Buzz
Finding a journaling app is easy, but selecting the right one from countless options can be overwhelming. Many apps restrict access to premium features through subscriptions and store your data on their servers, complicating the process of switching platforms. However, with Obsidian, you can journal without cost while retaining complete ownership of your notes.
Understanding How Obsidian Functions
Obsidian is a sleek, efficient, and cost-free note-taking tool that aims to stand out in a market dominated by giants like Notion, Evernote, and Apple’s Notes app.
The standout feature? You retain full control over your data. Unlike services like Evernote, which can alter subscription terms unexpectedly, Obsidian lets you store your notes as simple text files wherever you prefer—be it your local computer or cloud storage solutions like iCloud Drive or OneDrive. By managing your own storage, you gain access to all of Obsidian’s features for free. However, if you opt for Obsidian’s sync feature, it comes at a cost of $8 per month.
Obsidian boasts several standout features, with note-linking being a game-changer. Notes can be interconnected seamlessly, similar to web page hyperlinks, regardless of their folder location. By consistently linking notes, the app generates a visual map of your interconnected ideas. Additionally, a wide range of community plugins enhances its functionality.
Setting Up Obsidian for Journaling
While Obsidian is a robust and intricate knowledge management tool, its true strength lies in its writing environment. You can dive deep into its advanced features or simply focus on its core functionality as a note-taking app.
For beginners, Obsidian might seem daunting, but patience pays off. Once you familiarize yourself, its unique approach to note-taking becomes highly rewarding. After installation, set up your Obsidian Vault in iCloud Drive or OneDrive. Organize your folders via the sidebar, and use the Daily Note button (resembling a Calendar icon) to start journaling. Alternatively, access the Command Palette (Command/Control + P) to create daily notes effortlessly.
Obsidian immediately generates a new note in the current folder, prefixed with today’s date. You can then start writing your journal entry without delay. The app is Markdown-compatible, allowing you to use standard keyboard shortcuts for formatting. Additionally, the note supports images, links, tables, and checklists, making it versatile for daily planning and journaling.
As you grow more comfortable with Obsidian, exploring community plugins is highly recommended. Navigate to Settings > Community Plugins > Browse to discover plugins tailored to bullet journaling, task management, and more. For those who prefer quick, visual journaling, Obsidian Memos is an excellent plugin to enhance your experience.
