Hey guys! Obsidian is super cool for organizing your notes, right? But sometimes, all those extra folders can make things look a bit cluttered. One folder that many users, including myself, often want to tidy away is the templates folder. If you're wondering how to keep your templates tucked away neatly, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into how you can hide that templates folder in Obsidian, making your workspace cleaner and more efficient. Trust me; it’s easier than you think!

Why Hide the Templates Folder?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly chat about why you might want to hide your templates folder in the first place. First off, a cleaner workspace is a more productive workspace. When you don’t have to sift through a bunch of folders, it's way easier to find what you actually need. For example, imagine you’re in the middle of a brainstorming session. The last thing you want is to get distracted by a long list of templates when you're trying to create new notes quickly. Hiding your templates folder streamlines your view, letting you focus on your active notes and projects. Secondly, templates are generally accessed less frequently than your daily notes or project files. They're more like tools that you pull out occasionally rather than items you interact with constantly. Keeping them out of sight reduces visual clutter and keeps your Obsidian vault looking tidy.

Think of it like your desk at work. You probably have drawers where you keep less frequently used items like staplers, label makers, and extra notebooks. You don't need these items cluttering your desk's surface all the time. Similarly, hiding your templates folder keeps your Obsidian workspace clean and organized. Lastly, some users prefer a minimalist aesthetic. A clean, uncluttered interface can make Obsidian feel more inviting and less overwhelming, especially if you're dealing with a large vault containing hundreds or thousands of notes. By hiding unnecessary folders, you create a more streamlined and visually appealing environment, which can improve your overall experience with Obsidian. So, whether you’re aiming for better focus, improved organization, or simply a cleaner look, hiding your templates folder can be a game-changer. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make it happen!

Method 1: Using a Dot Prefix

Okay, so the first and probably simplest way to hide that templates folder is by renaming it with a dot prefix. What’s a dot prefix, you ask? It’s just adding a period (.) at the beginning of the folder’s name. Many operating systems and applications, including Obsidian, treat folders or files starting with a dot as hidden. This means they won’t show up in the file explorer or Obsidian’s file pane unless you specifically tell it to show hidden files and folders. Here’s how you do it:

1. Locate your templates folder: Open your Obsidian vault and find the folder you’re using to store your templates. It might be named “Templates,” “_Templates,” or something similar.
2. Rename the folder: Right-click on the folder and select “Rename.” Add a dot (.) at the beginning of the name. For example, if your folder is named “Templates,” rename it to “.Templates.”
3. Restart Obsidian: Sometimes, Obsidian needs a little nudge to recognize the change. Close and reopen Obsidian to ensure the folder is properly hidden.

And that’s it! Your templates folder should now be hidden in Obsidian. If you ever need to access it, you can either temporarily show hidden files in your operating system’s file explorer or use Obsidian’s settings to reveal hidden files. This method is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any plugins or advanced configuration. Plus, it’s easily reversible if you decide you want the folder to be visible again. Just remove the dot prefix, and you're good to go. Keep in mind that this method hides the folder from the file explorer within Obsidian, but it doesn't actually move or delete the folder. Your templates are still there; they're just out of sight, making your workspace cleaner and more focused.

Method 2: Using the 'Exclude files and folders' Core Plugin

Another fantastic way to keep your Obsidian vault tidy is by using the 'Exclude files and folders' core plugin. This method is particularly useful because it allows you to specify which files and folders you want to hide directly within Obsidian's settings. This means you don't have to mess around with renaming folders or changing system-level settings. Let's walk through how to set it up.

1. Enable the Plugin: First, you need to make sure the 'Exclude files and folders' plugin is enabled. Go to Obsidian's settings by clicking on the gear icon at the bottom-left corner. Then, navigate to 'Core plugins.' Scroll down until you find 'Exclude files and folders' and toggle the switch to enable it. Enabling this plugin gives you the ability to specify which folders you want to hide from the file explorer within Obsidian.

2. Configure the Plugin: Once the plugin is enabled, you'll find its settings under 'Files & Folders' in the main settings menu. Click on 'Files & Folders' to access the configuration options. Here, you'll see a section where you can add the names of the folders you want to exclude. Simply type the name of your templates folder (e.g., 'Templates') into the text field and press Enter. You can add multiple folders if you have more than one you want to hide. The plugin will automatically apply these settings, and the specified folders will disappear from the file explorer.

3. Restart Obsidian (if necessary): In some cases, Obsidian might need a restart to fully apply the changes. If you don't see the folders disappear immediately, close and reopen Obsidian. This ensures that the plugin's settings are correctly loaded and applied.

The great thing about this method is that it's incredibly flexible. You can easily add or remove folders from the exclusion list as needed, giving you full control over what's visible in your Obsidian vault. Plus, it keeps your templates folder accessible without cluttering your main workspace. For example, if you're working on a project that requires frequent access to your templates, you can temporarily remove the folder from the exclusion list. Once you're done, you can quickly add it back to keep your vault tidy. This method is perfect for those who want a balance between organization and accessibility, making it a popular choice among Obsidian users.

Method 3: Using a Community Plugin

If you're looking for even more control over how your files and folders are displayed in Obsidian, you might want to explore community plugins. Community plugins can add a wide range of features and customizations to Obsidian, including advanced options for hiding and managing files. Here’s how to use a community plugin to hide your templates folder.

1. Install a Plugin: First, you need to install a community plugin that offers file management features. One popular option is the “File Explorer Note Count” plugin, which, although primarily designed to show the number of notes in each folder, also provides options for hiding folders. To install a plugin, go to Obsidian’s settings, click on “Community plugins,” and then click “Browse.” Search for the plugin you want (e.g., “File Explorer Note Count”), and click “Install.”
2. Enable the Plugin: After installing the plugin, you need to enable it. In the same “Community plugins” settings, find the plugin you just installed and toggle the switch to enable it. Obsidian will prompt you to understand the risks involved in using community plugins, as they are created by third-party developers. Make sure you trust the plugin before enabling it.
3. Configure the Plugin: Once the plugin is enabled, you need to configure it to hide your templates folder. The configuration steps will vary depending on the plugin you choose. For the “File Explorer Note Count” plugin, you can find its settings under “Appearance” in the main settings menu. Look for options related to folder display and hiding. You should be able to add your templates folder to a list of hidden folders.
4. Restart Obsidian (if necessary): As with the core plugin, you might need to restart Obsidian for the changes to take effect. Close and reopen Obsidian to ensure the plugin settings are correctly loaded and applied.

Using a community plugin can provide additional features and customization options compared to the built-in methods. For example, some plugins might allow you to hide folders based on specific criteria, such as folder type or content. This can be particularly useful if you have a complex vault with many different types of files and folders. However, keep in mind that community plugins are developed by third-party developers, so it’s important to choose plugins that are well-maintained and have a good reputation. Always read the plugin documentation and reviews before installing a new plugin to ensure it meets your needs and is safe to use.

Alternative Tips for Managing Templates

Besides hiding the templates folder entirely, there are other ways to manage your templates in Obsidian to keep things organized and efficient. These alternative tips can help you streamline your workflow and make the most of your templates without cluttering your workspace.

1. Use Subfolders for Categorization: Instead of having all your templates in a single folder, consider creating subfolders to categorize them. For example, you might have subfolders for “Daily Notes,” “Project Plans,” “Meeting Notes,” and so on. This makes it easier to find the template you need when you need it. To create subfolders, simply create new folders inside your main templates folder and move the relevant templates into them. This organizational structure can significantly reduce clutter and improve your ability to quickly locate the right template.

2. Employ a Consistent Naming Convention: A consistent naming convention can make it much easier to identify and use your templates. Use descriptive names that clearly indicate the purpose of each template. For example, instead of naming a template “Template 1,” name it “Daily Note Template” or “Project Plan Template.” You can also use prefixes or suffixes to further categorize your templates. For example, you might prefix all meeting note templates with “Meeting-” (e.g., “Meeting-Client Meeting Template”). A well-thought-out naming convention can save you time and effort when searching for templates.

3. Utilize the Templates Plugin Effectively: Obsidian’s built-in “Templates” core plugin offers several features that can help you manage your templates more effectively. Make sure you have the plugin enabled in your settings. You can then configure the plugin to specify the location of your templates folder. The plugin allows you to insert templates into your notes using a simple command. You can also assign hotkeys to frequently used templates for even faster access. By mastering the features of the Templates plugin, you can streamline your template workflow and reduce the need to manually navigate to your templates folder.

4. Archive Old or Unused Templates: Over time, you might accumulate templates that you no longer use. Instead of letting these templates clutter your vault, consider archiving them. Create an “Archive” folder within your templates folder and move the old or unused templates into it. This keeps your active templates folder clean and organized. You can always retrieve archived templates if you need them in the future, but they won’t clutter your daily workflow.

5. Regularly Review and Update Templates: Templates are not static; they should evolve with your changing needs. Regularly review your templates to ensure they are still relevant and effective. Update them as needed to reflect changes in your workflow or preferences. This ensures that your templates remain valuable tools that help you stay organized and productive. For example, if you start using a new project management methodology, update your project plan template to reflect the new process.

By implementing these alternative tips, you can manage your templates effectively without relying solely on hiding the templates folder. These strategies can help you maintain a clean and organized Obsidian vault while still making it easy to access and use your templates whenever you need them.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Hiding your templates folder in Obsidian is a simple yet effective way to declutter your workspace and boost your productivity. Whether you choose to use a dot prefix, the 'Exclude files and folders' core plugin, or a community plugin, the goal is the same: to create a cleaner, more focused environment for your notes. And remember, a well-organized vault is a happy vault! Happy note-taking!