Automatically remove list item when deleting on an empty item

Feature requests
1

While using the Obsidian app, I encountered an issue with the task list feature. Specifically, when trying to delete an empty task list item between two populated items, instead of removing the empty line, it creates a duplicated task list checkbox.

Steps to reproduce

  1. Create a task list with the following format:

    • Item 1
    • Item 2

  2. Place the cursor at the end of the second line (which is the empty task list item).

  3. Press the “delete” key.

Actual result

The text becomes:

  • Item 1
  • - Item 2

Expected result

The correct format after deleting the empty line should be:

  • Item 1
  • Item 2

Impact on User Experience

This behavior disrupts the flow of creating task lists and requires additional steps to correct. It decreases the app’s usability for those who frequently use the task list feature.

Suggested Improvements

Optimize the deletion mechanism for task list items to recognize and properly handle the deletion of empty task list items.

Additional information

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I believe that rectifying this issue will greatly enhance the usability of the Obsidian app for all users who utilize the task list feature.

1 Like
2

delete removes next character, like most other text editing apps, it doesn’t remove whole list item.

3

I would use cmd + shift + k (with no selected text) on macOS to delete the current line here.

4

Certainly. But in Obsidian, pressing enter at the end of an item creates a new one, while pressing delete does not remove it. This is a feature that sets Obsidian apart from common text editors.

5

Thank you for the tip, @ariehen. While the shortcut addresses the issue, it’s not intuitive. I would appreciate it if Obsidian could recognize the intent to remove an item when delete is pressed on an empty entry.

6

If you don’t mind, I’ve renamed the title and moved it to Feature Requests.

This happens on regular bullet lists too.

+1, it would be nice if empty list items were completely cleared when using backspace or delete.

Consider the asymmetry of quickly hitting enter/backspace on a list. You end up with extra formatting.

Another alternative workaround: When you hit enter on an empty list item, it turns it into a blank space. So instead of just hitting delete, enter + delete or enter + backspace would quickly deal with the extra formatting.

7

Or just press cmd/ctrl + x?