NoteMods

How to read two language versions in Obsidian

As of October 2026, Obsidian can split tab groups to display two notes together. A split gives separate note views, rather than paragraph pairing. Parallel Paragraph Reader puts existing prose blocks in shared rows.

Updated · 2 ways compared · 2 sources

Background

Two language versions can use different paragraph lengths or counts. Choose between separate note views and rows that expose gaps without translating your text.

2 ways to do it

  1. Split two note tabs

    Open both versions, then right-click a tab and select Split right. Obsidian lets you move and resize tab groups.

    limits
    This arranges note views; you still compare paragraph positions yourself.

  2. Parallel Paragraph Reader from this site

    Choose the two existing notes in left-to-right order. The reader pairs prose blocks by order and gives each pair enough height for its longer paragraph.

    limits
    It excludes lists, tables, headings, quotes and code, and cannot merge paragraphs or infer matching meanings.
    An extra English paragraph appears opposite an empty French cell in the reader.
    Open larger
    Install in Obsidian
    Directory pageSource on GitHub

    MIT · no telemetry · core features free

    All features of Parallel Paragraph Reader

Try the plugin with a small example

  1. Enable Parallel Paragraph Reader and start with two short passages whose paragraph order is similar.

  2. Run Choose two notes and choose the original first, then the second language.

  3. Compare the first rows before reading further.

  4. After editing a source, select Reload notes before using another source link.

Common questions

How should I separate paragraphs before reading?

Use a blank line between prose blocks. Obsidian documents blank lines as paragraph separators, and this reader uses them to form its prose blocks.

What if one translation combines two paragraphs?

Default order pairing can differ from the translation. A Pro map can add empty cells, but it cannot merge blocks. Split passages in your own notes if needed.

Will scrolling save my reading position?

Scrolling alone does not select a row. With Pro, use Read row or open a source link to save the selected row.

Sources

Photo of Michael LipYou can now read two language versions.

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The plugin in this guide