How to Use Obsidian

Getting started with Obsidian

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Obsidian for personal knowledge management and create your first notes with bidirectional linking. By the end, you'll be ready to organise and connect your thoughts effectively.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to obsidian.md.
2. Click on the "Download" button for your platform (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to install the app.
3. Open Obsidian once installed. You’ll be prompted to create a new vault (your collection of notes).
4. Click on "Create a new vault", choose a name, and select a location on your device to store your notes.
5. Click "Create" to finish setting up your vault. Obsidian is free for personal use.

Step 2: Your first note

1. In the left sidebar, click on the "+" icon to create a new note.
2. Type a title for your note in the top field, e.g., "My First Note".
3. In the body section, write down any text you want.
4. To create a link to another note, simply type [[ followed by the name of the note you want to link to (e.g., [[My Second Note]]). If the note doesn’t exist, Obsidian will create it when you click on the link.
5. To view your notes in graph format, click on the "Graph View" button (the icon looks like a cluster of dots) in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use Markdown formatting for better organisation. For example, use # for headings and - for bullet points.
2. Explore the "Plugins" section in the settings (click on the gear icon) to enable community plugins for added features like daily notes or calendar views.
3. Regularly link your notes to create a network of interconnected ideas. This enhances your understanding and recall of information.

Pro tip

Make use of the "Daily Notes" feature by enabling it in the "Core Plugins" section. This allows you to capture thoughts and tasks daily, creating a structured log that’s easy to reference later.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid saving notes in non-Markdown formats or using external cloud storage without understanding Obsidian's local-first approach. This can lead to data loss or difficulties in accessing your notes offline. Always keep your vault within the local directory you specified during setup.