Markdown links in most of my files do not function as markdown links. Instead of opening the linked file they open a new empty file. In one small subset of files markdown links take me to the linked files.
At one point the linked files showed the backlink. On the most recent test backlinks were missing.
I haven’t the faintest why links in this subset of files are working.
What I’m trying to do
I want imported plain text files with markdown links to function as markdown links, i.e., to take me to the linked file.
I saw your other thread here, New user on mobile app and I’ve seen you said you are a new user.
So I’m going to make this suggestion: Unless you have a good reason that you understand, just use Wikilinks instead of Markdown links. Your life will be so much easier.
For Markdown links, are you showing any examples of links that don’t work? My guess is that you have spaces in some names. They need to be %20 instead of space. If you use Wiki links you won’t have that problem. Honestly, just use [[Wikilinks]]!
Thanks. When I typed “[[“ a while ago, and saw the list of files that could be linked to, my reaction was, “Wow! Maybe I should just go with wiki links.” And maybe—probably —I will.
My reason for wanting markdown links is for compatibility with other plain text markdown editors. Because Obsidian is billed as markdown-based I expected links in my imported files to work. And why don’t they? I mean, what’s the rationale?
Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I assume wiki links will not work in other plain text markdown editors.
Will files with wiki links still have the “md” extent?
You are conflating the commands to trigger the link vs. the formatting of the links. You want the command Add internal link, whether you are formatting as Wikilink or Markdown link.
And typing [[ triggers Add internal link, regardless of how you have your link formatting settings set.
Oh, wow! Maybe that explains how markdown links in my little subset of files work. But I definitely don’t remember even typing “[[“ before this afternoon.
So given this, I can stick with markdown links? I mean, of course I can, but what do you recommend?
If I move the files in my vault outside of Obsidian, will they be plain text? And will links—markdown or wiki—work? Will they take me to the linked file?
Thanks. Wish I’d had this explanation somewhere back earlier. But better late than never. Lots on Obsidian that’s attractive. Synchronization across my devices for starters. Other things that in time I’ll be adding to my setup. Experience first.
Wikilinks are much easier to write.
Wikilinks are much easier to add to existing text.
Wikilinks are much easier to read.
But they don’t contain information required to locate the linked file - that depends on the program.
An increasing number of programs use wikilinks, including some rich text programs.
But many markdown editors don’t understand wikilinks - including most of the older traditional editors. Though iAWriter has recently added wikilinks to its features on the Mac.
This is a good thread. Transportability has also become important to me, and I’ve switched to plain Markdown links but there seem to be reports of the support for it being sketchy?
—I will.