Obsidian 1.9.7: A Deep Dive into teh Latest Updates & What They mean for You
Obsidian, the powerful note-taking and knowledge management app, has just released version 1.9.7 (Desktop) for Catalyst license holders. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a significant update packed with improvements, particularly for the increasingly popular Bases feature. Let’s break down what this means for your workflow and why it matters.
What are Bases, and Why should You Care?
introduced in version 1.9.0, bases allow you to build structured databases directly within your Obsidian notes. Think of it as combining the versatility of note-taking with the association of a database – a powerful combination for researchers, project managers, and anyone who wants to connect their ideas in a meaningful way.This update focuses on refining and expanding the capabilities of Bases.
Key Improvements in Obsidian 1.9.7
This release delivers enhancements across the board, but the spotlight is firmly on Bases. Here’s a detailed look:
Enhanced formula Capabilities: If you’re a formula enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the new autocomplete functionality. It now includes crucial properties like file.links and file.backlinks, making complex formulas easier to build.
New Functions for File Access: The addition of file() and Link.asFile() functions unlocks direct access to properties from file references within your formulas. This opens up exciting possibilities for dynamic data manipulation.
Visual Refinements: The Cards view now displays images embedded in text properties, adding visual clarity. Base code blocks also receive proper YAML syntax highlighting for improved readability.
Performance Boosts: Rendering large images within Bases is now significantly faster. the toolbar has also been streamlined for a cleaner, more intuitive experience. The core Markdown parser also received a speed upgrade, especially noticeable with files containing many underscores.
Bug Fixes for a Smoother Experience: Several key bugs have been addressed,including:
Preventing the creation of needless “Untitled” formulas.
Correcting date comparisons between datetime values.
Resolving an issue that prevented resizing the last column in a Base.
Eliminating the display of incorrect characters (“—) for empty properties.
Beyond Bases: Other Notable Fixes
The improvements don’t stop at Bases. Obsidian 1.9.7 also addresses several other issues:
Mermaid Link Previews: Page previews for Mermaid links now function correctly.
List Property Item Behavior: Clicking the “x” on a list property item no longer prematurely hides the preview.
Attachment Download Fix: The ”Download attachments for current file” command now functions as intended, without incorrectly replacing links. synchronization Stability: A critical synchronization issue that could lead to Base deletion when syncing with older Obsidian versions (1.8.10) has been resolved.
canvas Node Creation: Accidental creation of new Canvas nodes while editing embedded Bases is now prevented.
Search Performance: Global search now limits results to 100,000 to prevent performance slowdowns.
Why This Matters: Stability and Future Growth
This update demonstrates Obsidian’s commitment to refining its features and ensuring a stable, reliable experience. The fix for the synchronization issue is particularly important, safeguarding your* valuable data.
Supporting Obsidian’s Development
While obsidian is free for personal use, the optional Catalyst license plays a vital role in supporting the developers and enabling continued innovation. Catalyst supporters receive early access to beta builds, allowing them to shape the future of the app. these features eventually become available to all users once they’re fully stable.
How to Get the Update
Currently, Obsidian 1.9.7 is available to users with a Catalyst license. You can find more details about the update and the full changelog on the official Obsidian website: https://obsidian.md/changelog/2025-08-05-desktop-v1.9.7/
In conclusion: Obsidian
