Obsidian RSVP Speed Reader

This plugin was built around one idea: turn notes into a faster reading surface without forcing the user into another app. The result is a modal RSVP reader optimized for focus, control, and theme-aware presentation inside Obsidian.

Problem

Long-form notes, research clips, and dense writing can be slow to process inside a normal editor flow. The challenge was to create a reading aid that felt native to Obsidian instead of bolted on top of it.

Solution

I built a plugin that can read either a selection or an entire note, then present the content word-by-word at a fixed focal point. The reader supports ORP highlighting, punctuation-aware pauses, keyboard controls, and adjustable speed so users can tune the experience to their own reading style.

Implementation notes

• The word loop was optimized around animation timing so high-speed playback stayed responsive.
• Markdown parsing stripped distracting syntax while preserving readable text flow.
• Styling was built to remain compatible with the user’s existing Obsidian theme.
• Settings exposed typography, speed, grouping, and visual guidance options without bloating the core interaction.

Outcome

The plugin demonstrates strong interaction design inside a constrained desktop plugin environment and shows how a narrow productivity problem can be solved with careful UX and rendering choices.