Don't show backlinks at note bottom if there are none

Feature requests
1

Use case or problem

Empty backlinks blocks sit at the bottom of every note by default, collecting digital cobwebs and staring back at you with their vacant nothingness.

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image1732×1392 99.8 KB

Proposed solution

Only show the backlinks block when there are actual backlinks to display. Hide it completely when empty. (Yes, I know I can hide the block entirely—but I want them there when they’re actually useful.)

Rationale

  • Most notes don’t have backlinks, leading to unnecessary visual clutter.
  • Empty blocks detract from the clean slate feeling of new notes.
  • Preserves the utility of backlinks when they exist.
  • Absence of the block itself effectively communicates “no backlinks”.

It’s like having an empty picture frame on every wall–let’s only hang them when we have something to showcase.

2 Likes
2

I think you can achieve this with css snippet:

.embedded-backlinks:has(.backlink-pane > :nth-child(2) > .search-empty-state) {
display:none;
}

The only problem is, if the note has not backlinks, you will not see unlinked mentions either.

2 Likes