10.2.5 Track connections with backlinks

In Pensiv, files can link to each other. Documents, sheets, plot cards—any file can reference another. Backlinks show where this file is referenced.

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1. Link files with @

When you type @ in the body, a list of linkable files appears. Choose a file from the list to insert a link at the cursor. Examples:

• Link a character sheet in a document with @CharacterName
• Link a document from a plot card

That’s creating a link.

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2. Backlinks are recorded automatically

When one file references another, the referenced file gets a backlink automatically. So:

• If you link file B from document A,
• File B automatically gets “referenced from document A.”

You don’t manage backlinks manually; they’re created when you create the link.

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3. Where to see backlinks

When you open a file, the backlink icon is in the header. Click it to see:

• A list of files that reference this file.

Click an item to jump to that file.

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4. When to use backlinks

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Check if a file is actually used

If there are no backlinks, the file may not be part of the structure yet.

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Find where something appears

Example:

• Open a character sheet
• Check backlinks
• Jump to the scene document

One click to see the context.

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Check that structure is connected

You can confirm that the links plot → document → sheet really exist. If a link is missing, that part of the structure may be isolated.

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5. Backlinks vs. Graph

Backlinks are for tracking relationships at the file level. The graph is for seeing the whole project.

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Summary

• Use @ to link files.
• Backlinks are created automatically when you link.
• Use the backlink icon in the header to see referencing files.
• Click to jump to that file.

Backlinks show whether a file is actually used in the structure. Creating connections matters more than creating files. Backlinks are how you track those connections.