Dataview

How to Use Dataview

Write queries inside a fenced code block that starts with `dataview`. A basic query like `TABLE file.mtime AS "Modified" FROM #project SORT file.mtime DESC` lists every note tagged #project, newest first.

For anything the query language cannot express, switch to a `dataviewjs` block and use the full JavaScript API to render completely custom views. Start simple with LIST and TABLE queries before moving to JavaScript.

Who Dataview Is For

Dataview is most useful when notes follow a repeatable metadata pattern: projects have statuses, books have ratings, or meetings have dates and owners. A saved query recalculates from the vault index instead of requiring a manually maintained index note. If you only need full-text search or keep a small collection without properties, Obsidian search is simpler and adds no query language to learn.

Example: A Project Dashboard

Add consistent status and due properties to each project note, then place this DQL block in a dashboard. FROM limits work to the Projects folder, WHERE excludes completed items, and SORT puts the next deadline first. Dataview can only query indexed content, so ordinary prose is not a substitute for properties or inline fields.

TABLE status AS "Status", due AS "Due"
FROM "Projects"
WHERE status != "done"
SORT due ASC

Limits and Common Mistakes

• Dataview is primarily a display and calculation tool. It does not rewrite note metadata; checking a task in a Dataview task result is the notable exception.
• Inconsistent field names or data types produce incomplete results. Standardize both before building a large dashboard.
• DataviewJS executes JavaScript in the vault. Use it only when DQL cannot express the view, and review copied scripts before running them.
• Narrow large queries by folder or tag before adding complex filters and calculations.

Repository Screenshots & Visual Preview

Rich preview screenshots and visual assets extracted directly from the official GitHub repository for Dataview:

An official Dataview example: structured book metadata rendered as a table rather than maintained by hand.

Sources and Documentation

This guide was checked against the creator's repository and primary documentation.

• Dataview documentation
• Adding metadata
• Dataview source repository