Thread by @rjnestor

Using @dvargas92495's SmartBlocks v2, I've automated the process of displaying PDFs hosted in @Dropbox directly within @RoamResearch

I lay out the steps in this short 🧵

https://twitter.com/rjnestor/status/1318524703527608322

1. If you haven't already, install SmartBlocks v2 from here: roamjs.com/extensions/sma…

Note: If you've never installed an extension before, these steps from @rroudt's @RoamStack will help you: roamstack.com/kb/extensions/…

DM me if it doesn't work

PDF from Dropbox #SmartBlock
<%CONCAT:{{[,[pdf],]: <%REPLACE: <%CLIPBOARDPASTETEXT%>,dl=0,raw=1%>}}%>

2. Copy all of the above👆 and paste it into Roam.
3. Indent the second block (the one that starts <%CONCAT...) so it is nested under the first block.

Now, whenever you want to display a PDF you have in your Dropbox directly inside your Roam graph, simply:

4. Copy the Dropbox link (from the Dropbox site or app)

5. In a Roam block, type xxPDF from Dropbox and select your SmartBlock to run it

If everything is set up correctly, you should now be able to see your PDF in Roam! (once you "click out of" the block itself, that is)

DM me if anything didn't work

For those interested, here's HOW that works 👇

The SmartBlock uses three commands:

1. <%CLIPBOARDPASTETEXT%>
2. <%REPLACE%>
3. <%CONCAT%>

The 1st pastes the Dropbox link you copied into the workflow. The 2nd changes dl=0 to raw=1, required to display the PDF. The 3rd keeps the SmartBlock from looking weird (trust me).

I hope this helps fellow @RoamResearch and @Dropbox users!

And check out @dvargas92495's other extensions while you're there on roamjs.com