Feature Request: Automatically delete orphaned attachments when removing from note or deleting note #52

Wang234 commented 2026年05月03日 09:16:00 +02:00

Description
In the current version of Helix Notes, attaching files to notes is very convenient. However, when an attachment/image is removed from a note, or when a note itself is deleted, the corresponding attachment files remain in a hidden folder inside the note’s directory. This leads to orphaned attachments that are no longer referenced by any note, unnecessarily occupying disk space.

Expected behavior
I would like the new version to provide a way to handle these orphaned attachments properly. Specifically, two options would be appreciated:

Automatic cleanup of unreferenced attachments – A built-in mechanism to detect and delete attachment files that are no longer linked to any note (either automatically on a schedule, or via a manual command like "Clean up orphaned attachments").

Delete attachments when deleting a note – An optional setting to automatically delete all associated attachments when a note is deleted.

These features would help keep the note folder tidy and prevent wasted storage space.

Additional context
Currently, attachments are stored in a hidden folder. Removing the reference from the note does not delete the actual file, nor does deleting the note. This makes manual cleanup error-prone and time-consuming.

Thank you for considering this improvement!

Description In the current version of Helix Notes, attaching files to notes is very convenient. However, when an attachment/image is removed from a note, or when a note itself is deleted, the corresponding attachment files remain in a hidden folder inside the note’s directory. This leads to orphaned attachments that are no longer referenced by any note, unnecessarily occupying disk space. Expected behavior I would like the new version to provide a way to handle these orphaned attachments properly. Specifically, two options would be appreciated: Automatic cleanup of unreferenced attachments – A built-in mechanism to detect and delete attachment files that are no longer linked to any note (either automatically on a schedule, or via a manual command like "Clean up orphaned attachments"). Delete attachments when deleting a note – An optional setting to automatically delete all associated attachments when a note is deleted. These features would help keep the note folder tidy and prevent wasted storage space. Additional context Currently, attachments are stored in a hidden folder. Removing the reference from the note does not delete the actual file, nor does deleting the note. This makes manual cleanup error-prone and time-consuming. Thank you for considering this improvement!

ArkHost commented 2026年06月11日 23:16:02 +02:00

Added in 1.3.1 (release soon): open Info → About and you'll find a "Find orphaned attachments" button under the vault stats. It scans every note (including ones in the trash) and lists attachment files no longer referenced by anything, with sizes. Review the list, then "Move to Trash" they go to the vault's trash folder, so they're recoverable, not permanently deleted.

I intentionally did NOT add automatic/scheduled cleanup or auto-delete-on-note-deletion. Attachments live in one shared folder, so a file the deleted note used might still be used by another note (or one you later restore from trash). Silent auto-deletion there is too easy to get wrong and risk losing a file you wanted. So this stays manual, preview-first, and recoverable.

Thanks for the request!

Added in 1.3.1 (release soon): open Info → About and you'll find a "Find orphaned attachments" button under the vault stats. It scans every note (including ones in the trash) and lists attachment files no longer referenced by anything, with sizes. Review the list, then "Move to Trash" they go to the vault's trash folder, so they're recoverable, not permanently deleted. I intentionally did NOT add automatic/scheduled cleanup or auto-delete-on-note-deletion. Attachments live in one shared folder, so a file the deleted note used might still be used by another note (or one you later restore from trash). Silent auto-deletion there is too easy to get wrong and risk losing a file you wanted. So this stays manual, preview-first, and recoverable. Thanks for the request!