

This example gives you a QuickAdd choice that creates a new inbox note in one step. QuickAdd asks you for a short name, then makes a note whose file name is the current date and time followed by what you typed - so every capture lands in your inbox as its own dated note, ready to process later.

## Before you start

- A template note you want each inbox item to start from. This example uses `bins/templates/Inbox Template.md`. The template can be as simple as an empty file or contain any [format placeholders](/docs/FormatSyntax/) you like.

## Setup

1. In QuickAdd settings, click **Add Choice**, select **Template**, and give it a name (for example, `Inbox Item`).
2. Click the configure button (the gear icon) on the choice to open the Template choice settings. For a full tour of these settings, see [the Template choice docs](/docs/Choices/TemplateChoice/).
3. Set **Template Path** to your inbox template:

   ```
   bins/templates/Inbox Template.md
   ```

4. Enable **File Name Format** and set it to:

   ```
   {{DATE:YYYY-MM-DD-HH-mm-ss}} {{NAME}}
   ```

   `{{DATE:YYYY-MM-DD-HH-mm-ss}}` becomes the current date and time down to the second, and `{{NAME}}` becomes whatever you type when the choice runs. Together they keep every inbox note uniquely named and in date order.
5. Choose the folder new notes should go into and set the remaining options to your liking.

![A Template choice for adding an inbox item](../Images/choices/template-builder.png)

## What you get

Run the choice and type a short name, such as `call dentist`. QuickAdd creates a note named like `2026-07-08-14-30-05 call dentist.md` from your inbox template.