# Obsidian Hotkey Logic ## Core principle The hotkeys are organised by layer rather than by plugin name. - `Cmd` = universal retrieval and jump actions - `Cmd+Shift` = stronger search actions - `Ctrl+Cmd` = workspace and Obsidian-specific actions - `Ctrl+Cmd+Alt` = AI chat actions only - `Alt+Cmd` = writing structure and formatting This means the same key can have a related meaning across layers without feeling random. Examples: - `Cmd+T` = notes - `Ctrl+Cmd+T` = tasks - `Ctrl+Cmd+Alt+X/L` = AI chats ## Active logic ### 1. Retrieval and jump These are the quickest, most universal actions. - `Cmd+T` = `Switcher++` open/search/create note - `Cmd+K` = command palette - `Cmd+Shift+F` = Obsidian global search Reasoning: - `Cmd+T` is the note-navigation key - `Cmd+K` is the "do some command" key - `Cmd+Shift+F` matches the wider system habit of file/content search ### 2. Daily workflow and workspace These are for moving around Obsidian rather than for general search. - `Ctrl+Cmd+Space` = daily note - `Ctrl+Cmd+;` = recent files - `Ctrl+Cmd+'` = bookmarks - `Ctrl+Cmd+L` = Longform projects/view - `Ctrl+Cmd+[` = left sidebar navigator - `Ctrl+Cmd+]` = right sidebar - `Ctrl+Cmd+.` = open tabs overview - `Ctrl+Cmd+/` = split vertical Reasoning: - this layer is for workspace state and navigation - it should feel distinct from the faster `Cmd` layer ### 3. Tasks Tasks are treated as their own workspace action rather than as note creation. - `Ctrl+Cmd+T` = create new TaskNotes task Reasoning: - `Cmd+T` stays note-focused - `Ctrl+Cmd+T` is the task equivalent of creating something actionable inside Obsidian TaskNotes view opening is intentionally unassigned for now. ### 4. AI actions Three-modifier chords are reserved for AI because they already feel like that elsewhere in the system. - `Ctrl+Cmd+Alt+X` = open Codex chat - `Ctrl+Cmd+Alt+L` = Claude-related AI command Reasoning: - the extra modifier layer marks these as special actions - this avoids mixing AI shortcuts into normal note-navigation space ## Writing and structure layer This layer already has a coherent logic and should stay conceptually separate from workspace navigation. - `Alt+Cmd+1` = heading 1 - `Alt+Cmd+2` = heading 2 - `Alt+Cmd+3` = heading 3 - `Alt+Cmd+4` = blockquote - `Alt+Cmd+5` = heading 5 - `Alt+Cmd+6` = heading 6 - `Alt+Cmd+O` = insert callout - `Cmd+Shift+7` = numbered list - `Cmd+Shift+8` = bullet list - `Cmd+Shift+X` = strikethrough ## Folding and structure navigation These are structural controls, not search controls. - `Ctrl+Cmd+1..6` = toggle fold heading levels 1..6 - `Ctrl+Cmd+ArrowUp` = back to heading - `Ctrl+Cmd+ArrowDown` = forward by heading - `Ctrl+Cmd+ArrowLeft` = fold more - `Ctrl+Cmd+ArrowRight` = fold less - `Alt+Ctrl+Cmd+ArrowDown` = unfold all - `Alt+Cmd+=` = increase fold level ## Protected shortcuts These should not be casually changed because they already belong to a stable workspace model. - `Ctrl+Cmd+S` = toggle stacked tabs - `Ctrl+Cmd+Z` = Pane Relief maximize - `Ctrl+Tab` = Pane Relief next pane ## Commands intentionally removed or demoted These were creating clutter or collisions in the premium shortcut space. - `Omnisearch` was removed from `Cmd+T` - `Switcher++ open commands` was removed from `Cmd+K` - TaskNotes view opening is currently left without a shortcut - Publishing does not currently get a premium shortcut ## What this system is trying to preserve - fast note access without ambiguity - clear distinction between notes, tasks, workspace, and AI - no non-AI use of the AI-feeling modifier layer - minimal clashes with broader system shortcuts ## Future rule for adding shortcuts Before assigning any new hotkey, first ask: 1. Is this retrieval, workspace, writing, task, or AI? 2. Does it belong in an existing layer? 3. Is it common enough to deserve premium keyboard real estate? 4. Would it create confusion with an existing mental model? If a shortcut does not pass that test, it should stay in the command palette. ## Open issue There is still a duplicate binding on `Ctrl+Cmd+Alt+L` for Claude-related commands. That should be cleaned up later once the preferred Claude action is settled.