Obsidian 1.9.2 brings breaking changes, UI improvements and several bug fixes

Obsidian 1.9.2 (Desktop) is now live, bringing some significant updates, especially if you have been using the Bases feature. If you're not familiar with Markdown, it's a simple way to write formatted text using a plain text editor; Obsidian is a free editor that lets you create and link notes using Markdown files stored right on your own computer. Obsidian is free to use, but if you support the project with a Catalyst license, you get access to early builds. Version 1.9.2 is in Early Access right now, so you'll need a Catalyst license to try it out

This new version introduces some major breaking changes to Bases, so you'll want to pay attention here. The developers have overhauled the formula syntax and the .base file format itself. If you're using Obsidian Sync or sharing your vault across multiple devices, the team strongly recommends upgrading all your devices at the same time to dodge any annoying sync issues with files using different syntaxes.

The new formula syntax in Bases is designed to be more flexible and easier to use, and it should feel familiar if you code in JavaScript. For instance, functions are now object-oriented; instead of writing contains(file.name, "Books"), you would now use file.name.contains("Books"). You can also chain functions together, like property.split(' ').sort()[0].lower(). Other highlights include:

• Property names are no longer wrapped in backticks (`). Instead, to reference properties with spaces or special characters, the syntax is note["Property Name"]
• There is a new type system which provides greater control when writing formulas.
• New functions, such as link, date and list for converting a value to a different type.
• New file properties: file.path, file.links (a list of all internal links in this file), and file.tags (a list of all tags in this file, including frontmatter).
• Some functions have been replaced by comparison operators. For example, dateBefore(date1, date2) is now date1 .
• Date modifications are now much simpler. Instead of dateModify(date, string), you can use date + string, for example, date("01/01/2025") + "1 year"

For those wondering, the Bases feature was introduced back in Obsidian 1.9.0 as a way to turn notes into structured databases. You can learn more about the updated syntax here.

Alongside these syntax changes, the .base file format has been updated for better extensibility, including a new properties section for configurations like displayName.

There are some smaller improvements too, like Bases now showing the number of results in the current view and the operator dropdown for filters becoming searchable. Outside of Bases, the update brings fixes for the following:

• Tags view: Fixed "Show nested tags" showing the full tag name (e.g. #parent/child)
• File explorer: Fixed "Move folder to..." menu item not showing in context menu.
• Bases: Fixed view not closing after deleting the file.
• Bases: Fixed codeblock not rendering when "Indent with tabs" is enabled.

On a related note, the creator of Markdown, John Gruber, recently shared his thoughts on rumors about Apple Notes potentially adding Markdown export. While he had reservations about Apple Notes becoming a full-blown Markdown editor, he seemed to think an export option would be useful. If the rumors are true, users will be able to easily export notes from Apple Notes and edit them in editors like Obsidian.

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