Dynamic File and Folder Highlighter

Dynamic File and Folder Highlighter

An Obsidian plugin that provides rich and flexible visual highlighting for files and folders in the file explorer (and tab header if desired).

Features

• Custom colors for files/folders: Right-click any file or folder → "Ff/Fld Color Options" to assign a named color combination. Font and background colors are each optional — leave either unset to keep the Obsidian default.
• Parent hierarchy highlighting: Automatically highlights all ancestor folders of the currently active file. Toggle on/off via settings or command palette.
• Regex-based highlighting: Define regex patterns with associated colors that apply to matching file/folder names. Supports targeting files, folders, or both. File patterns match against the basename (no extension), so \bDev$ matches MyNoteDev.md — write patterns as if the .md isn't there.
• YAML frontmatter rules: Apply colors to files based on a specific key/value in their frontmatter (e.g. status: Refine). Updates live as you edit files. Files only — folders have no frontmatter.
• Conditional highlighting: Highlight the file with the highest or lowest numeric value in folders matching a name pattern. Example: automatically highlight the latest UpdateNN.md file across all Updates folders.

Settings

• Define unlimited named color combinations (font + background; each color is optional)
• Hierarchy color pickers with optional override (leave unset for Obsidian default)
• Regex rules with live validation (invalid patterns shown in red); file patterns match the basename — no need to account for the .md extension
• YAML rules: key + exact value (case-sensitive trim match)
• Conditional rules: folder name regex + file name regex with numeric capture group + max/min condition
• Regex and conditional rules can optionally be applied to the evaluated tab header.

Priority

When multiple rules match the same file/folder, later rules win:

1. Regex rules (lowest)
2. YAML frontmatter rules
3. Conditional rules
4. Hierarchy (ancestor folders of active file)
5. Explicit right-click assignments (highest)

Installation

1. Copy main.js, manifest.json, and styles.css to your vault's .obsidian/plugins/dynamic-file-folder-highlighter/ folder.
2. Enable the plugin in Obsidian Settings → Community Plugins.

Version

1.2.7

License

MIT

Made with Claude!