Save actions in IntelliJ IDEA

Question

The only thing that exists in Eclipse, which I miss in IntelliJ IDEA is \"save actions\" - possibility to do some actions (usually formatting) when a file is saved.

Answer 1

You may use a Macro to simulate save actions:

Edit --> Macros --> Start Macro Recording

==> now execute all actions you need (e.g. reformat, rearrange, optimize imports)

Edit --> Macros --> Stop Macro Recording

Give your new Macro a name. You can also assign a shortcut to your macro. Just enter it's name in the settings search and you will find it under Macro.

Have fun!

Answer 2

See here: Intellij reformat on file save.

The answer I linked to explains in a few easy steps how to record a macro for optimize imports and reformat and then run that macro when you save your files (bind it to Ctrl+S).

Answer 3

I think it might break the philosophy that JetBrains have. Nothing should be done unless the user/developer requests it (and no Wizards). So you are stuck with Ctrl-Alt-L or just indent Ctrl-Alt-I. I personally only use the latter since the code usually formats itself as you type.

Also Idea saves files as soon as you leave window or (I think) wait for a certain time, this might really mess up things.

Answer 4

Had the same problem, but Save Actions were not flexible enough. I went for File Watchers plugin which allows for running custom programs each time a file of a given type changes.

Answer 5

There is something similar - possibility to do some actions, when a file is committed. In a file commit window there is a "Before commit" section which contains checkboxes like "optimize imports", "Reformat code", etc.

Answer 6

You will need to Install Save Actions plugin for Intellij IDEA

1. Click: ctrl+shift+a
2. Type: Plugins
3. Click: enter Plugins
4. Click: Browse repositories
5. Type: Save Actions to search field
6. Click "install plugin" after you found it
7. Restart intellij idea

Save actions now work. You can configure them in File -> Settings -> Other settings