Quick Start

Get started with Quick Select and learn the basics

Basic Usage

Quick Select adds keyboard shortcuts to all Obsidian modals, allowing you to select items 1-9 instantly.

The default modifier key is:

• macOS: Cmd (Command key)
• Windows/Linux: Ctrl (Control key)

Your First Quick Select

Let’s try Quick Select with the Quick Switcher:

1. Open the Quick Switcher

   Press Cmd/Ctrl + O to open the Quick Switcher modal

2. Hold the Modifier Key

   Hold down Cmd (macOS) or Ctrl (Windows/Linux)

3. See the Numbers

   Numbered indicators (1-9) will appear next to the first nine items

4. Select an Item

   While still holding the modifier key, press a number (1-9) to instantly open that file

Keyboard Shortcuts

Quick Select uses a simple modifier + number pattern:

Shortcut	Action
Mod + 1	Select the 1st item
Mod + 2	Select the 2nd item
Mod + 3	Select the 3rd item
Mod + 4	Select the 4th item
Mod + 5	Select the 5th item
Mod + 6	Select the 6th item
Mod + 7	Select the 7th item
Mod + 8	Select the 8th item
Mod + 9	Select the 9th item

Mod represents Cmd on macOS and Ctrl on Windows/Linux.

Common Use Cases

Quick Switcher

Navigate to files quickly:

1. Open Quick Switcher

   Press Cmd/Ctrl + O

2. Type to filter (optional)

   Start typing to filter files

3. Quick select

   Hold Mod and press a number to open that file

Command Palette

Execute commands without scrolling:

1. Open Command Palette

   Press Cmd/Ctrl + P

2. Search for command (optional)

   Type to filter commands

3. Execute instantly

   Hold Mod and press a number to execute that command

Tag Selection

Add tags faster when writing:

1. Start typing a tag

   Type # followed by the beginning of a tag name to open the tag suggester

2. Quick select tag

   Hold Mod and press a number to select that tag

Search Results

Navigate search results efficiently:

1. Perform a search

   Use the search feature to find notes

2. Quick select result

   Hold Mod and press a number to jump to that result

Slash Commands

When editing notes:

1. Type slash command

   Type / in the editor to open the slash command menu

2. Quick insert

   Hold Mod and press a number to insert that block/command

Settings Configuration

Customize Quick Select to match your workflow:

1. Open Settings

   Go to Settings → Community plugins → Quick Select (click the gear icon)

2. Choose Modifier Key

   Select your preferred modifier key:

   • Meta (default): Cmd on macOS, Win on Windows
   • Control: Ctrl key on all platforms
   • Alt: Alt/Option key on all platforms
3. Set Transition Style

   Choose how the numbered indicators appear:

   • Slide (default): Smooth slide-in animation
   • Fade: Fade-in animation
   • None: Instant appearance
   • Permanent: Always visible when modal is open

Changing the modifier key will affect all Quick Select shortcuts. Choose a modifier that doesn’t conflict with your other workflows.

Tips and Tricks

Filter First, Select Fast

Type a few characters to narrow down the list, then use Quick Select on the filtered results

Muscle Memory

After using Quick Select regularly, you’ll develop muscle memory for frequently accessed files and commands

Workspace Switching

Use Quick Select with the workspace switcher to instantly change your layout

Combine with Other Plugins

Quick Select works with modals from other plugins that use Obsidian’s standard modal components

Troubleshooting

Numbers Don’t Appear

1. Check Plugin Status

   Ensure Quick Select is enabled in Settings → Community plugins

2. Verify Modifier Key

   Make sure you’re holding the correct modifier key (check plugin settings)

3. Restart Obsidian

   Try closing and reopening Obsidian

Keyboard Shortcut Conflicts

If Quick Select shortcuts conflict with other plugins:

1. Go to Quick Select settings
2. Change the modifier key to Alt or Control
3. Test the new modifier to ensure it works

Numbers Appear but Don’t Work

• The modal might not have focus - click inside the modal first
• Some custom modals from third-party plugins may not be compatible
• Check the console (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I) for errors

Next Steps

Configuration Guide

Deep dive into customization options and advanced settings

Tips and Tricks

Learn advanced techniques and workflows