Search: Select and drag all or selected search results onto a canvas as cards

[ryadaj]

Use case or problem

Based on discussions on Discord and recent updates to Search (e.g., properties search), I recognize an on-going effort to improve Obsidian's core search feature, and there are plugins here and there which attempt to expand it to be more readable, operate as a modal, etc. But certain functions that increase the utility of other core features, such as Canvas, are desirable.

Specifically, I want to be able to select multiple or all search results, either the files themselves or their context, i.e., the line or block of text in which a query appears, and then drag these into onto the canvas as cards.

The reason I believe this could add value is due to the UI of apps such as Napkin which return all cards which include a selection of tags. Napkin also allows the possibility to search all cards containing #tag and then to drag them into a visual outline for projects. Obsidian has the potential to offer a similar functionality with its Canvas to support visual thinking.

Proposed solution

The ability to select multiple or all files in the search results and drag them onto the Canvas, automatically formatted as a grid of cards.

Current workaround (optional)

The workaround is to manually drag and drop files onto the canvas, one-by-one, from the search results.

Related feature requests (optional)

• Note Composer enhancement: Cut and paste block/line from search
• Copy Search Results: Please add option to copy CONTEXT
• Inline Query Results: Please allow us to Select and Copy these as text or markdown
• Copy Search Results: Remove List prefix limitation (this would be a more efficient solution to the workaround to (2) I mention above by allowing ! to be prefixed to search results, automatically transcluding the links in the note where the results are pasted)
• Enhancement with search
• Select and manipulate multiple flies in search pane like file explorer
• Search: Copy context of search results and paste into note
• Discord message from a user about this and supporting reply from another
• Discord discussion on search improvements

[CawlinTeffid]

Also related:

Select and manipulate multiple flies in search pane like file explorer

Use case or problem I think it’s will be vary useful if I can manipulate multiple files in search pane. It can: Move selected files to folder in search pane. Thus, It’s possible to move files with tag or specific pattern. Assign tags to selected files in search pane Proposed solution Just like file explorer. Alt : Select a file Shift: Select files between two file Ctrl-A: Select all files Or “Select all files” can be default mode instead of Ctrl-A.

[CawlinTeffid]

“Drag onto note as text” and “Drag onto canvas as card” are related but separate features — please split this into 2 requests so they can be tracked and discussed properly. Thanks!

[ryadaj]

I was hoping I’d get away with it but yes, I will do.

edit: done!