NoteMods

How to preview Pandoc figure and equation references in Obsidian

As of October 2026, use Pandoc Crossref Preview for simple note-local numbers in Obsidian Reading view, then check your exported document separately. Obsidian’s native links can target headings and blocks. The plugin does not validate its result against pandoc-crossref output.

Updated · 3 ways compared · 2 sources

Background

The plugin brief describes checking research-note references before export without writing calculated numbers into the note. It deliberately limits the preview to standalone images and simple display equations.

3 ways to do it

  1. Use native links for navigation

    Link to a heading or block when you need to jump within a note. Obsidian documents heading anchors and block identifiers for this purpose.

    limits
    Native heading and block links provide navigation rather than this plugin’s calculated figure and equation reference numbers.

  2. Inspect your Pandoc export

    Use pandoc-crossref in your own Pandoc export process and inspect the resulting document. Its manual documents figure and equation references, plus numbering options beyond this preview’s scope.

    limits
    This method requires a separate export setup. The preview plugin does not install or run it.

  3. Pandoc Crossref Preview from this site

    Label a standalone image with {#fig:sample} and a simple equation with {#eq:decay} on the following line. Read @fig:sample and @eq:decay in Reading view, then use Show label report to review diagnostics.

    limits
    Labels stay within one note, and the supported grammar excludes tables, subfigures and chapter numbering. Reopen Reading view after moving labelled objects.
    The label report shows missing, duplicate and unsupported labels for the sample research note.
    Open larger
    Install in Obsidian
    Directory pageSource on GitHub

    MIT · no telemetry · core features free

    All features of Pandoc Crossref Preview

Inspect a short research note

  1. Add a standalone labelled image, a simple labelled display equation and references to a short note.

  2. Open Reading view and inspect the reference numbers.

  3. Select a number to inspect its target source line.

  4. Run Show label report before exporting with your existing tools.

Common questions

Where does an equation label belong?

Put it on the line after the closing display delimiter. Closing-line labels are outside the supported grammar.

Can I keep syntax examples in the note?

Inline code and fenced code keep literal reference syntax. The preview also protects URLs and existing rendered links.

Sources

Photo of Michael LipThat's every step, start to finish.

Obsidian rewards people who share. NoteMods is just me and a lot of coffee. If this guide saved you a fight with the syntax, buy me a cup.

Buy me a coffee · $5 via PayPalCard, any amount or monthlySponsor on GitHub monthly or one-time; $5 a month or $15 once also turns on Pro

The plugin in this guide