Plugin: Folgezettel for Obsidian

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Obsidian Folgezettel Plugin

This plugin allows you to implement the Folgezettel architecture directly within your Obsidian vault. By reading the zid property from each note’s frontmatter, it generates a structural hierarchy that replicates the specific nomenclature used in Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten II with the highest possible precision.

Key Features

  • Luhmann-Style Hierarchy: Automatically generates a tree view based on the unique numbering logic of the original Zettelkasten.
  • Non-Invasive: It does not change how Obsidian manages your files or folders. The plugin simply parses notes with a defined zid property to build a virtual organizational layer.
  • Seamless Integration: Works with your existing workflow by leveraging standard YAML frontmatter.

Roadmap

  • Visual Diagrams: I am currently working on implementing diagram generation inspired by the digital version of the Luhmann Archive.

Usage

  • Run the “Open Folgezettel” command from the Command Palette if the view does not appear automatically.
  • Notes with a zid property in their frontmatter will be displayed in the sorted tree view. Hovering over any row will reveal three buttons for creating or assigning notes.

Note Types

  • Next Note: Creates the subsequent note at the current level. For example, the next note for 5.2a is 5.2b. If that note already exists, it generates an intermediate note following Luhmann’s nomenclature: between 5.2a and 5.2b, it creates 5.2a1.
  • Branch Note: Creates a note one level deeper in the hierarchy, alternating between numbers and uppercase letters. For example, the branch for 7.4 is 7.4A, while the branch for 4.5b is 4.5bA.
  • Footnote: Creates a note one level deeper but positioned before all branch notes of that level. Luhmann used these to comment on the original note, acting as a true footnote. For example, the footnote for 4.5a is 4.5a.1, which is placed before the branch note 4.5aA.

Feel free to comment what you think!

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