emacsclient -nc only creates a new client frame to the default emacs server -a "" automatically starts the server if it is not already running -s {socket} tries to connect to {socket} server Combining these options either connects/starts/restarts to a "default" socket (with win+enter and default for editing files), or connects/starts/restarts to a named socket. This makes running emacs through a systemd service not necessary anymore, and restarting a crashed emacs automatic. An emacs server instance can be shut down with save-buffers-kill-emacs. The accompanying rofi script displays the existing server sockets and enables running a new instance by entering a new name.master