Dataview
Query your Markdown notes like a database and build automated dashboards, lists, and MOCs.
Overview
Dataview is the plugin that turns Obsidian from a note-taking app into a personal database. It reads the metadata and structure already in your notes — tags, links, front-matter fields, tasks — and lets you query it with a SQL-like language or JavaScript. Instead of manually maintaining index notes, you write a query once and Dataview keeps the results up to date forever.
What is Dataview?
Treat your vault as a database. Query, filter, sort, and display data from your Markdown notes using a powerful query language similar to SQL. Essential for building dashboards, MOCs, and automated lists.
Key Features
- Query notes with a readable, SQL-like Dataview Query Language (DQL)
- Full JavaScript API (dataviewjs) for advanced, custom views
- Inline fields and front-matter metadata as first-class data
- Table, list, task, and calendar output formats
- Automated Maps of Content and dashboards that never go stale
How to Install Dataview
- 1Open Settings → Community plugins and disable Restricted mode.
- 2Click Browse and search for "Dataview".
- 3Click Install, then Enable.
- 4Add metadata to your notes (front-matter or inline fields like key:: value).
- 5Create a code block with the language `dataview` and write your first query.
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.
Details
- GitHub stars
- 9.5k+
- Requires Obsidian
- 0.13.11+
- Platforms
- Desktop, Mobile
- License
- MIT
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dataview hard to learn?
The basics are easy — a LIST or TABLE query is one line. The JavaScript API is more advanced, but most users never need it. Start with the query language and grow from there.
Does Dataview work on mobile?
Yes. Dataview runs on both desktop and mobile Obsidian, though very large vaults may render queries more slowly on phones.
Does Dataview modify my notes?
No. Dataview only reads your notes and renders results at view time. Your Markdown files stay untouched and portable.
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