Open reference PDF in Highlights
In source or Live Preview mode, Cmd+Enter on a #task #ref
reading task opens the first linked PDF. If the task links to a managed
reference note, the command can use that note's source_pdf. A v1
tracker may link directly to its PDF; a tracker inside its own managed
reference note may fall back to that note's source_pdf. A dedicated
Task Link or managed embed also works when it points to the reading task.
The command opens the library PDF without writing the vault or changing reading state. A missing, unsafe, or unsynced PDF produces a notice. Highlights is macOS-only; on other systems the command reports that limitation. For other targets, including ordinary links, it delegates to Obsidian's Open link under cursor in new tab command.
The Meta+Enter binding for
bob-navigation-hotkeys:open-reference-pdf-in-highlights is custom
vault configuration in .obsidian/hotkeys.json, not a registered
plugin default. That custom binding runs before Obsidian's built-in
Mod+Enter; delegation preserves the built-in action for other
targets. Do not re-record it in Obsidian Settings on a Mac: Obsidian may save
Mod, which would claim Ctrl+Enter on other platforms.
Related¶
- Bob Navigation Hotkeys — navigation and keyboard layers.
- Bob Ledger Tools — the Reading Board's optional PDF handoff.
- Reference notes — the managed reference-note model.