Smart Columns

Responsive multi-column layouts for Obsidian using callout syntax.

[!WARNING] This plugin is provided as-is for personal use. The repository is public for anyone who wants to fork and adapt it. Please do not open issues for support or feature requests.

Features

📐 Callout-based columns — Use [!col2], [!col3], [!col4] to create multi-column layouts

🔄 Responsive behavior — Columns automatically reduce when viewport is too narrow

⬇️ Top-to-bottom flow — Items flow vertically first, then wrap to next column (like newspaper columns)

⚡ Command palette integration — Quick-insert commands for common layouts

Usage

Wrap a list inside a column callout:

> [!col3]
>
> - First item
> - Second item
> - Third item
> - Fourth item
> - Fifth item
> - Sixth item

Items flow top-to-bottom, left-to-right:

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
First	Third	Fifth
Second	Fourth	Sixth

Commands

Command	Description
Insert 2 Columns (col2)	Insert a 2-column callout
Insert 3 Columns (col3)	Insert a 3-column callout
Insert 4 Columns (col4)	Insert a 4-column callout

Installation

Manual

1. Download main.js and manifest.json from the Releases page
2. Create .obsidian/plugins/smart-columns/ in your vault
3. Place the files in that folder
4. Enable the plugin in Settings → Community plugins

BRAT

1. Install Obsidian42 - BRAT
2. Run BRAT: Add a beta plugin for testing
3. Enter this repository URL

Images

License

MIT