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Footnote Combobox UI

docs/plans/2026-04-05-footnote-combobox-ui.md

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Footnote Combobox UI

Goal

Replace the current overbuilt footnote definition editing block with a simpler footnote UX closer to Obsidian, and explore footnote insertion through an inline combobox that suggests the next identifier first while reusing existing combobox patterns.

Phases

  • Gather learnings and existing footnote / combobox seams
  • Define the target UX and minimal spec change
  • Implement the UI/behavior change with tests first where sane
  • Verify the live result in the browser

Notes

  • Keep this scoped to current Plate footnote surfaces, not fantasy new note-link systems.
  • Prefer reusing the emoji/combobox infrastructure over inventing another popup.
  • The current pain points are:
    • the "Editor Definition" block feels too heavy
    • inserting refs should feel lighter and more inline
  • Outcome:
    • footnote definitions now render as compact numbered rows instead of boxed cards with a visible "Back to reference" control
    • typing [^ on an empty line in the live docs editor opens a combobox with the next free id first
    • selecting the new-footnote row inserted [4] inline and created a compact 4 definition row below without jumping into a heavy definition card