How to lock Obsidian Bases against accidental edits

Use a view guard when you need to read a saved base while blocking supported editing controls. As of October 2026, core Bases lets you edit note properties through its views. Bases Read Only guards those controls without changing file permissions.

Background

A base presents the properties of underlying notes. Guarding its interface can't stop edits from the note editor or another writer.

2 ways to do it

  1. Read a note list instead of a property table

    Core Bases offers a list layout as well as tables and cards. A list can serve as a simpler way to browse your selected files.

    limits
    Changing the layout doesn't make the underlying note files read-only.
  2. Bases Read Only from this site

    Configure your saved base, then toggle its manual lock. The guard blocks supported cell edit events while retaining file links and saved-view switching.

    limits
    Inline fenced base blocks are outside the scope. Other editors and sync can still modify note files.
    The Obsidian window shows a weekly review contains a locked project base and a separate unlocked scratch base.
    Open larger

    MIT · no telemetry · core features free

    All features of Bases Read Only

Check the result before relying on it

  1. Create your base and configure its saved views.

  2. Open the .base file in a tab.

  3. Run Toggle lock for current base and check the desktop badge.

  4. Follow file links to read the underlying notes.

Common questions

Can I prepare the view before a presentation?

Set its columns and filters before locking it. Mutable view controls are hidden while the guard applies.

Can a checkbox remain editable during review?

Pro property exceptions permit a named property when its cell exposes a known ID. The rest of the supported locked controls retain their guards.

Sources

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