Cold File Hider
approvedby hehongxi
This plugin has not been manually reviewed by Obsidian staff. Automatically hide inactive (cold) files from the file explorer. Files re-appear when accessed via search, quick switcher, or links.
Cold File Hider
Automatically hide inactive (cold) files from the Obsidian file explorer. Files re-appear when accessed via search, Quick Switcher (Ctrl+O), link click, backlinks, or graph view.
Features
- Auto-hide cold files — Files not modified for N days are hidden from the file explorer.
- All file types — Works with
.md,.pdf,.png,.docx, and any file in your vault. - Auto-hide cold folders — When every file inside a folder becomes cold, the folder itself disappears too.
- Smart thaw — Opening a file (via search, links, graph view) permanently unhides it. Opening a file inside a hidden folder unhides the folder too.
- Toggle show hidden — Temporarily reveal all hidden files at reduced opacity.
- Rename-aware — Renamed files stay hidden. Deleted files are cleaned up.
- Exclusion rules — Exclude specific folders or glob patterns (
*.bak,**/Archive/**). - **English / 中文 — Built-in bilingual interface.
Usage
- Install the plugin
- Go to Settings → Cold File Hider
- Set the cold threshold (days), default: 60
- Click Scan Now to hide cold files
- Hidden files will reappear when you access them
Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
Cold File Hider: Scan vault for cold files | Run a manual scan |
Cold File Hider: Toggle show hidden files | Show/Hide cold files temporarily |
Installation
From Obsidian Community Plugin Marketplace (once approved)
Settings → Community plugins → Browse → Search "Cold File Hider"
Manual (BRAT)
- Install BRAT
- Add Beta plugin:
hehongxi/obsidian-cold-file-hider - Reload plugins
Manual (git clone)
cd /path/to/your/vault/.obsidian/plugins/
git clone https://github.com/hehongxi/obsidian-cold-file-hider.git
Then enable the plugin in Settings → Community plugins.
Configuration
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Cold threshold (days) | Files untouched for N days will be hidden |
| Scan on startup | Automatically scan when Obsidian opens |
| Exclude folders | Folders to skip, one per line |
| Exclude patterns (glob) | Glob patterns to skip (*.bak, **/Archive/**) |
| Language | Switch between 中文/English |
About the Author
hehongxi — working in the chemical engineering industry. PVA optical film casting by day, Obsidian plugins by night.
License
MIT
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