Obsidian is a flexible and privacy-focused knowledge management tool that enables users to create and organize notes using local Markdown files. Designed for researchers, writers, and professionals, it offers a networked note-taking experience through bi-directional linking and a powerful knowledge graph. Obsidian is fully customizable, with an extensive plugin ecosystem for advanced workflows.

What are the main features of Obsidian?

Local-First and Privacy-Focused

Obsidian stores all notes as local Markdown files, giving users complete control over their data.

• No cloud dependency – all data is stored locally
• Full offline functionality without internet access
• Users can sync and back up notes with their preferred storage solutions

Bi-Directional Linking and Knowledge Graph

Obsidian allows users to create a connected network of notes, making it ideal for knowledge management and research.

• Link notes together with bi-directional links
• Visualize relationships between notes with the interactive graph view
• Automatically generate backlinks to see connected ideas

Customizable with Plugins and Themes

Obsidian’s extensive customization options allow users to tailor the software to their specific needs.

• Access a wide range of community plugins to extend functionality
• Use custom themes to personalize the interface
• Modify workflows with advanced hotkeys and commands

Markdown-Based Note-Taking

Obsidian provides a robust Markdown editor with support for rich formatting and content organization.

• Write notes using plain-text Markdown for long-term accessibility
• Support for tables, code blocks, checklists, and embeds
• Live preview and split view for efficient editing

Cross-Platform and Sync Options

Obsidian is available across multiple operating systems, with flexible synchronization options.

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
• Users can sync notes via third-party services or Obsidian Sync
• Portable and lightweight, allowing for use on external drives

With its local-first approach, advanced linking capabilities, and extensive customization, Obsidian is a powerful tool for users who want complete control over their personal knowledge base.