Now, when we do this, we simply drag the link of the note corresponding to that backlink.
Proposed solution
Solution 1:
Proposed solution would be to copy the content of the “block” on which the mouse is. In this way, we can drag the note if we want, but we can also drag any block of content we want.
Solution 2:
Solution 2 would be to use the block reference when we drag and drop rather than copying the text
Current workaround (optional)
If you want to achieve this from now, either
You write again the content of the backlink context (super inefficient)
You open the backlink, copy, come back to the initial note, paste (super inefficient)
I’ve been asking for help about backlinking in another thread (and was promptly put on the right track by the lovely people of this forum). Following on from that discussion, I’m now wondering about an additional functionality for backlinks that does not currently seem to be available.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could drag and drop (or copy and paste) blocks of text directly from the backlink pane (or “Linked mentions” section) into the main body of a note? It would be immensely useful, for instance, to be able to quickly grab quotes from linked literature notes in this way, instead of having to navigate back and forth between notes.
Could a plug-in accomplish this at some point in the future or is this unlikely because Obsidian is based on pages and not blocks, as was pointed out in the linked thread?
(Changed title from “Backlinks context drag and drop” to the clearer “Drag & drop blocks from backlink pane” used by the post I just moved here (changed “and” to “&” to avoid duplicate title).)
The related drag-to-link request mentioned above has been implemented (on desktop only ), so it seems unlikely that this request will be. But I think a context menu entry would be nice, and that would also allow the related whole-note request.
In the meantime, a possible workaround is to use the drag-to-link feature and add an exclamation point to change the link to an embed. EDIT: Actually, that would embed the whole note; you’d then have to add a block link.
Many thanks, CawlinTeffid, for merging my (identical) request. Let me just reiterate that I would really welcome this feature. In fact, having to do without it makes me contemplate switching to Logseq, which (as someone on this forum pointed out to me and I have since been able to see for myself) does all of this beautifully. Having said that, I really like Obsidian and would much rather stick with it. Here’s hoping they’ll get to it eventually…
Changed title again, from “Drag & drop” to the more generic “Copy”, to allow more freedom of implementation (and because I really don’t think this is going to replace the existing drag & drop behavior).
Another interface idea besides the context menu would be to make the preview text selectable so we could just copy and paste.
Obsidian provides the function of dragging links from backlinks, but I hope to get its content directly and delete the corresponding .md file.
Use case or problem
Many times, I want to integrate a lot of cards I record from the backlinks. My current workflow is to open the card, copy the content, and then delete the card.
Obsidian provides the function of dragging links from backlinks, but I hope to get the content directly and delete the corresponding card. I hope Obsidian can realize this function.
Proposed solution
I hope Obsidian can provide shortcut keys to change the [[]] link into content and delete the original .md file.
(Changed title from “Integration md file from backlinks by dragging or shortcut!” to “Drag & drop notes from backlink pane” for clarity.)
Drag-to-link has been implemented (on desktop only ), so it seems unlikely that this request will be. But I think a context menu entry would be nice, and that would also allow the related preview-block request.
In the meantime, a possible workaround is to use the drag-to-link feature and add an exclamation point to change the link to an embed.
EDIT: Changed title again, from “Drag & drop” to the more generic “Copy”, to allow more freedom of implementation (and because I really don’t think this is going to replace the existing drag & drop behavior).
Upon drop down, context menu like the following could appear with relevant options.
Link page <file name>
Link section: <# section heading>
Link block: Lorem ... laborum.
Link block: consectetur ... elit
“Link page” option would be directly under cursor unless it is not possible due to drop position being near bottom edge of screen. (or top edge when the list is implemented/displayed in reverse order.)
Hover over each option would display pop-up preview of corresponding link target to help verify correctness of choice, just like when hovering over normal links in markdown file.
To preserve current fast way of linking the page without need of additional click, I would suggest to display the menu only e.g. when dragging with some modifier key pressed or when dragging by right button. Developers, please select method that fits best with other UI.
Would absolutely love this feature, either drag-and-drop style or keycommand + click. Also, making the Preview text editable (to copy and paste) would be great, too. Any or all of these suggestions would make workflow between specific content from backlinks panel and current open note so much simpler.
), so it seems unlikely that this request will be. But I think a context menu entry would be nice, and that would also allow the related whole-note request.