Obsidian
Profile in progressA second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Obsidian is built for users who want a local-first knowledge base operating on a folder of plain text Markdown files. It stands out for privacy and data control since notes are stored directly on your device with full offline access. Key capabilities include bidirectional linking to build a knowledge graph, a visual graph view for discovering insights, and extensive customizability through community plugins and themes.
Because exact pricing plans are not detailed in the provided facts, check their pricing page at https://obsidian.md/pricing for current tiers. Additionally, the listed platform is limited to Web, so users seeking specific native mobile or desktop apps should review compatibility carefully before committing.
Features
Local-first
Obsidian stores your notes locally on your device, giving you full control over your data and enhancing privacy.
Markdown Support
Obsidian uses Markdown, making it easy to format text and compatible with many other text editors and tools.
Bidirectional Linking
You can create bidirectional links between notes, which helps in building a knowledge graph and navigating related information more easily.
Customizability
Obsidian is highly customizable with community plugins, themes, and various settings to fit different workflows.
Graph View
Provides a visual graph view of your notes and their connections, aiding in understanding relationships and discovering insights.
Offline Access
Since the notes are stored locally, you can access and edit them without an internet connection.
Screenshots
Obsidian vs. its alternatives
| Obsidian |  Evernote |  Standard Notes | TiddlyWiki | Typora | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | — | — | — | — | — |
| Platforms | — | — | |||
| Listed features | 6 | 5 | — | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
How much does Obsidian cost?
Exact pricing details are not listed in the facts, so check their pricing page at https://obsidian.md/pricing for current plans.
What is Obsidian used for?
Obsidian is used as a second brain and powerful knowledge base to store, organize, and connect notes locally on your device.
What platforms does Obsidian support?
According to the provided facts, Obsidian supports the Web platform.
How does Obsidian handle note formatting and organization?
Obsidian uses Markdown support for text formatting and offers bidirectional linking to build a knowledge graph of related information.
Can I use Obsidian without an internet connection?
Yes, because notes are stored locally on your device, Obsidian provides offline access so you can view and edit your files without internet.
What are the best alternatives to Obsidian?
Alternatives include Evernote, Standard Notes, TiddlyWiki, Typora, and Joplin. You might prefer Joplin or Evernote if you are looking for different note-taking ecosystems.
Alternatives to Obsidian
Evernote
Bring your life's work together in one digital workspace. Evernote is the place to collect inspirational ideas, write meaningful words, and move your important projects forward.
Notion
All-in-one workspace. One tool for your whole team. Write, plan, and get organized.