The main problem with the global graph is that it is already far too cluttered.
The main benefit of a folder is that it reduces clutter by grouping notes that have something in common. If a note references another folder you already have a fair idea of whether the link is relevant to your current query without having to open the folder.
Therefore:
By default, opening the graph view on any note, show only the links that lie within the current folder as links to a note. (This makes no difference to people who don’t use folders)
- Pinning any note node by right-clicking it makes the highlighted link shown on hover permanent until it is unpinned.
- Multiple nodes can be pinned at any time. A checklist of all pinned nodes is displayed so that they may be unpinned without searching for them again in the graph.
Adding Folders
- Links to another folder point to a node with the folder name (all links to the same folder point to the same node. Links to sub-folders of a common parent point to the parent). Unlinked folders do not appear
- Hovering or pinning a folder node expands the graph to include its files, highlighting any links to already pinned nodes. Unpinning it (from the checklist) contracts it again to a single node.
- An existing un-linked folder may be added to the pinned list (by searching for its name.)
- Any folder node on the pinned list (but only one at a time) by be selected, and then any nodes on the graph may be moved to that folder. The graph adjusts accordingly.
Thus, for any folder, it is easy to see which external files reference it, and which internal files are visible externally.
Folder Notes (maybe?)
If a note node on the pinned list is selected as above, then it becomes a folder note, creating a linked folder to which other nodes may be added. The note may be edited like any other, but only notes that are referenced in the folder note will be suggested for linking outside the folder.