Task Limiter
jmondo40 downloadsLimit task items per section using [limit=N] tags. Visually marks over-limit lines.
- Overview
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An Obsidian plugin that enforces a limit on task items per section using [limit=N] tags. Lines that exceed the limit are visually marked with a subtle background.
Useful for systems like Personal Kanban (Benson & Barry, 2011) where you want a WIP (work-in-progress) limit per column—e.g. "In progress [limit=3]" keeps you focused on finishing before starting more.
Purpose
Use [limit=N] in your note headers to cap how many task items (e.g. - [ ] or * [ ]) are allowed in that section. This helps keep lists focused and prevents sections from growing too large. Over-limit lines are highlighted so you can see when you've exceeded the cap.
Installation
From Obsidian Community Plugins
- Open Obsidian and go to Settings
- Go to Community plugins and disable Safe mode if needed
- Click Browse and search for "Task Limiter"
- Click Install, then Enable
Manual Installation
- Download the latest release
- Extract the ZIP to your vault's plugins folder:
<vault>/.obsidian/plugins/task-limiter/ - Reload Obsidian
- Enable "Task Limiter" in Settings > Community plugins
Usage
Tag format
Add [limit=N] where N is the maximum number of tasks allowed in that section.
In a header:
## In progress [limit=3]
- [ ] first task
- [ ] second task
- [ ] third task
- [ ] fourth task ← marked as over limit
On its own line (right after a header):
## My section
[limit=5]
- [ ] task 1
...
What counts as a task
- Unchecked:
- [ ]or* [ ](with optional indentation) - Optionally checked:
- [x]or* [x]— enable "Count completed tasks" in settings to include these
Section boundaries
A section runs from the header that has (or precedes) [limit=N] until the next header of the same or higher level. For example, a ## section ends at the next # or ##.
Configuration
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Count completed tasks | When enabled, both unchecked [ ] and checked [x] tasks count toward the limit. When disabled (default), only unchecked tasks count. |
| Use theme color | Use your theme's error color for the over-limit highlight. Turn off to pick a custom color. |
| Highlight color | Custom color for over-limit lines (when "Use theme color" is off). |
| Highlight opacity | How visible the highlight is (5–100%). Lower = more subtle, higher = more noticeable. |
Development
npm install
npm run dev # watch mode
npm run build # production build
Copy main.js, manifest.json, and styles.css to your vault's .obsidian/plugins/task-limiter/ folder.
Reference
Benson, J., & Barry, T. D. (2011). Personal Kanban: Mapping Work, Navigating Life. Modus Cooperandi Press.