"The file is locked"

[stuartro]

Frequently, when saving Markdown files in Typora, I get an error dialog saying "The document ... could not be saved. The file is locked". This occurs semi-randomly, but occurs almost without fail after a few minutes of editing a note.

Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Create a new Markdown note
2. Make a few changes to the text
3. Save
4. Make a few more changes
5. Save again.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you get the "File is locked" message

Expected behavior File should simply be saved, and allow me to carry on working.

Screenshots / Screencasts If applicable, add screenshots / scre encasts to help explain your problem.

Sample Markdown File Please attach or send us [email protected] the sample md file that may reproduce this.

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: macOS Monterey 12.5

Typora Version Version 1.3.7 (6424)

Additional context I originally thought this issue was caused by DEVONthink, but the same issue occurs even when editing Markdown files not created within DEVONthink.

[abnerlee]

Can those files be edited and saved by the built-in TextEdit.app ?

[murdho]

I ran into the same issue when I added a custom icon to my-file-with-custom-icon.md (attachment) file.

Can those files be edited and saved by the built-in TextEdit.app ?

Interestingly, TextEdit.app has the same issue. 🤭

Repro steps:

1. Create new file with Typora
2. Ensure that everything works as expected by editing and saving the file multiple times in a row
3. Quit Typora
4. Download "Diamond free sticker" icon PNG (512px) from:
   • https://www.flaticon.com/free-sticker/diamond_6426900
5. Follow macOS User Guide step for changing the icon of the file:
   • https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-icons-for-files-or-folders-on-mac-mchlp2313/mac
6. Open the file again with Typora
7. Edit the file and save it multiple times in a row until "The file is locked" error appears

If I restored the original icon of the file (by following the macOS User Guide above), then the issue disappeared.

OS macOS Monterey 12.5.1 (21G83)

Typora Version Typora 1.3.7

[stuartro]

@abnerlee I just checked and TextEdit has the same issue. Once a file is locked, TextEdit complains as well (with the same error message). I, too, have custom icons on notes... I use DEVONthink to create Markdown notes, and have a series of note templates each with their own custom icon, representing the note-type, which ends up on the note "instances" themselves.

Interestingly, neither DEVONthink’s built-in (though rather minimal) Markdown editor, nor Visual Studio Code have any issues at all saving "locked" files.

[abnerlee]

It is expected that Typora behaviors same as TextEdit.app, which follows macOS spec (or bug).

In my test, I can write data to that file uses low-level code (like node or VM do, and if I use vi, the custom icon will gone...), but that would break macOS's built-in auto-save and version control features...

[stuartro]

@abnerlee I understand the desire to "be the same as TextEdit.app", but have to mention that I have stopped using Typora (temporarily) entirely—using VSCode instead—as I simply cannot work with the constant "file is locked" issues.

I (personally) would rather see behaviour like VSCode and DEVONthink have (which don’t lock up), even if it means that Typora is "non-standard". Anything you can do to help resolve this issue, while maintaining the "balance" you’re after, will be much appreciated.

[stuartro]

Any comment on the prospects of getting a fix?

[derekzone]

If I duplicate a file, it works, and I can edit and save this new file. however, if i create a new file, i edit it , but can not save this new file.

[abnerlee]

@derekzone Can TextEdit.app save this file?

[lwhite1]

I have the same issue around files being 'locked' and now Typora is telling me it doesn't have access to standard folders like Desktop and Documents. I can use Intellij IDEA and TextEdit.app to edit the 'locked' file without issue. The file is under source code control using git.