Cold File Hider
hehongxi16 downloadsAutomatically hide inactive (cold) files from the file explorer. Files re-appear when accessed via search, quick switcher, or links.
- Overview
- Scorecard
- Updates2
Automatically hide inactive (cold) files from the Obsidian file explorer. Files re-appear when accessed via search, Quick Switcher (Ctrl+O), link click, backlinks, or graph view.
Features
- Auto-hide cold files — Files not modified for N days are hidden from the file explorer.
- All file types — Works with
.md,.pdf,.png,.docx, and any file in your vault. - Auto-hide cold folders — When every file inside a folder becomes cold, the folder itself disappears too.
- Smart thaw — Opening a file (via search, links, graph view) permanently unhides it. Opening a file inside a hidden folder unhides the folder too.
- Toggle show hidden — Temporarily reveal all hidden files at reduced opacity.
- Rename-aware — Renamed files stay hidden. Deleted files are cleaned up.
- Exclusion rules — Exclude specific folders or glob patterns (
*.bak,**/Archive/**). - **English / 中文 — Built-in bilingual interface.
Usage
- Install the plugin
- Go to Settings → Cold File Hider
- Set the cold threshold (days), default: 60
- Click Scan Now to hide cold files
- Hidden files will reappear when you access them
Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
Cold File Hider: Scan vault for cold files |
Run a manual scan |
Cold File Hider: Toggle show hidden files |
Show/Hide cold files temporarily |
Installation
From Obsidian Community Plugin Marketplace (once approved)
Settings → Community plugins → Browse → Search "Cold File Hider"
Manual (BRAT)
- Install BRAT
- Add Beta plugin:
hehongxi/obsidian-cold-file-hider - Reload plugins
Manual (git clone)
cd /path/to/your/vault/.obsidian/plugins/
git clone https://github.com/hehongxi/obsidian-cold-file-hider.git
Then enable the plugin in Settings → Community plugins.
Configuration
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Cold threshold (days) | Files untouched for N days will be hidden |
| Scan on startup | Automatically scan when Obsidian opens |
| Exclude folders | Folders to skip, one per line |
| Exclude patterns (glob) | Glob patterns to skip (*.bak, **/Archive/**) |
| Language | Switch between 中文/English |
About the Author
hehongxi — working in the chemical engineering industry. PVA optical film casting by day, Obsidian plugins by night.
License
MIT
94%
HealthExcellent
ReviewSatisfactory
About
Hide inactive files from the file explorer after N days without edits, restoring them when opened via search, Quick Switcher, links, backlinks, or graph view. Collapse folders when all contents go cold, allow temporary reveal at reduced opacity, and respect renames, deletions, and exclusion patterns.Details
Current version
1.4.2
Last updated
5 days ago
Created
2 weeks ago
Updates
2 releases
Downloads
16
Compatible with
Obsidian 0.15.0+
Platforms
Desktop, Mobile
License
MIT