I would really want to have Notebook navigator as my default manager/view.
Love this idea!
As it is now, things are quite confusing as I randomly switch back and forth from one File explorer to another and itâs confusing.
+1 for this idea!
+1, this would be great!
+1 would like to see this very much.
100% support here
By far my favorite plugin, used daily in my view a must-have.
Notebook navigator review
Notebook Navigator is a comprehensive file management and interface replacement plugin for Obsidian, designed to transform the standard folder-based sidebar into a modern, multi-pane browsing experience similar to Apple Notes or Evernote. It effectively bridges the gap between Obsidianâs local-first power and the visual accessibility of mainstream note-taking apps.
Core features
The plugin introduces a dual-pane layout that separates the navigation tree from the file list, providing a more structured approach to vault management.
- Dual-pane interface: A left panel for folders and tags paired with a central list for notes, allowing for rapid scanning without losing your place in the hierarchy.
- Rich previews: Unlike the default explorer, this tool displays note excerpts and âfeature imagesâ (thumbnails) directly in the file list, making visual identification much faster.
- Hierarchical tag browsing: It treats tags as first-class citizens, allowing you to browse them with the same nested structure and ease as folders.
- Customization and styling: Users can assign specific icons and colors to folders, notes, or tags. It also integrates with the Style Settings plugin for deep UI tailoring.
- Advanced navigation: Includes features like manual sorting, pinning important notes to the top of lists, and a built-in calendar for periodic notes (daily, weekly, etc.).
Performance and usability
The plugin is highly optimized, supporting vaults with over 100,000 notes through virtualized rendering and IndexedDB caching. It is notably mobile-friendly, providing a more ânativeâ feel on iOS and Android than the standard Obsidian file explorer.
- Keyboard first: Almost every actionâincluding navigation, file creation, and moving itemsâcan be mapped to hotkeys.
- Search integration: While it has a powerful internal search, it also integrates with Omnisearch for deep-content indexing.
- Sync support: It includes a sync toggle for settings, allowing configurations to persist across devices via Obsidian Sync or other cloud services.
User reception
The community generally views Notebook Navigator as a âgame-changerâ for those migrating from apps like OneNote or Evernote. However, the feedback highlights a distinct split in user preference:
- Pros: Users praise the visual aesthetic, the ease of tag-based navigation, and the reduced friction when dealing with large volumes of notes.
- Cons: There is a learning curve due to the extensive settings menu. Some âminimalistâ users find it too heavy or ânon-Obsidianâ in its visual density, preferring the original simple file tree.
Final verdict
Notebook Navigator is an essential installation for Obsidian users who find the default file explorer limiting or uninspiring. It excels at turning a chaotic vault into a curated library through visual cues and superior organization tools.
Notebook Navigator website
GitHub repository
[!IMPORTANT]
Install Notebook Navigator to replace Obsidianâs basic file explorer with a visually rich, dual-pane interface that prioritizes tag-based navigation and note previews for a more efficient workflow.
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