10 Reasons I Love Obsidian
Obsidian is a FREE note-taking app that I have been using for the last 18 months, during that time I have included over 40,000 words in my vault in over 300 notes.
Here are 10 reasons I love the app and why I'd recommend it for anyone who's looking for a note-taking app.
1. Future-Proof
Obsidian uses markdown files to create your notes and they are stored locally on your machine.
This means that even if Obsidian itself stopped existing, your notes can still be opened on any computer because they are simply markdown files.
This means you don't have to rely on Obsidian staying in business to keep your notes.
2. Simplicity
Obsidian is so simple to use that as soon as it's downloaded, you can use it and start creating notes. From there, it can become as complex as you need.
3. Complexity
Once you've got used to using Obsidian, you can start adding some more of the complex parts of it such as templates and plug-ins to customise how Obsidian works for you.
4. Customisation
The community plug-ins available for Obsidian make for unlimited customisation and ways of working.
Want to use Obsidian in a similar way to Notion? You can do that.
Need more flexible templates? You can do that.
Add a calendar, import your Readwise highlights or set up tasks the way that optimise how you work.
5. Linking Thinking
The fact that Obsidian encourages the use of folders, tags and back-links to keep your notes in order and to keep track of topics and ideas is amazing.
Creating a 'Zettelkasten' has never been easier by the simple use of back-links to build your library.
6. Community
The forums are active and helpful and there are numerous YouTube channels dedicated to giving tips, hints and workflows for Obsidian.
7. Platforms
Obsidian is available on PC, Mac, Linux and both iOS and Android.
8. Obsidian Sync
Obsidian allow you to sync your vaults across devices using their paid service called Obsidian Sync.
If you'd rather use iCloud, OneDrive or another service you can also do that so you're not locked into their service to keep your notes up-to-date across devices.
9. Obsidian Publish
Want to showcase your notes to the world?
Obsidian Publish allows you to do just that, again this is a paid service but one that can allow you to build a live digital 'garden' that other people can visit.
This is also a service that I am hoping to eventually use myself.
10. Canvas
One of the features of Obsidian is the 'Canvas' feature which essentially allows you to create a 'mind-map' of ideas, notes and even different media such as images and/or video.
As a Graphic Designer and a visual thinker, this is an absolute joy to have.
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