The basics
If youâre just starting with Obsidian, the best first step is to explore the Obsidian Help. The documentation is clear, concise, and covers the essential terminology and core features youâll need to get started.
You can also experiment with the sandbox vault. Just remember that changes there are not permanent, so donât edit anything you want to keep. To access it, press F1 and select Sandbox vault.
Should IâŠ
Before diving in, take a moment to design your vault (Obsidianâs term for a workspace). Think about how youâll want to retrieve and use your notes later. Ask yourself:
- Will I need to query data by specific time intervals?
- Do I need to organize notes by categories or tags?
- What is the main purpose of my notes?
- Is there a format Iâll need to follow consistently?
The simpler your answers, the easier it will be to build a system that works for you.
A few recommendations:
- Donât start with plugins (beyond the core ones). Wait until you have a specific problem to solve and enough notes to test with (10, 20, or even a few hundred). Then, look for plugins that address that need.
- Begin with real notes, information youâd actually want to keep. Use the default theme at first to avoid conflicts or distractions. Once youâre comfortable with the basics, you can customize the look and feel.
How Do I Do What That YouTuber Did?
Itâs tempting to copy what you see in videos, but remember: those systems are often designed for the creatorâs workflow â or even as part of their business model.
Videos are great for inspiration and advanced tips, but theyâre not the best way to learn the fundamentals. For that, youâll need to experiment yourself.
Donât assume what works for someone else will work for you. Test, adapt, and above all, make regular backups (especially before experimenting with new setups).
Bug Reports and Feature Requests
If you find a bug or wish a feature existed, head to the Obsidian Forum. Thatâs where developers track issues and where the community shares workflows, automations, custom styles, and more. Itâs also a great place to learn from others and exchange ideas.