Drag & Drop external Files without copy the file

[I-d-as]

Although I can’t test it, on Mac it should work with Option on according to the Help:

You can drag and drop any files from your native file explorer to have Obsidian import (make a copy of) those files in your vault’s attachment folder and insert them as internal links. Hold Ctrl on Windows/Linux or Option on macOS to create file:/// absolute links to those files instead of importing a copy.

Other replies in another thread say Command works, but it may be a typo.

Link to a file outside the vault on a

I think I’ve find the best solution of your need. Simply drag and drop the file you need from your native file explorer while holding Ctrl on Windows/Linux or Command on macOS to create file:/// absolute links to those files.

I know that this isn’t what you are asking for, since you already mentioned using Option, but at least you can be sure you are doing it correctly. Hope you are able to figure it out.

Good luck!