Obsidian database folder plugin

Using Databases in Obsidian

In this section, the speaker explains how to use databases inside of Obsidian to manage content and research notes.

Creating a Database Page

• To create a database page, click on the "Create New Database" button in the left ribbon bar.

• Name the database page and choose a folder or tag to link it to.

• Every file added to the Vault will be seen in this database page.

Adding Columns and Properties

• Click on the "Add" button to add a file to the database.

• Drag and drop column headings to rearrange them.

• Add properties such as text, number, select, checkbox, date, datetime or formula by clicking on "Add new property".

• Rename columns by changing their ID in settings.

Editing Column Properties

• Edit column properties by clicking on its title and selecting "Settings".

• Change column IDs and add labels with colors for select options.

Conclusion

Databases can help manage content and research notes within Obsidian. By creating a database page, adding columns and properties, and editing column properties as needed, users can easily organize their information.

Using Tags and Properties in Obsidian

This section covers how to use tags and properties in Obsidian.

Multi-Select Tags

• Selecting a tag is essentially a multi-select.

• To remove a tag, click inside the tag and press escape on the keyboard before clicking the X.

• Changing the column ID to "tags" allows Obsidian to read tags as actual tags within the program.

Checkbox, Date, and DateTime Properties

• Checkbox property works as expected with true/false values.

• Date property has a date picker when clicked on.

• DateTime property has both a date picker and time picker with half-hour slots.

Custom Properties

• Custom properties can be created by adding YAML information called metadata or information.

• The text property can be customized with options such as content alignment, wrapping, links, and media.

• Inline fields can be added by selecting "inline field" option.

Database Settings

• The database settings allow for customization of cell size, sticky columns, metadata information columns (created/modified), and link columns (in/out).

• The search bar allows for easy searching through pages within the database view.

• The DB folder settings allow for activation of default metadata information columns (created/modified/task/links).

Overview of Backlinks and Outgoing Links

This section covers the concept of backlinks and outgoing links in a database.

Backlinks and Outgoing Links

• Backlinks are links that point to a page from another page within the same database.

• Outgoing links are links that point from a page to another page within the same database or an external website.

Refreshing Pages in Database Folder

This section explains how to refresh pages in a database folder.

Refreshing Pages

• To refresh a page, open another page and then reopen the original page.

• The task property works like a data view query, so ticking off tasks inside the query takes them off on the page as well.

Adding Fields and Formulas

This section covers adding fields and formulas to a database.

Adding Fields and Formulas

• When adding new fields, you can choose to add them in line instead of inside the YAML.

• You can change the amount of rows shown in a database from 2 up to 200.

• You can add template folders for when you add new rows or files.

• Templates can be applied rapidly across multiple pages by selecting them when creating new pages.

• The DB folder plugin allows automatic grouping of files by column information such as status.

Grouping Files with DB Folder Plugin

This section explains how to group files using the DB folder plugin.

Grouping Files

• The DB folder plugin can group files by column information such as status.

• Files without a status property will be moved to the root folder.

• Moving a file with a status property will move it to the corresponding folder.

Removing Fields and Properties

This section covers removing fields and properties from a database.

Removing Fields and Properties

• Deleting a field does not delete it in the main page unless "remove fields" is enabled.

Setting up Pages and Filters

In this section, the speaker explains how to set up pages and filters in Notion.

Setting Up Pages

• It is advisable to set up pages from scratch to ensure that all information is accurate.

• Using the "Oil Fields" feature can override other data, so it's best not to use it if you don't want to lose any information.

Sorting and Filtering

• You can sort pages in ascending or descending order based on different properties.

• Filters allow you to search for specific information within a page.

• The speaker demonstrates how to filter by checkbox status and shows how you can use operators like "equals true" or "doesn't equal true" to refine your search results.

Creating Groups and Formulas

In this section, the speaker explains how to create groups and formulas in Notion.

Creating Groups

• Groups allow you to organize your data based on specific criteria.

• The speaker demonstrates how to create a group based on completed tasks with the tag "home."

Using Multiple Filters

• You can use multiple filters simultaneously by ticking off different filter groups.

• The speaker demonstrates how he uses two filter groups at once - one for finding tasks with no date assigned, and another for finding tasks related to home or school that have been completed.

Creating Formulas

• Formulas allow you to perform calculations or manipulate data within a page.

• The speaker demonstrates an example of a formula that extracts information from a status property.