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ZettelID Naming System

One of Prisma Calendar's core UX features is the hidden ZettelID naming system. This allows you to create unlimited events with the same user-facing name while maintaining unique file storage behind the scenes.

📝 The Problem​

In a traditional calendar system, if you want to create multiple events with the same name, you face a dilemma:

  • Option A: Add manual suffixes like "Meeting 1", "Meeting 2", "Meeting 3" (tedious and clutters the UI)
  • Option B: Use different names for each event (loses consistency and semantic meaning)
  • Option C: Face file naming conflicts (files overwrite each other)

None of these options are ideal for power users who value both efficiency and clean interfaces.

✨ The Solution: Hidden ZettelIDs​

Prisma Calendar solves this elegantly by using timestamp-based unique identifiers (ZettelIDs) that are:

  1. Automatically appended to filenames for uniqueness
  2. Automatically stripped from the calendar display for cleanliness
  3. Invisible to the user during all interactions (editing, previewing, viewing)

🎯 How It Works​

What You See vs. What's Stored​

ContextWhat You See
Calendar viewTeam Meeting
Edit modalTeam Meeting
Preview modalTeam Meeting
Hover previewTeam Meeting
Enlarged viewTeam Meeting
ContextWhat's Actually Stored
File systemTeam Meeting-20250106143022.md
Vault browserTeam Meeting-20250106143022

The ZettelID Format​

A ZettelID is a 14-digit timestamp in the format: -YYYYMMDDHHmmss

Example: -20250106143022

  • 2025 = Year
  • 01 = January
  • 06 = 6th day
  • 14 = 14:00 hours (2 PM)
  • 30 = 30 minutes
  • 22 = 22 seconds

This timestamp ensures every filename is unique, even if created in rapid succession.

Cloning Events​

When you duplicate an event:

  1. Original: Project Review-20250103100000.md
  2. Clone: Project Review-20250106152045.md (new timestamp)
  3. Both display as: Project Review

The calendar automatically generates a new unique ZLID for the clone.

⚙️ Configuration​

Enabling Automatic ZettelID Generation​

To have ZettelIDs automatically added to new events:

  1. Open Settings → Prisma Calendar → Properties Settings
  2. Set the ZettelID property field (e.g., ZettelID or ZLID)
  3. Create new events via the calendar interface

The calendar will:

  • Append the ZLID to the filename: Event Title-20250106143022.md
  • Add the ZLID to frontmatter: ZettelID: 20250106143022

Example Frontmatter​

---
Title: Weekly Planning
Start: 2025-01-06T14:00
End: 2025-01-06T15:00
ZettelID: 20250106143022
---

Meeting notes go here...

Manual Events (Without ZettelID Property)​

Even if you don't configure a ZettelID property:

  • Events created via the calendar will still use ZLID-based filenames
  • The ZLID just won't be stored in frontmatter
  • The calendar will still strip the ZLID from display

Collision Prevention​

While timestamp collisions are extremely rare (requires creating two events in the same millisecond), the system handles them:

// If "Event-20250106143022.md" exists
// Try "Event-20250106143023.md"
// And so on until a unique name is found

📌 Key Benefits​

✅ No Naming Conflicts​

Create unlimited events with the same name without worrying about file overwrites.

✅ Clean User Experience​

Never see cluttered timestamp suffixes in the calendar interface.

✅ Semantic Consistency​

Use meaningful, consistent event names without manual numbering.

✅ Automatic Management​

The calendar handles all naming complexity behind the scenes.

✅ Full Feature Compatibility​

Works seamlessly with:

  • Recurring events
  • Batch operations (clone, move, delete)
  • Event editing and previews
  • Drag-and-drop operations
  • Undo/redo system

✅ Optional Frontmatter Storage​

Store the ZLID in frontmatter for additional tracking if needed.

❓ Common Questions​

Do I need to configure ZettelID to use this feature?​

No. The hidden naming system works automatically for all events created via the calendar, whether or not you configure a ZettelID frontmatter property. Configuring the property just stores the ZLID in frontmatter as well.

Can I see the ZLID somewhere?​

Yes. The ZLID is always visible in:

  • The file browser in Obsidian's sidebar
  • The file system (if you browse your vault externally)
  • The frontmatter (if you configured a ZettelID property)

It's just hidden from the calendar interface to keep the UI clean.

What if I manually rename a file to remove the ZLID?​

The calendar will still display the file correctly. The ZLID removal is purely cosmetic for display purposes. However, removing the ZLID manually:

  • Increases risk of filename collisions
  • May cause issues if you later create an event with the same name
  • Is not recommended

Does this work with events I create manually (outside the calendar)?​

If you manually create a note without a ZLID suffix:

  • The calendar will display it normally
  • No ZLID stripping occurs (there's nothing to strip)
  • Creating another event with the same name via the calendar will add a ZLID to the new one

For consistency, it's recommended to create events via the calendar interface when possible.

Can I customize the ZLID format?​

Currently, the format (-YYYYMMDDHHmmss) is fixed. This ensures consistency across all calendars and prevents parsing ambiguities.