About Obsidian
Obsidian is a knowledge management app that has carved out a niche for itself in the crowded note-taking market, and I must say, it’s quite the character. What makes Obsidian stand out is its local-first approach – all your notes are stored as Markdown files on your device. This means you can access your information even without an internet connection, which is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by cloud-based tools. Privacy enthusiasts will appreciate that they have complete control over their data, rather than relying on a company to store it for them.
The two standout features you can't ignore are bidirectional linking and the graph view. Bidirectional linking allows you to create connections between notes easily, helping to build a web of ideas that can enhance your understanding of complex topics. The graph view is visually stunning and lets you see how your thoughts are interconnected, which can be immensely helpful when trying to make sense of a sprawling research project or a creative writing endeavour. However, while I found the graph view fascinating, I did notice that it can become a bit overwhelming if you have too many notes linked together. It’s great for visual learners, but if you prefer a more linear approach to note-taking, you might find it a bit chaotic.
Obsidian's plugin ecosystem is another feather in its cap. There are tons of plugins available, including some nifty AI-driven features that can assist with summarisation and even interactive chat functionalities. These can help you distill information efficiently and interact with your notes in a more dynamic way. However, I must admit, not all plugins are created equal. Some are fantastic, while others feel like they were thrown together in a hurry. It’s a mixed bag, to say the least.
In terms of pricing, Obsidian operates on a freemium model. You can use it for free for personal use, which is a fantastic perk. If you want features like syncing across devices, that’ll set you back $5 a month. For publishing your notes online, it’s $10 a month. Commercial users pay $50 per user per year, which is reasonable if you’re deploying it in a business context. Overall, who should use Obsidian? If you’re a writer, researcher, or anyone who juggles a lot of information and thrives on making connections between ideas, this tool is definitely worth a look. Conversely, if you’re looking for a simple, straightforward note-taking app without the bells and whistles, you might want to look elsewhere.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
I've spent quite a bit of time tinkering with Obsidian, and I have to say, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the local-first approach is a refreshing change from the usual cloud-based note-taking apps. I love knowing that my data is stored on my device, and I can access it anytime, anywhere. The bidirectional linking is fantastic for building connections between notes, which is especially useful for my research projects. I often find myself writing articles that require me to dive deep into various topics, and being able to create a web of related notes has made my life so much easier.
However, I did find the graph view a bit overwhelming at times. When I had too many notes linked together, it looked like a spaghetti mess on my screen. I get that it’s great for visual learners, but I sometimes just want a straightforward list of my notes. On top of that, while the plugin ecosystem is extensive, not all plugins are created equal. Some are brilliant and have really improved my workflow, but others felt clunky and unrefined, which can be a bit frustrating.
Comparing Obsidian to its main competitor, Notion, is like comparing apples to oranges. Notion is more of an all-in-one workspace that’s user-friendly and great for collaboration, but it lacks the depth of linking and personal knowledge management that Obsidian offers. If you’re looking to dig deep into your notes and create connections, Obsidian is unbeatable; but if you need something simpler and more intuitive, Notion might be the way to go.
Ultimately, Obsidian is perfect for writers, researchers, and anyone who loves to interconnect their thoughts. If you thrive on making connections and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, this tool will serve you well. The pricing is reasonable, especially for personal use, and the free tier is genuinely useful to get started. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time getting to know the ins and outs of the app and its plugins. If you’re after a straightforward note-taking tool, you might want to keep looking.
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
Step 2: Your first note
Step 3: Get better results
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.
The Verdict
Obsidian is a must-try for anyone serious about knowledge management, especially if you enjoy connecting ideas and working offline. However, it’s not for everyone – if you prefer simplicity and ease of use, you might want to consider alternatives like Notion or Evernote. For writers, researchers, and students ready to invest time in mastering its features, Obsidian could become an invaluable tool in your arsenal.
Best For
- Writers who manage complex drafts and research.
- Researchers looking for a local solution to organise their notes.
- Students who thrive on interconnected ideas across subjects.
- Project managers needing to document and link tasks effectively.
- Content creators seeking visual organisation of their ideas.
At a Glance
Obsidian is a local-first knowledge management tool that offers powerful features like bidirectional linking and a visually engaging graph view. With a rich plugin ecosystem, including AI functionalities, it's designed for those who love to interconnect their notes and ideas. Ideal for writers and researchers, its freemium model makes it accessible, but its complexity might be off-putting for casual users.
Strengths
- +The local-first approach means your data is yours alone, ensuring privacy and accessibility without relying on the cloud.
- +Bidirectional linking allows you to effortlessly create connections between notes, enhancing your understanding of complex information.
- +The graph view is visually appealing and helps to map out the relationships between your notes, making it easier to see how ideas are interconnected.
- +The extensive plugin ecosystem provides a variety of customisation options, allowing users to tailor their experience according to their needs.
- +AI features like summarisation and chat functionalities can save time and help distil large volumes of information into digestible formats.
- +The free tier is genuinely useful for personal use, providing a solid foundation for those who want to explore its features without any financial commitment.
- +Regular updates and an active community mean there are always new features and plugins being developed, keeping the tool fresh and relevant.
Limitations
- -The overwhelming nature of the graph view can make it difficult to navigate if you have too many interconnected notes.
- -Not all plugins are created equal; while some enhance the experience, others can be clunky or poorly designed.
- -Setting up the app initially can be a bit intimidating for new users, especially those unfamiliar with Markdown.
- -The mobile app, while functional, lacks some features found on the desktop version, which can hinder productivity when on the go.
- -Some users may find the need to install plugins to unlock certain functionalities a hassle, rather than enjoying a more out-of-the-box experience.
Use Cases
- -Writers who need to manage multiple drafts and research materials while keeping their thoughts interconnected.
- -Researchers who want to create a web of linked notes to better understand complex topics and their relationships.
- -Students looking for a flexible note-taking tool that allows them to draw connections between different subjects and ideas.
- -Content creators who require a way to organise their ideas and inspirations visually, helping them see the bigger picture.
- -Project managers who need to document processes and link related tasks and notes for better team collaboration.
