Skip to main content

​
Overview

Quick Select allows you to instantly select items in any Obsidian modal by pressing a modifier key + number (1-9). This eliminates the need to arrow-key through lists or use your mouse.
The modifier key defaults to Command (macOS) or Ctrl (Windows/Linux), but you can customize it in settings.

​
Basic Workflow

The workflow for using Quick Select is consistent across all modals:
1

Open any modal

Open any Obsidian modal (Quick Switcher, Command Palette, Search, etc.)
2

Hold modifier key

Hold down your modifier key (Command/Ctrl by default)
3

Press a number

Press a number key (1-9) to instantly select that item

​
Visual Feedback

When you hold down the modifier key, Quick Select displays numbered counters next to the first 9 items in the modal. The visual style depends on your transition setting:
Counters slide in from the right with a smooth animation when you press the modifier key.

​
Common Patterns

​
Quick File Navigation

  1. Press Cmd/Ctrl + O to open Quick Switcher
  2. Start typing to filter files
  3. Hold Cmd/Ctrl and press a number to open that file

​
Executing Commands

  1. Press Cmd/Ctrl + P to open Command Palette
  2. Type to search for commands
  3. Hold Cmd/Ctrl and press a number to execute that command

​
Searching Content

  1. Open Search modal (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + F)
  2. Enter your search query
  3. Hold Cmd/Ctrl and press a number to jump to that result

​
Adding Tags

When the tag suggestion popover appears:
  1. Start typing # in your note
  2. Hold Cmd/Ctrl to see numbered tags
  3. Press a number to insert that tag

​
Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

PlatformModifier KeyAction
macOSCommand + 1-9Select item 1-9
Windows/LinuxCtrl + 1-9Select item 1-9
Quick Select works with numbers 1-9, giving you instant access to the top 9 results in any modal.

​
Example Scenarios

​
Scenario 1: Switching Between Recent Files

You’re working on a project and need to quickly jump between files:
  1. Press Cmd/Ctrl + O for Quick Switcher
  2. Your recent files appear at the top
  3. Hold Cmd/Ctrl + 1 to open the most recent file
  4. No typing required!

​
Scenario 2: Using Slash Commands

You’re writing a note and want to insert a template:
  1. Type / to open slash commands
  2. Type “template” to filter
  3. Hold Cmd/Ctrl + 1 to select the first template

​
Scenario 3: Quick Search Navigation

You searched for a term and want to review multiple results:
  1. Search results appear
  2. Use Cmd/Ctrl + 1 for first result
  3. Press Cmd/Ctrl + F to return to search
  4. Use Cmd/Ctrl + 2 for second result
Quick Select works in all Obsidian modals, including third-party plugin modals that use the standard suggestion interface.