Capital first letter after list, bullet or checklist item (Auto-capitalize first letter in lists) on mobile

Bug reports
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1

Use case or problem

In a mobile app, when you’re on a new line or after a period, the on-screen keyboard will default to a capital for the next letter you type.

When writing a list or checklist or bullet points in the Obsidian mobile app, since there are already characters at the start of the line (the - or - [ ] or whatever) it does not. It’s a really minor thing, but I think list items should start with a capital letter (it could be an option if there is disagreement on this).

Proposed solution

Maybe it’s possible for an app to send a hint to the keyboard to capitalize the next letter typed, or to let the keyboard know that the previous characters on the line are not letters so it should still capitalize the next letter, or something like that. I know Evernote did this, but I realize it’s different since it’s not using Markdown internally so there are not really other characters before the first letter of the item on the line.

I don’t know if this is even feasible or if it’s a feature of the Android on-screen keyboard, so I’m just asking.

Current workaround (optional)

Workaround is to press the shift key for the first letter of each list item. It would be better UX to do it automatically, and would fit the expected behavior of a mobile app better.

Related feature requests (optional)

None

2

On iOS I see this behavior in manually created list items, but when I press Return after that and a list item is automatically created, the first letter I type is capitalized.

3

Unfortunately that’s not the behavior I see on Android (Pixel 9a).

4

Steps to reproduce

In any normal note start a bulleted list with "- ".
When finished with line tap enter to go to new bullet.
Capital letters appear in keyboard for a fraction of a second and then change to lower case.

Did you follow the troubleshooting guide? [Y/N]

Yes. Created a new vault with no community plugins or anything. Big still occurs.

Expected result

Each time I enter a new line, the first letter should auto-capitalize.

Actual result

Letters are capitalized for a fraction of a second then turn lower-case

Environment

SYSTEM INFO:
Operating system: android 14 (samsung SM-F721U)
Obsidian version: 1.8.9 (195)
API version: v1.8.9
Login status: logged in
Language: en
Catalyst license: none
Live preview: on
Base theme: dark
Community theme: none
Snippets enabled: 0
Restricted mode: off
Plugins installed: 7
Plugins enabled: 7
1: Dataview v0.5.67
2: Advanced Tables v0.22.1
3: Calendar v1.5.10
4: Omnisearch v1.26.1
5: Recent Files v1.7.4
6: Periodic Notes v0.0.17
7: Templater v2.9.3

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Community plugins: for bugs, please first try updating all your plugins to latest. If still not fixed, please try to make the issue happen in the Sandbox Vault or disable community plugins.

Additional information

Bug is happening on Gboard and Samsung keyboards

I have an unlisted YouTube short but it won’t let me submit with any links. But I think it’s pretty straightforward

5

I do not see this.

We have this big other problem though Enter in Lists on Android/Gboard doesn't make next bullet point, checkbox, etc (due to autosuggest, autocorrect)

6

My bad for the long delay, I have a video of the behavior I’m seeing in an unlisted YouTube short. As I’m not able to post links, how would you like me to get it to you?

7

Got the same bug here in a brand new, clean vault for source mode and live preview.
Also occurs if you type to create a dotpoint or use the keyboard command.
Gboard shows caps for a split second, Swiftkey always shows lower case.
Same deal with checkboxes.

Screen recording link of this using Swiftkey on a brand new, clean vault: streamable(.)com/g9rabi
Remove brackets from link to use it.

These are my details:

  • Android 11 (TCL 20 Pro)
  • Obsidian 1.89
  • Login status: logged in
  • Language: en
  • Catalyst license: none
  • Base theme: dark
8

I have the same issue. It occurs with and without community plugins and themes enabled.

SYSTEM INFO:
Operating system: android 16 (Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold)
Obsidian version: 1.8.10 (197)
API version: v1.8.10
Login status: not logged in
Language: en
Live preview: off
Base theme: adapt to system
Community theme: Minimal v8.0.1
Snippets enabled: 0
Restricted mode: off
Plugins installed: 9
Plugins enabled: 9
1: Importer v1.6.21
2: Minimal Theme Settings v8.1.1
3: Hider v1.5.1
4: Style Settings v1.0.9
5: Custom Font Loader v1.6.0
6: Editing Toolbar v3.1.16
7: Dataview v0.5.68
8: Kanban v2.0.51
9: Clear Unused Images v1.1.1

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Custom theme and snippets: for cosmetic issues, please first try updating your theme and disabling your snippets. If still not fixed, please try to make the issue happen in the Sandbox Vault or disable community theme and snippets.
Community plugins: for bugs, please first try updating all your plugins to latest. If still not fixed, please try to make the issue happen in the Sandbox Vault or disable community plugins.

9

You can write a link to the view by putting it withing a `codeblock`

10

Thanks, this is the video of the behavior. Still happening even in fresh vault with no plugins.

https://youtu.be/slS5sHnEJGY

11

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open any note in Obsidian iOS / iPadOS.
  2. Start a bulleted list by typing - (hyphen + space)
  3. Type something, e.g., hello.

Did you follow the troubleshooting guide? Yes

Expected result

The first letter of the bullet should be auto-capitalized, so you end up with Hello. This is what will happen if you hit Enter to create a second bullet in the list, or start the list from the toolbar button.

Actual result

Autocapitalization does not happen, so you get hello instead.

Additional information

  • iPhone 17 running iOS 26.5. Also iPad Pro running 26.5.
  • For what it’s worth, this bug is the main thing stopping me from migrating from Bear to Obsidian.