README file from
GithubTitle Sync Plugin for Obsidian
Sync the first H1 header of a markdown file with its filename using a manual command.
Note: This plugin is currently under review for inclusion in the Obsidian Community Plugins directory. In the meantime, you can install it manually.
Features
- Single command: "Title Sync: Sync title to filename"
- Extracts the first H1 header after frontmatter (skips code blocks)
- Transforms the title to a valid filename:
- Strips markdown formatting (bold, italic, links)
- Replaces illegal filename characters with dashes
- Truncates to 200 characters for cross-platform compatibility
- Shows notification on success/failure
Installation
From Obsidian Community Plugins
Coming soon — the plugin is under review. Once approved:
- Open Obsidian Settings
- Go to Community Plugins and disable Safe Mode
- Click Browse and search for "Title Sync"
- Install and enable the plugin
Manual Installation (recommended for now)
- Download
main.jsandmanifest.jsonfrom the latest release - Create a folder
title-syncin your vault's.obsidian/plugins/directory - Copy
main.jsandmanifest.jsoninto the folder - Reload Obsidian
- Enable the plugin in Settings > Community Plugins
Usage
- Open a markdown file with an H1 header (e.g.,
# My Title) - Open the command palette (Cmd/Ctrl + P)
- Search for "Title Sync: Sync title to filename"
- Run the command
The file will be renamed to match the H1 header.
Setting Up a Keyboard Shortcut
- Open Obsidian Settings
- Go to Hotkeys
- Search for "Title Sync: Sync title to filename"
- Click the plus icon and set your preferred shortcut
- Suggested:
Cmd+Option+T(Mac) orCtrl+Alt+T(Windows/Linux)
- Suggested:
Recommended setting: disable "Show inline title"
This plugin works best with Settings → Appearance → Show inline title turned off.
When enabled, Obsidian displays the filename as an editable title at the top of each note. If your notes also have an H1 header (which this plugin syncs to the filename), you'll see the title twice — once as the inline title and once as your H1 header. Disabling the inline title avoids this redundancy and keeps your H1 as the single source of truth for the note's title.
Examples
| H1 Header | Resulting Filename |
|---|---|
# My Title |
My Title.md |
# My **Bold** Title |
My Bold Title.md |
# Title: Subtitle |
Title- Subtitle.md |
# Is This Valid? |
Is This Valid.md |
# Link to [[Page]] |
Link to Page.md |
Comparison with obsidian-filename-heading-sync
This plugin is inspired by obsidian-filename-heading-sync but takes a different approach:
| Feature | Title Sync | filename-heading-sync |
|---|---|---|
| Sync trigger | Manual command only | Automatic (file open/save hooks) |
| Direction | H1 → filename | Bidirectional |
| Auto-insert heading | No | Yes |
| Configuration | None needed | Multiple options |
| Philosophy | Simple, opinionated | Feature-rich |
When to choose Title Sync:
- You want full control over when syncing happens
- You prefer explicit actions over automatic behavior
- You don't need bidirectional sync or auto-insertion of headings
When to choose filename-heading-sync:
- You want automatic syncing without manual intervention
- You need bidirectional sync (filename changes update heading)
- You want the plugin to auto-insert H1 headers in new files
Development
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Build for production
npm run build
# Run tests
npm test
# Run linting
npm run lint
# Run all checks
npm run check
# Development mode (watch)
npm run dev
License
MIT