Obsidian
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1 / 2The Story
Obsidian is a note-taking application whose defining property is that the notes are files on your disk. A vault is a folder; a note is a Markdown file; a link between notes is a wiki-style reference in the text. Nothing requires a server, and the folder can be put in any sync service or version control system.
That choice has consequences. The application works offline because there is nothing to fetch, the notes remain readable if the application is uninstalled, and a user can edit them in any text editor. It also means the user owns the sync and backup decision rather than inheriting one.
On top of the files, Obsidian adds a graph view of links, a canvas for arranging notes spatially, and a plugin system. Plugins are community-authored and can add views, commands, and editor behavior, which is how the application covers workflows it does not ship itself.
Overview
Obsidian's central decision is that notes are files, not rows in a database.
A vault is a folder on disk. A note is a Markdown file, and a link between notes is a reference written in the text. The application reads the folder; it does not own the content.
That makes the notes portable by construction. They are readable in any text editor, they survive the application being uninstalled, and they can be synced with whatever the user already uses - a file sync service, a git repository, or nothing at all.
The plugin system extends the application. Community plugins add views, commands, and editor behavior, and because the underlying files are plain text, a plugin's output is inspectable rather than locked inside a proprietary format.
Key Features
- Plain Markdown files
A vault is a folder of Markdown files that remain readable without the application.
- Links and graph view
Wiki-style links between notes build a graph the application can display.
- Plugin system
Community plugins add views, commands, and editor behavior.
- Works offline
Because notes are local files, the application does not require a network connection.
Where Obsidian is a strong choice, and where it is not
Choose Obsidian if you want your notes to be files you control, readable without a specific application, and syncable through a mechanism you choose.
Look elsewhere if you need real-time multi-user editing with server-side permissions, or if you would rather not manage your own sync and backup.
Getting started
A vault works the moment it is created; the plugin setup is where the time goes.
- ImmediateTime to first note
Create a vault, which is just a folder, and start writing Markdown.
- FreeCost to start
Free for personal use. Sync and commercial licences are paid add-ons.
- NothingPrerequisites
The desktop or mobile app. No account is required to write.
Known limitations
Constraints confirmed from the project's documentation.
- Sync is not included. Cross-device sync requires the paid service or a solution you configure, such as a cloud folder.
- No web application. It runs as a desktop and mobile app only.
- Collaboration is not first-class. The product is built for individual knowledge work, not shared document editing.
- Plugins are community-maintained. Quality and maintenance vary, and a plugin can be abandoned.
Pick Obsidian when you want notes you own as files
A vault is a folder of Markdown files, so the data outlives the application and any tool can read it.
That single decision removes the export problem closed note apps create, and it is why people who have migrated before tend to end up here.
If you need real-time collaboration or managed sync with no configuration, a hosted note product fits better.
FAQ
What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a note-taking application that stores notes as plain Markdown files in a folder on your disk.
Is Obsidian free?
Obsidian is free for personal use, with paid licenses for commercial use and an optional sync service. Check the pricing page for current terms.
Where are Obsidian notes stored?
Notes are Markdown files in a folder you choose. The application reads the folder rather than storing content in a proprietary database.
Does Obsidian work offline?
Yes. Because notes are local files, the application does not require a network connection.
Does Obsidian support plugins?
Yes. Community plugins add views, commands, and editor behavior, and can be installed from within the application.
What we checked
- LIVESite and primary link
The marketing site resolved and the primary product link reached the product itself.
- PRICINGPricing page
The pricing page resolved and lists the current plans and limits.
- DOCSDocumentation
Public documentation resolved and covers the product's core surfaces.
- CHANGELOGChangelog page
The linked changelog page resolved and is reachable without an account.
Discussion
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