Using Scratch Files and Buffers in IntelliJ IDEA: A Practical Guide

When developing in IntelliJ IDEA you may need a quick place to write pseudo‑code, JSON, HTML, CSS, SQL, HTTP requests or temporary notes without opening another editor.

IntelliJ IDEA provides the “Scratch files” (and “Scratch buffers”) feature, which creates temporary files that are not tied to any project but are stored locally and can be accessed from any opened project.

What are Scratch files?

Scratch files are fully‑featured, runnable and debuggable files with syntax highlighting, code completion and other language‑specific features. They are stored outside the project directory, typically under an IDEA folder on the C: drive.

Scratch buffers are simple text files without language assistance, useful for quick notes or task lists. Up to five buffers (buffer1.txt … buffer5.txt) are available; creating more overwrites the oldest unless you rename them.

How to create a Scratch file

Create scratch file

Menu: File → New → Scratch File

Shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Insert

Select code/content and press the shortcut; IDEA will infer the language and create an appropriate temporary file.

The file list shows the available types you can create.

Create scratch buffer

There is no dedicated menu item; use the Find Action (Ctrl+Shift+A) and type “new scratch buffer”.

Buffers are named buffer1.txt … buffer5.txt; the limit is five files, after which the oldest is overwritten unless renamed.

Features

Supports most language files with syntax highlighting and recognition.

Runnable and debuggable via the left‑hand icon.

Local history for rollback and content rewriting.

Cross‑project access, rename, move, delete, copy, etc.

These capabilities help avoid switching between multiple applications and improve development efficiency.