Obsidian offers flexible editing modes to suit your workflow, primarily Live Preview and Source mode. You can switch between these modes for individual notes or set a default mode in your application settings.
How to Change Edit Mode in Obsidian
You can change Obsidian's edit mode in two primary ways: for the note you are currently working on, or by setting a default mode that applies to all new notes.
Changing Edit Mode for the Current Note
When you're actively working on a note, you can quickly toggle between editing modes to see your content rendered differently.
- Using the Status Bar:
- Open the note you wish to edit.
- Look at the bottom right corner of the Obsidian window, in the Status Bar.
- Click on the icon that represents the current mode (e.g., a pencil for editing, or an eye for reading/preview). This will usually cycle between Live Preview, Source mode, and Reading mode.
- Using the Command Palette:
- Press
Ctrl/Cmd + Pto open the Command Palette. - Type "toggle live preview" or "toggle source mode" and select the relevant command.
- Press
- Using a Shortcut:
- By default, you can press
Ctrl/Cmd + Eto toggle between Live Preview and Source mode.
- By default, you can press
Setting a Default Editing Mode
To ensure all new notes or notes you open start in your preferred editing environment, you can configure a default setting:
- Open Obsidian Settings by clicking the gear icon in the bottom left corner.
- Navigate to the Editor section in the sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Default editing mode option.
- From the dropdown menu, select your preferred default:
- Live Preview: See your Markdown formatted as you type.
- Source mode: View and edit the raw Markdown text.
This setting will apply globally to how Obsidian opens notes, though you can still override it on a per-note basis as described above.
Understanding Obsidian's Editor Modes
Obsidian provides distinct editing experiences designed to cater to different preferences and tasks.
| Feature | Live Preview Mode | Source Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Renders Markdown formatting as you type, offering a near-final view of your note. | Displays the raw Markdown text, showing all syntax and formatting. |
| Appearance | Headings, bold text, links, and lists appear formatted; only raw syntax is shown for elements you're actively editing. | All Markdown syntax (e.g., #, **, [ ]( )) is visible. |
| Benefits | Highly visual, easier to read, fewer distractions from Markdown syntax, better for content creation. | Precise control over Markdown, ideal for debugging formatting, advanced users, or when strict Markdown is needed. |
| Use Cases | Drafting articles, taking structured notes, reviewing content, focusing on output. | Editing complex tables, modifying custom CSS, integrating with other Markdown tools, learning Markdown syntax. |
Reading Mode (or Preview Mode): While not an "editing" mode, it's often the target state for an edited note. In Reading Mode, your note is fully rendered without any editing interface, similar to viewing a webpage. This is perfect for reviewing your finished content or sharing it. You can switch to Reading Mode using the icon in the top right corner of a note pane (looks like an open book or an eye) or via the Command Palette.
Practical Tips for Managing Edit Modes
- Keyboard Shortcuts are Key: Familiarize yourself with
Ctrl/Cmd + Eto quickly switch between Live Preview and Source Mode, saving you clicks. - Customize Your Workspace: You can open the same note in two separate panes, with one in Live Preview and the other in Source Mode, for a powerful side-by-side editing and previewing experience.
- Consider Your Task: For initial drafting, Live Preview might be less distracting. For fine-tuning complex Markdown or snippets, Source Mode offers more control.
- Plugin Interactions: Some plugins might behave differently or offer specific features depending on the active editing mode. Be aware of these nuances if you use many community plugins.
For more details on Obsidian's editor, you can refer to the official Obsidian documentation on the editor.
