A Beginner's Guide to Obsidian: Even a Rabbit Can Understand

Obsidian for Rabbits

Hello! Today I'm going to talk about a note-taking app called "Obsidian" that even a rabbit can understand, pyon!

Obsidian is a powerful tool for knowledge management, making it perfect for building your "Second Brain." You can create a network of knowledge using Markdown-formatted text files.

1. What is Obsidian?

Basic Concepts

Obsidian is a note-taking application designed for personal knowledge management. Its name comes from "Obsidian," a volcanic glass, representing the concept of gaining sharp insights through transparency.

The biggest feature is being "local-first." All your data is saved locally on your computer and does not depend on the cloud, meaning you have full ownership of your data. The data format is also the versatile Markdown format, so you can easily move it even if you switch to another app in the future. It's safe even for rabbits, pyon!

History of Development

The initial version of Obsidian was released on March 30, 2020. It was developed by Shida Li and Erica Xu, who previously developed an outliner app called Dynalist. They reportedly started developing Obsidian during the COVID-19 pandemic as they had more time at home.

The idea of "linking knowledge," which is a major feature of Obsidian, is inspired by long-standing concepts of "hypertext" and the knowledge management system known as "Zettelkasten."

The Local-First Philosophy

"Local-first" is the idea of storing data primarily in your local environment (your computer). This philosophy offers the following benefits:

• Ensuring privacy (data is in your hands)
• Usable even offline
• Data longevity (safe even if the service ends)
• Improved processing speed (especially when handling many notes)

In Obsidian, a collection of notes is called a "Vault," which is simply a folder. This simplicity is one of the reasons it's easy for even rabbits to handle, pyon!

Features of the Markdown Format

In Obsidian, all notes are saved in a text format called "Markdown." Markdown is a way to style text with simple notation. For example:

# This is Heading 1
## This is Heading 2

- This is a list item
- This is another list item

**This is bold**
*This is italic*

[[This is an internal link in Obsidian]]

> This is a quote

The advantages of the Markdown format are that it is human-readable, simple, and can be opened with any text editor. This means that even if Obsidian becomes unavailable in the future, you will always be able to read your notes. Rabbits live a long time, so the lifespan of your data is important too, pyon!

2. Main Features of Obsidian

The Concept of the Vault (Note Storage)

In Obsidian, a collection of notes is called a "Vault." A Vault is simply a folder, and Markdown (.md) note files are stored within it.

You can create as many Vaults as you like and separate them by purpose. For example:

• Vault for work
• Vault for personal projects
• Vault for study notes

Each Vault is independent, and settings and plugins can be managed individually. It's a good idea for rabbits to separate their carrot recipes and meadow maps into different Vaults, pyon!

File Management and Folder Structure

In Obsidian, you can create folders to organize your notes just like a normal file management system. However, since Obsidian's strength lies in management using "tags" and "links," a deep hierarchical folder structure is not necessarily required.

Rather, a flat structure associated with "links" is recommended. It is recommended to use folders only for broad categorization.

Markdown Syntax

Obsidian supports its own extensions in addition to standard Markdown syntax:

• Internal links: [[Note Name]]
• Embeds: ![[Note Name]]
• Tags: #tag-name
• Code blocks: ```language-name
• Checkboxes: - [ ] Task (Completed: - [x] Task)

Linking Functions (Internal Links, Backlinks)

One of the most significant features of Obsidian is its "linking function." You can create links between notes using the [[Note Name]] notation.

Furthermore, the "backlink" feature automatically displays other notes that link to that specific note. This enables bidirectional linking and allows you to build a network of knowledge.

For example, suppose there is a note called "Rabbit." You create a link from there to a note called "Carrot." When you open the "Carrot" note, the side panel will show that it is being linked to from "Rabbit." This is what a "backlink" is.

Preview Mode

Obsidian has an "Editing Mode" and a "Preview Mode." In Editing Mode, you can see the Markdown syntax, while in Preview Mode, it is displayed in a styled state.

Additionally, by using the "Live Preview" feature, you can check the styled state in real-time while editing. It's easy on the rabbit's eyes too, pyon!

3. Unique Features of Obsidian

Graph View (Visualizing Knowledge)

Graph View is one of Obsidian's most distinctive features. It visually displays the link relationships between notes, creating a "map" of your knowledge.

In the Graph View, each note is displayed as a dot (node) and connected by links. This allows you to:

• Grasp the overall picture of your knowledge
• Discover highly relevant notes
• Find isolated notes (notes without links)
• Discover "clusters" (groups) of knowledge

There are "Global Graphs" and "Local Graphs." The Global Graph displays all notes within the Vault, while the Local Graph shows only the notes directly linked to the currently open note.

Backlinks (Reverse Link References)

The backlink feature automatically displays other notes that refer to the current note. This makes it easy to understand the bidirectional relationship of knowledge.

For example, suppose you create a link from a note titled "Rabbit's Favorite Foods" to a note titled "Carrot." When you open the "Carrot" note, the backlink panel will show that it is being linked to from "Rabbit's Favorite Foods."

Through this, you can easily discover other concepts related to the concept of "Carrot" (in this case, "Rabbit's Favorite Foods").

Daily Notes

Daily Notes is a feature that automatically creates and manages notes for each date. It is perfect for keeping diaries or daily records and is provided as a "Core Plugin."

Benefits of Daily Notes:

• Easy to take daily records
• Quick access to notes for specific dates
• Easy to search past records by date
• Organize notes chronologically

Tag Function

Using the tag function, you can add tags like #project or #idea to your notes. By using tags, you can:

• Organize notes by category
• Make searching easier
• Color-code by tag in the Graph View

Search Function

Obsidian has a powerful search function that allows you to search by note content, tags, filenames, and more. It also supports regular expressions, enabling advanced searches.

Command Palette

The Command Palette is a feature that can be called up with "Ctrl+P" ("Cmd+P" on Mac), providing access to almost all of Obsidian's functions from the keyboard. Simply typing part of a command name displays candidates, allowing for efficient operation without using a mouse.

4. Expansion with Plugins

Core Plugins

Obsidian comes with many "Core Plugins" right from the start. These are functions officially provided by the app and can be enabled from the settings. Major core plugins include:

• Backlinks: Displays references to the current note.
• Page Preview: Displays a preview when you hover your cursor over a link.
• Daily Notes: Creates notes for each date.
• Templates: Creates notes from templates.
• Outline: Displays the heading structure.
• Tag Pane: Displays a list of tags and their usage status.

There are many others as well. If you only enable the features you need, it becomes simple and easy to use, pyon!

Community Plugins

In addition to core plugins, there is a wealth of "Community Plugins" developed by users. You can install them by enabling "Community Plugins" in the settings and browsing the gallery.

Popular community plugins include:

• Calendar: Access daily notes from a calendar.
• Dataview: Search and display notes like a database.
• Kanban: Manage tasks in a Kanban format.
• Excalidraw: Create diagrams and handwritten memos.
• Templater: Advanced template functionality.
• QuickAdd: Quickly add tasks and notes.

There are a huge number of plugins available. By adding them as needed, you can customize Obsidian into your own dedicated tool.

Recommended Plugins

Here are some plugins recommended for beginners:

1. Calendar: Allows access to daily notes from a calendar UI.
2. Dataview: Allows searching and displaying notes with SQL-like syntax.
3. Periodic Notes: Creation and management of weekly and monthly notes.
4. Mind Map: Displays note content in a mind map format.
5. Outliner: Enhances editing in outline format.
6. Advanced Tables: Enhances table creation and editing.
7. Natural Language Dates: Input dates using natural language like "next Friday."

5. How to Use Obsidian

Zettelkasten Method (Permanent Note-taking)

Zettelkasten is a knowledge management system developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. It stands for "slip box," and it is a method where each idea is recorded on a single card and interconnected to build a network of knowledge.

How to practice Zettelkasten in Obsidian:

1. Permanent Notes: Describe one idea in one note.
2. Assigning IDs: Give each note a unique ID (e.g., YYYYMMDDhhmmss).
3. Association: Connect related notes to each other using links.
4. Write in your own words: Instead of quoting others directly, write based on your own understanding.

The benefit of Zettelkasten is that your knowledge network grows over time, and new discoveries or ideas emerge from the links between different notes. A rabbit's wisdom also stacks up and grows little by little, pyon!

Building a Second Brain

A "Second Brain" is a system for organizing and storing thoughts and knowledge using external tools. The human brain has limits in memory and information processing, but building a Second Brain allows you to transcend those limits.

Obsidian is the ideal tool for building a Second Brain and can be used as follows:

1. Input: Record information obtained from books, articles, and videos as notes.
2. Organize: Connect pieces of information with links and add tags.
3. Discovery: Discover relationships using backlinks and the Graph View.
4. Output: Write articles or develop ideas based on accumulated knowledge.

Project Management

Obsidian can also be used for project management:

1. Project Overview: Describe the overview and objectives of the project in a main note.
2. Task Management: Manage tasks with checklists in the - [ ] Task format.
3. Information Organization: Organize meeting notes, resources, and ideas by associating them.
4. Progress Management: Record daily progress in Daily Notes.
5. Plugin Utilization: Visually manage tasks using plugins like the Kanban plugin.

Research Notes

Obsidian is very effective for academic research and personal investigation:

1. Literature Management: Summarize the contents of papers and books you've read into notes.
2. Citation Management: Organize the parts you want to quote and clearly state the source.
3. Idea Development: Connect insights gained from multiple sources to gain new perspectives.
4. Writing Support: Quickly refer to related information when summarizing research results.

Study Notes

How to use Obsidian in the process of school or self-study:

1. Lecture Notes: Take notes for each lecture and link them by topic.
2. Concept Maps: Link related concepts together to deepen your understanding.
3. Review System: Link content to be reviewed in Daily Notes and revisit it periodically.
4. Assignment Management: Manage assignments and projects, and set deadlines.

6. Comparison with Competing Services

Notion

Notion is a highly flexible, all-in-one workspace tool with powerful database functionality.

Comparison with Notion:

• Storage Format: Notion → Cloud / Obsidian → Local MD files
• Offline Use: Notion → Limited / Obsidian → Full support
• Database Features: Notion → Very powerful / Obsidian → Partially possible via plugins
• Linking Function: Notion → Unidirectional links / Obsidian → Bidirectional links (backlinks)
• Ease of Use: Notion → Beginner-friendly / Obsidian → Has a slight learning curve
• Customizability: Notion → Moderate / Obsidian → Very high

Roam Research

Roam Research is a tool specialized in bidirectional linking and outline-style note-taking.

Comparison with Roam Research:

• Pricing: Roam → Paid / Obsidian → Free for personal use
• Storage Format: Roam → Cloud / Obsidian → Local files
• Outlining Features: Roam → Native / Obsidian → Extensible via plugins
• Daily Notes: Roam → Default / Obsidian → Supported via plugins
• Graph View: Both supported (with differences in implementation)
• Customizability: Roam → Moderate / Obsidian → Very high

LogSeq

LogSeq is a tool that has features similar to Roam Research, but also has characteristics close to Obsidian, such as being local-first and free.

Comparison with LogSeq:

• Basic Structure: LogSeq → Outliner-centric / Obsidian → Freeform
• Daily Notes: LogSeq → Default / Obsidian → Plugins
• File Format: Both use Markdown (LogSeq has its own extensions)
• Task Management: LogSeq → More powerful / Obsidian → Extensible via plugins
• Graph View: Both supported

Evernote

Evernote is a long-standing, famous note-taking app that is strong in web clipping.

Comparison with Evernote:

• Storage Format: Evernote → Proprietary format (Cloud) / Obsidian → Markdown (Local)
• Linking Function: Evernote → Basic links / Obsidian → Bidirectional links
• Web Clipping: Evernote → Very powerful / Obsidian → Supported via plugins
• Search Function: Evernote → Powerful search including OCR / Obsidian → Text-centric
• Customizability: Evernote → Limited / Obsidian → Very high

Characteristics and How to Use Each Service

Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and it is best to use them according to your needs:

• Obsidian: Local-first knowledge management with high freedom, building a long-term personal knowledge base.
• Notion: Team sharing, database management, project management.
• Roam Research: Outline-style note-taking for recording the flow of thoughts.
• LogSeq: When you want to merge task management and knowledge management.
• Evernote: Collection of web information, multimedia notes.

It's best to choose based on your preferences and needs, rabbit. I recommend using Obsidian for finding hidden grass and Notion for making a map of a carrot field with everyone, pyon!

7. Steps to Get Started with Obsidian

How to Install

Installing Obsidian is easy:

1. Visit the Official Obsidian Website.
2. Click the "Download" button.
3. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
4. Run the downloaded installer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

Since it's not a browser-based app, you need to install it locally.

Initial Setup

When you launch Obsidian for the first time, you will be asked to create a Vault:

1. Select "Create new vault"
2. Enter a name for the Vault (e.g., "MyKnowledgeBase")
3. Choose a storage location

As initial settings, it's a good idea to check the following items:

1. Themes: Settings -> Appearance -> Theme (Light mode/Dark mode/Custom themes)
2. Core Plugins: Settings -> Core plugins (Enable the features you need)
3. Editor: Settings -> Editor (Font size, line height, etc.)
4. Hotkeys: Settings -> Hotkeys (Customize shortcut keys)

Basic Usage

Here are the basic ways to use Obsidian:

1. Create a Note: Click the "New note" button in the top left or press "Ctrl+N"
2. Edit a Note: Write content using Markdown syntax
3. Create a Link: Use [[Note Name]] to create internal links
4. Create a Tag: Assign tags with #tag-name
5. Search: "Ctrl+F" for searching within the current note, "Ctrl+Shift+F" for searching the entire Vault
6. Graph View: Click the graph icon in the left sidebar
7. Backlinks: Check backlinks in the right sidebar

Recommended Customizations

Examples of customizations to make Obsidian easier to use:

1. Change the Theme: Select your favorite theme from Settings -> Appearance -> Theme
2. CSS Snippets: Add your own style settings to customize the look
3. Core Plugins: Enable necessary functions (e.g., Daily Notes, Templates, Outline)
4. Community Plugins: Add from Settings -> Community plugins (e.g., Calendar, Dataview)
5. Templates: Set up templates for frequently used notes
6. Hotkeys: Assign shortcut keys to frequently used functions.

8. Summary

Strengths and Weaknesses of Obsidian

Strengths:

• Local-first (Data ownership, privacy)
• High data longevity with Markdown format
• Knowledge network construction through bidirectional links
• High customizability
• Free for personal use
• Rich plugin ecosystem
• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)

Weaknesses:

• Somewhat steep learning curve (a bit difficult for beginners)
• No real-time collaborative editing feature
• Web clipping requires a plugin
• Management of images and attachments is slightly complex

Recommended For

Obsidian is particularly recommended for the following types of people:

• Those who want to build a long-term knowledge base
• Those who value privacy and data ownership
• Those who want to organize knowledge by utilizing links
• Those seeking highly customizable tools
• Those who want to take notes in Markdown format
• Those who want to manage complex projects or research
• Those who want to build a "Second Brain"

Obsidian is not just a note-taking app; it is a tool that expands your thinking and connects your knowledge. It might feel a bit difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it will become an extremely powerful "Second Brain." Let's master it little by little and organize the knowledge of our carrot fields, pyon!

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How was it? I hope "Obsidian for Rabbits" has conveyed even a little bit of Obsidian's charm. Please nurture your own forest of knowledge, pyon!