My vault decisions

It is interesting that even though each one of us think and process information in a different manner, it is sometimes required that we document what we have for both: future understanding of it and more often to share it with other people.

So, thinking more about my vault documentation rather than about sharing — but here I am — this is how I organize things and why they are as they are.

The previous, more complex version of it is described at my Obsidian. That version goes into templates, dashboards and shows some file layout. But it isn't focused on the “why” things are as they are. Both notes complement each other.

First things first

• Obsidian is a tool. It isn’t perfect, and it shouldn’t be used for everything.
• Use it based on its strengths.
• Know its limitations.
• See Obsidian - getting started for what it was designed to do.

Connecting notes

Obsidian allows three main ways to connect notes: folders, tags, and links.

• Tags: I use them for status.
• Folders: I use them for contexts.
• Links: I use them to connect information with the aggregated context.

See more details at Connecting information and notes.

Folder organization

• Folders are universal across apps and programs.
• Some software abstracts them, others replicate them with tags.
• Folders = a physical item in a single place only.

I’ve been refining my folder usage since 1994. Today:

• My folder structure is replicated everywhere (disk, Obsidian, Gmail, work computers, mobile, photo albums).
• Using the same structure reduces decision stress.
• It creates an automatic decision flow.
• Coupled with good search (Obsidian, OneDrive, Gmail, etc.), it becomes a portable universal solution.

See also Connecting information and notes.

Obsidian vaults

• I’ve written more at Obsidian Vaults.
• My belief: a single vault is best for most cases.
• Exceptions exist, but are rare.

Design for usage

• What should you have in your vault?
  • Anything relevant for your life, school, work.
  • Anything you need to think about, remember, or experiment with.
• Notes are personal. Each person uses their repository differently.
• See Why taking notes is important for more reasons.

Guidelines:

• Decide what you want to get from your vault.
• Add properties, use links, and structure your taxonomy.
• Don’t follow blindly what YouTubers say — do what works for you.
• Start simple → increase complexity if it works.
• Don’t let Obsidian become a place to procrastinate.

Comparison: Folders, Tags, Links

Compilation of best practices

Above you got some of the things I consider best practices.
See also Notes Best Practices for a more complete list.