# Excalidraw File Opens as Text File If your Excalidraw file opens as a text file instead of in the Excalidraw view, this can happen due to several reasons. Below are the common causes and solutions. ![[Screenshot - Excalidraw as a text file.png|600]] --- ## 1. Excalidraw Plugin Is Not Running Ensure that the Excalidraw plugin is enabled in Obsidian. If the plugin is running but the issue persists: - Navigate to **Settings > Community Plugins > Installed Plugins**. - Disable and then re-enable the Excalidraw plugin. --- ## 2. File Opened in Markdown View Mode Sometimes, the file might open in Markdown view mode instead of Excalidraw view. This can happen if: - You previously opened another file in Markdown view mode, and Obsidian retained this preference. - The file has the `excalidraw-open-md: true` front matter property. **Solutions:** 1. Use the **Command Palette** (`Ctrl/Cmd + P`) to toggle between Excalidraw and Markdown view modes. ![[Screenshot - toggle markdown view, excalidraw view.png|500]] 2. Set a hotkey in **Settings > Hotkeys** to quickly switch view modes. ![[Screenshot - hotkey setting to toggle view mode.png|600]] 3. Check the front matter of the file in Markdown view. If `excalidraw-open-md: true` is present, set it to `false` or remove the property entirely. ![[Screenshot - Excalidraw open-md true.png|400]] --- ## 3. File Is Corrupted A corrupted file may fail to open in Excalidraw view. For troubleshooting steps, refer to the [[Corrupted Excalidraw Files]] page. --- ## 4. Obsidian Indexing Is Busy Excalidraw relies on Obsidian's file index to validate whether a file is an Excalidraw file. If the index is unavailable (e.g., during synchronization, reindexing, or when working with large vaults), the file may open as text. **Solutions:** - Wait for the indexing process to complete. - Toggle the file back to Excalidraw view mode once the indexing finishes. --- By following these steps, you can quickly resolve issues with Excalidraw files opening as text files and continue using your visual notes effectively.