Converting inline properties to frontmatter properties with a keypress in Obsidian

@readwithai - X - blog - Obsidian Cookbook -

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I use properties as a form of typed link in Obsidian which I then use to create automated maps of content. This all works pretty well but the inline typed links can be a little ugly and detract from the flow of a note.

up:: [[Parent]]

You could instead add this as a property to the beginning of the note but this can require too much clicking for those used to being able to do everything with a keyboard.

This is the sort of problem well suited to my plugin Plugin REPL where you can use a dash of JavaScript to make your life easier.

If you execute the following snippet using Plugin REPL (after installing it) - by highlighting the code and running Plugin REPL: Execute the current line or selection

newCommand(function frontmatter_property(){
	const [name, newValue] = lineAtPoint().split(/ *:: */)
	if (!newValue) return
	const old =  view.metadataEditor.properties[name]
	if (view.metadataEditor.properties.filter((x) => x.key === name).length === 0) {
		view.metadataEditor .insertProperties({[name]: newValue})
	} else if (Array.isArray(value)) {
		view.metadataEditor.insertProperties({[name]: [...old, newValue]})
	}  else {
		view.metadataEditor.insertProperties({[name]: [old, newValue]})
	}
	killLine()
})

You can then use the command Plugin REPL: frontmatter property to move an inline property to the frontmatter at the beginning of the file.

If you find this useful - you can run it every time Obsidian starts by adding it to your repl.md file.

I did this using my plugin Plugin REPL, but there are other ways to run JavaScript which you could use to adapt this script.

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This is part of a cookbook of useful things you can do in Obsidian and with Plugin REPL (of which I am the author).

If you find this interesting and useful you might like to:

1. Read this page about how to make half-automated maps of content in Obsidian.

2. Read this somewhat academic review of note taking in Obsidian.

3. Look at some of the other Obsidian tricks.

You can also follow me on X or my blog.

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