Obsidian FolderLink Integration to create markdown links to folders

Linux only, reliable but uses a workaround

TLDR: This integration allows you to create markdown links in Obsidian to folders amd opens them in your default file manager.

This integration enables you to link an existing folder to your Obsidian note. You can link any kind of folder (inside or outside of vault) in your current note as a Markdown link. When clicking on the link, the folder is opened in the default file explorer. The link is created by drag and drop or selection of a folder in the default system file picker.

Screencast.From.2024-11-27.21-35-20.mp4

It works by creating a helper .folderlink file that stores the path to the desired folder. The integration leverages Obsidian's ability to open files with the systems default application. Therefore, this playbook registers a new application that lets you drag and drop or select a folder and stores its path in the .folderlink file. This way you can basically achieve anything you want to, not only linking folders, basically linking everything you want and very reliably to your Obsidian Note. (I made some more for VS Code repositories etc.).

Usage

Run the playbook to set up the application:

ansible-playbook main.yml

The playbook performs the following:

1. Copies over the .desktop file and script to register the new application.
2. Adds the MIME type for .folderlink files.
3. Updates the desktop and MIME databases to register the changes.

The setup is non-destructive, as it only adds new files and registers the .folderlink extension.

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Post Setup to Make It Work with Obsidian

Step 1: Install the Templater Plugin

Install the Templater plugin in Obsidian. This plugin allows you to create templates with customizable actions.

Step 2: Create a New Template File

Create a new template file in Obsidian with the following content:

<%*
const userInput = await tp.system.prompt("Enter a Link Name for the Folder Link");
if (userInput) {
    
    // Create the full filename by appending the user input with the extension
    const fullFileName = `${userInput}.folderlink`;
    
    // Get the directory of the current note
    const currentDir = tp.file.folder(true);
    
    // Define the path to the attachments folder in the current note's directory
    const attachmentFolder = `${currentDir}/attachments`;
    
    // Full file path for the new file
    const fullFilePath = `${attachmentFolder}/${fullFileName}`;
    
    // Create the new file with a newline as content
    await this.app.vault.create(fullFilePath, ".");
    
    // Insert a relative link to the new file in the current note
    const relativePath = `attachments/${fullFileName}`;
    tR += `[[${relativePath}]]`;
}
%>

We assume that the helper file should be place in the attachments folder of the current note. The template prompts you to enter a name for the link to the folder, and inserts this as relative link to the folder in the current note.

Step 3: Configure a Shortcut in Obsidian

In Obsidian, go to Settings > Templater > Template Hotkeys and set the new Tempalte as new Hotkey. Assign an 'insert' shortcut to the template file for quick access.

Step 4: Usage in Obsidian

1. Use the assigned shortcut to create a new .folderlink file in the attachments folder of the current note and links it in the note.
2. Clicking the link opens the .folderlink file with the default system application, triggering the application registered by this integration.
3. The application then asks you to link the folder or if already linked, opens the folder in your default file manager.