FastForwardLink

FastForwardLink

Obsidian lets you link notes. Great.

But real people don't always use the same terms consistently:

• abbreviations
• acronyms
• nicknames
• alternate spellings
• inside jokes

So you might write:

• javascript
• js
• ecmascript

...while meaning the exact same thing.

By default, Obsidian treats these as separate notes.

Over time, that creates:

• duplicate notes
• fragmented knowledge base
• inconsistent linking
• friction while writing naturally

FastForwardLink solves this by turning alias notes into lightweight redirects.

Write naturally. Land on the right note — fast.

FastForwardLink Plugin Demo

FastForwardLink lets multiple note names point to the same canonical note. Write naturally without fragmenting your vault structure:

• js → javascript
• ps → photoshop

How It Works

Suppose you have a note called javascript.

Elsewhere in your vault, you naturally write:

[[js]]

Normally, Obsidian would create a brand-new js note. But with FastForwardLink:

• Create a note called js
• Add redirect syntax inside it
• Opening js automatically forwards to javascript

Here are some examples of how you might set up FastForwardLink:

• ps > photoshop
• js > javascript
• tay tay > taylor swift
• e=mc2 > Einstein's special theory of relativity
• favorite film > bill and ted's bogus journey

Features

• Multiple Links, One Target: Set multiple links to redirect to a single target note for quick navigation between related topics or abbreviations. Organize synonyms or alternate spellings for easier access.

• Quick-Paste Command: Set target notes on the fly without breaking your writing flow. In the Obsidian command palette, select Paste redirect syntax onto selection to quickly create a forwarding link.

• Organized Vault: Streamline vault navigation by unifying concepts, perfect for efficient, clutter-free notes.

• Easy Management: Forwarding notes are automatically moved to a designated folder for easy review, management, or removal.

• Flexible Forwarding Options:

  • Open the target note in the same tab.
  • Open the target note in a new tab while remaining on the original note.
  • Open the target note in a new tab and switch to it automatically.

• Remove Forwarding Notes in One Click: Easily delete all redirecting notes with a single click using plugin settings.

Installation

Download the plugin directly from Obsidian's community plugins. Just search for FastForwardLink.

You can also install manually by doing the following:

1. Download the following plugin files:

   • data.json
   • main.js
   • manifest.json

2. Copy these files to your vault's plugins folder at {VaultFolder}/.obsidian/plugins/FastForwardLink.

3. In Obsidian, go to Settings > Community Plugins and enable FastForwardLink.

The plugin is now ready for use.

Create a Fast-Forward Link

To create a fast-forwarding link:

1. Create or open the note you want to fast-forward to a target note. For example, a note titled ps.
2. In the note, type the target note's title wrapped in the forwarding syntax: ::>[[target-note]]. For example, to forward from ps to photoshop, include ::>[[photoshop]] in the ps note.

Clicking the ps link in any note now opens the photoshop note.

Quick-Paste Syntax

Yup, typing sucks. Fortunately, there's a command to help you quickly paste the redirect syntax into your code:

1. Press Ctrl + P to open the Obsidian command palette.
2. Search for and select the command Paste Redirect Syntax onto Selection.

The command wraps the selected text in the fast-forward syntax.

[!TIP] > Add a hotkey to trigger this command! We recommend Ctrl + Alt + R (PC) or Cmd + Opt + R (macOS).

Version Updates

Version 1.1

Some improvements include:

• You can now temporarily bypass forwarding with a designated command. In Obsidian's command palette, search for "FastForwardLink".
• Source code refactored and better organized for future contributors.
• Better robust event and error handling and messaging.

Bugs and Contact

Found a bug? Well, we can't have those!

Please open an issue in the plugin's GitHub repository or contact the developer directly.

Known Bugs

• When "Open the target note in a new tab" is enabled and the fast-forwarding note has not yet been moved to the _forwards_ folder, some additional tabs are opened. This is likely due to internal timing issues in the Obsidian-OS interaction.

  When the fast-forwarding note is in the _forwards folder, plugin behavior is as expected.

Supporting this plugin

If you enjoy using FastForwardLink, consider supporting its development by buying me a coffee or a cheesy slice!