obsidian-ghost-sorting

This plugin hides prefixes used for sorting in file and folder names in Obsidian while preserving the real filename to utilize native ordering behavior.

Why this plugin

I wanted a way to sort files and folders that does not rely on metadata files and works in vanilla Obsidian as well as other text editors.

Features

• Automatic Detection: Detects and hides sortable prefixes at the beginning of file/folder names
• Flexible Patterns: Supports underscore-number and omega-number prefixes:
  • _1 Control Seminars → Control Seminars
  • _01 Notes → Notes
  • _1. Introduction → Introduction
  • _1- Chapter → Chapter
• Bottom Grouping with Omega: Use Ω_ + number to move notes to the bottom section while still sorting alphanumerically inside that section:
  • Ω_1 Archive → Archive
  • Ω_20 Someday → Someday
• Hides in Multiple Places: Numbers are hidden in:
  • File explorer sidebar
  • Page headings when files are opened
  • View headers

How It Works

The plugin scans file and title UI elements and, when a supported sortable prefix is found, hides that prefix from display while keeping it in the real filename.

1. Detects a sortable prefix like _1 or Ω_1
2. Cleans the file name in the UI

Supported Prefix Patterns

• _1 (underscore + number + space)
• _01 (underscore + zero-padded number + space)
• _1. (underscore + number + dot + space)
• _1- (underscore + number + dash + space)
• Ω_1 (omega + underscore + number + space)
• Ω_01 (omega + underscore + zero-padded number + space)

Using Omega for Bottom Sorting

Use the uppercase omega character Ω as a high-sort prefix marker. Prefix notes with Ω_ + number to keep them grouped at the bottom. You can obtain this symbol by copy and pasting it from the settings tab of this plugin.

Installation

Manual Installation

1. Download the plugin files (main.js, manifest.json, and styles.css)
2. Create a new folder in your vault: .obsidian/plugins/obsidian-ghost-sorting/
3. Copy all three files into this folder
4. Restart Obsidian or reload the app
5. Go to Settings → Community plugins
6. Enable "obsidian-ghost-sorting"

Directory Structure

YourVault/
└── .obsidian/
    └── plugins/
        └── obsidian-ghost-sorting/
            ├── main.js
            ├── manifest.json
            └── styles.css

Uninstalling

1. Disable the plugin in Settings → Community plugins
2. Delete the .obsidian/plugins/obsidian-ghost-sorting/ folder
3. Restart Obsidian

The plugin will restore all original file name displays when disabled.

License

MIT License - Feel free to modify and distribute as needed.

Support

If you encounter any issues or have suggestions, please feel free to reach out!