Look up Notes within a Google Search

Plugins ideas
1

When I look up things, I do not use my vault for it. Instead, I’m using a search engine. It would be nice, if related notes to a search could be embedded into the search results.

What I imagine (as an example in DuckDuckGo):

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unknown1271×673 82 KB

Do plugins exist, which can achieve something similar?

5 Likes
2

I would be incredible !!!

2 Likes
3

Possible non-plugin approaches (on MacOS):

  • Easiest but not quite the same: searching in Spotlight gives full-text search results for local files (not limited to Obsidian vault, with no preview) and suggestions for web searches.
  • I suspect Alfred and other fancy Spotlight replacements might get you closer to what you want, but I haven’t used them.
  • You could make a Shortcut that searches both Obsidian (using Obsidian URI) and the web. If you also use third-party window management tools like Magnet and Warp, it might be able to put Obsidian and the browser side-by-side for you.

If you’re not on Mac, these may help you find similar apps/approaches.

4

There’s a new plugin which does exactly that.

5

This is such an incredibly idea.

Why isn’t there more interest in it?

The plugin linked has been archived since Oct 23 - it’s not maintained

1 Like
6

Hi @stankoz , the developer of Vault Lens here.

I created the open source Vault Lens Extension (formerly Obsidian Browser Search) for exactly the purpose that @veto is talking about. When you are searching for something on the web it fetches matching notes form you Obsidian Vault and embedds them in the search results. By now a lot of different search engines are supported.

The extension brings many more features to the table, such as:

  • Note Recall / URL matching: resurface notes when you browse pages that you have already taken notes about
  • Note Preview and Editing: Open and view your notes in the browser and conveniently change the content
  • Page Notes (inspired and compatible with Obsidian Web): receive customizable notifications messages when you browse pages that have dedicated notes in your vault

…and many more. You can find the full list of features in the documentation.

You can give it try here. The extension is under active development and progressively more features are added.

I’d be happy to hear your feedback!