README file from
GithubObsidian Ctrl+Click Links
An Obsidian plugin that restores the traditional link opening behavior, requiring Ctrl + Click (or Cmd + Click on macOS) to follow links in edit mode. This allows you to freely click and edit link text without accidentally navigating away.
Features
This plugin provides several link opening modes using modifier keys:
- Ctrl/Cmd + Click - Open link in current tab
- Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Click - Open link in new tab
- Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + Shift + Click - Open link in new window
- Click (no modifiers) - Edit the link text (default behavior)
Works with all link types:
- Internal links (
[[note]]) - External links (
[text](url)) - URLs
Installation
Community Plugins (Recommended)
- Open Obsidian Settings → Community Plugins
- Click "Browse" and search for "Ctrl Click Links"
- Click "Install", then "Enable"
Obsidian will keep the plugin up to date automatically. The plugin page is also available at obsidian.md/plugins.
Manual Installation
- Download
main.jsandmanifest.jsonfrom the latest release - Create a folder named
ctrl-click-linksin your vault's.obsidian/plugins/directory - Copy the downloaded files into this folder
- Reload Obsidian and enable the plugin in Settings → Community Plugins
Usage
Once enabled, the plugin automatically changes link behavior in edit mode:
- Click on links normally to position your cursor and edit the link text
- Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on macOS) while clicking to follow the link
- Use additional modifiers (Shift, Alt) for different opening modes
No configuration needed - it just works!
Development
Building the Plugin
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Development mode (watch for changes)
npm run dev
# Production build
npm run build
Creating a Release
- Update version in
package.json - Run
npm run versionto automatically updatemanifest.jsonandversions.json - Commit changes
- Create and push a git tag (without 'v' prefix - required by Obsidian):
git tag 2.0.2 git push --tags - GitHub Actions will automatically create a draft release
- Review and publish the release on GitHub
Attribution
This plugin is a fork of the original work by SmallZombie.
License
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. See LICENSE for details.
Copyright 2024 SmallZombie (original work) Copyright 2025 eikowagenknecht (modifications)