README file from
GithubDefault Template Plugin
Automatically apply your chosen template to every new note. No more manual template insertion—just create notes and get consistent structure instantly.
For minimalists: You don't need the complexity of Templater just for default templates. This plugin does one thing and does it well—fast, simple, no bloat.
Features
- Set once, forget forever — Choose any template file, never manually insert again
- Works everywhere — Ctrl+N, clicking non-existent links, any note creation method
- Folder templates — Different templates for different folders with hierarchy fallback
- Ignore paths — Skip template application for specific folders
- Template variables — Processes
{{date}},{{time}},{{title}}like the official Templates plugin - Zero interference — No template selected? Plugin does nothing
Quick Start
- Enable the plugin in Settings → Community Plugins
- Go to plugin settings and click Select template
- Choose any
.mdfile from your vault — done!
Template Variables
| Variable | Output | Description |
|---|---|---|
{{title}} |
My New Note |
Note filename |
{{date}} |
2024-01-15 |
Current date (YYYY-MM-DD) |
{{time}} |
14:30 |
Current time (HH:mm) |
Format strings supported:
| Example | Output |
|---|---|
{{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} |
2024-01-15 |
{{date:dddd, MMMM Do YYYY}} |
Monday, January 15th 2024 |
{{time:HH:mm:ss}} |
14:30:25 |
{{time:h:mm A}} |
2:30 PM |
Uses Moment.js format tokens — same as Obsidian's official Templates plugin.
Example Template
---
created: {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}
---
# {{title}}
## Notes
Folder Templates
Assign different templates to specific folders. Notes in Projects/ can use a project template while notes in Journal/ use a daily template.
Hierarchy fallback: If Projects/Work/ClientA/ has no template, it checks Projects/Work/, then Projects/, then falls back to default.
Ignore Paths
Exclude folders where templates shouldn't be applied. Useful for scratch notes, temporary files, or areas where templates would be intrusive.
Installation
Community Plugins (Recommended)
- Open Settings → Community Plugins
- Click Browse and search for "Default Template"
- Click Install then Enable
Manual Installation
Download the latest release and extract files to VaultFolder/.obsidian/plugins/obsidian-default-template/
BRAT (Beta Testing)
Add https://github.com/raeperd/obsidian-default-template in BRAT settings.
References
- Templates Plugin - Obsidian Help
- Feature request thread (3+ years of user requests)