Handling 4 Kinds of Return in Org Mode

You might want more than a few ways to “return” when inside of Org; I did.

• org-return-indent: Make it really easy to work in existing list items, headings, and tables
  • This is listed first because I often go back to modify entries
  • <return> because it is used the most
• org-meta-return: Make it really easy to add new list items, headings, and table contents
  • M-<return> because the binding comes with Org
• electric-indent-just-newline: For when I want to break out of the default Org indentation to start working at the beginning of the line for example when I’m done working in a list or have just created a new heading
  • C-M-<return> because it is next step “lower” in the binding

• This: When I want to insert a new line between the current and next line then position the cursor correctly indented at the start of it.

  (defun help/smart-open-line ()
    "Insert a new line, indent it, and move the cursor there.
  
  This behavior is different then the typical function bound to return which may be `open-line' or `newline-and-indent'. When you call with the cursor between ^ and $, the contents of the line to the right of it will be moved to the newly inserted line. This function will not do that. The current line is left alone, a new line is inserted, indented, and the cursor is moved there.
  
  Attribution: URL `http://emacsredux.com/blog/2013/03/26/smarter-open-line/'"
    (interactive)
    (move-end-of-line nil)
    (newline-and-indent))
  

  • s-<return because it is that is the last place in the modifier key chain