Obsidian
1266 likes
Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.
Cost / License
- Freemium (Subscription)
- Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Snapcraft
- Microsoft Edge
- Google Chrome
- Flathub
- Safari
- AppImage
- Mozilla Firefox
Features
Highlights All activities
Obsidian News & Activities
Recent News
- Paul published news article about Obsidian
- Fla published news article about Obsidian
- Fla published news article about Obsidian
Recent activities
- athrvk liked Obsidian
- Linnet liked Obsidian
- Alexander Menzel liked Obsidian
mymemory added Obsidian as alternative to MyMemory.dev
Michal jantos added Obsidian as alternative to Return Editor- Bernhard-Schaffer liked Obsidian
The Windows setup for everyone (with freeware only) Will make Windows suck less
This is the apps for Windows 11 that I would recommend to anyone who just got a PC !
The same list for
macOS :
Linux kernel (GUI apps only) :
The Best (and the rest) of Personal Knowledge Management Software [2022] [Updated 2023]
I spend a ridiculous amount of time searching for a PKM tool that fits my organizational needs. Everything falls short. I want to help others on their own quests by compiling this list. Tags on AlternativeTo are helpful, but I wanted a place to keep a curated list with my own findings that others can contribute to.
Where I can, I have tried to answer the following important questions for each app:
- Is it open source?
- Is it offline-capable?
- Can blocks/notes exist in multiple locations?
As well as providing rough overall ratings (Scale of 1 to 5) for the following metrics:
- Organization: How does the app allow you to structure information? Is it flexible? Is it logical?
- User experience (UX): Is it easy to use? Is the interface designed in a way that is not just logical, but natural for the everyday user?
- Privacy: To the best of my (limited) knowledge, does this tool protect your personal data AND is it designed so that you can ensure the safety of your data yourself rather than relying on the app developers (trust, but verify).
Please comment with additions/suggestions, collaboration makes things better.
The macOS setup for everyone (with freeware only)
THIS LIST HAS BEEN DELETED DUE TO A BUG, SO IT MISSES SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS !
This is the apps for macOS that I would recommend to anyone who just got a Mac !
Some are the default that Apple offers but I tried to offers you free alternative to escape Apple Wall Garden if you need or want to
The same list for
Windows 10 & Windows 11 :
Linux kernel (GUI apps only) :
Official Links
Install from the command line
winget install -e --id Obsidian.Obsidianbrew install --cask obsidianflatpak install flathub md.obsidian.Obsidian
Developed by
Shida Li and Erica Xu Licensing
Proprietary and Freemium product.Pricing
Subscription ranging between $4 and $10 per month + free version with limited functionality.Rating
Average rating of 4.6Alternatives
384 alternatives listedNews
31 news article related to ObsidianBadge
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AlternativeTo Categories
Office & Productivity, Security & Privacy, Development, News & Books, Backup & Sync, File Management, Social & Communications, Education & Reference, Business & Commerce, Online ServicesApple AppStore
- Updated
- 4.48 avg rating
Comments and Reviews
A great knowledge tool based in simple markdown files. You're in charge of your own data.
Still has a way to go. Editing is not intuitive, and it frequently makes formatting mistakes. I constantly have to open the md files in an external text editor to correct the formatting. I had hoped the Draw.io plugins would work, but alas no. There's no way to create a diagram. Apparently you need to make a diagram externally and link it into your document.
I don't want to question your experience with Obsidian, but
I really like Obsidian because it's plain markdown files on disk is the whole pitch for me. My notes are a folder, so my own scripts and AI agents can read and write the same vault I open in the app, and nothing is locked in. The app itself stays out of the way, is fast, and the graph view is a nice bonus rather than the point.
The notetaking app that changed my life. It made me so much more efficient.
Local markdown files as the source of truth is the right call, and the plugin ecosystem is unmatched. It gets heavy once the plugins pile up, but plain files mean you can always walk away with your notes.
A powerful second brain with excellent linking, Markdown support, and local storage. It is flexible enough to build a durable knowledge base around the way you actually think and work.
I've used many note taking apps over the decades (including EverNote, OneNote, Notion). I landed on Obsidian and have been very happy with it. With the official Sync subscription, it works great across all my devices. Being able to sync all my notes offline on my mobile phone is critical for me (I'm often traveling without cell phone connection), and Obsidian handles that use case well.