TL;DR
The author struggled with Obsidian after following guides and filling a vault with unfocused notes. Simplifying to a single vault, creating a dated daily note as an inbox, using basic Markdown formatting, adding links organically, and postponing plugins made the app usable and sustainable.
What happened
After an initial period of watching tutorials and skimming Reddit, the author’s Obsidian vault quickly accumulated many notes but little meaningful organization. The turning point came when she stopped trying to design a perfect system and instead observed how she naturally captured ideas. She consolidated everything into one vault (a folder on a device), began creating a new note each day titled with that day’s date, and used the daily note as a low‑pressure inbox. Simple Markdown habits—headings, bullet points and checkboxes—kept entries readable. Backlinks (created with [[ ]) were added only when they felt useful, allowing connections to form organically. Plugins were avoided until a real limitation appeared. The pared‑back approach made Obsidian less intimidating, preserved local control of plain‑text files, and encouraged consistent use without upfront complexity.
Why it matters
- Lowering setup friction helps users start capturing ideas instead of configuring a perfect system.
- Using plain‑text Markdown keeps notes portable and easy to export or move between apps.
- A single local vault preserves file ownership and allows offline access.
- Delaying plugins prevents unnecessary complexity until clear needs emerge.
- Organic backlinks can build useful networks of notes without forced linking.
Key facts
- Author initially followed YouTube videos and Reddit threads, then filled a vault with unfocused notes.
- A vault in Obsidian is a folder on your computer or phone that stores all notes.
- The author began creating one new note per day and titled it with that day’s date to lower decision overhead.
- Simple formatting habits used: headings (##), bullet points (-), and checkboxes (- [ ]).
- Markdown is the lightweight syntax Obsidian uses, which aids portability and plain‑text storage.
- Backlinks are links between notes; typing [[ brings up a menu of existing notes to link.
- Plugins were installed only after the author identified a real limitation, rather than at the start.
- Obsidian can be used offline and stores notes locally, giving the user control over files.
What to watch next
- Whether the daily note habit naturally evolves into separate project or topic notes over time, as patterns emerge.
- How and when you encounter real limitations that justify adding specific plugins rather than following recommendations.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Vault: A folder on your device where Obsidian stores all note files; it represents your entire local note collection.
- Markdown: A lightweight plain‑text formatting syntax used to add headings, lists, checkboxes and other structure to notes.
- Backlink: A link from one note to another in Obsidian; the app tracks these connections so you can see where a note is referenced.
- Plugin: An add‑on that extends Obsidian’s features; plugins can add functionality but also increase complexity.
Reader FAQ
Do you need a complex folder and tag structure to use Obsidian?
No. The author simplified to a single vault and fewer folders/tags, using daily notes as an inbox instead.
Are backlinks required to organize notes?
No. Backlinks are optional; the author added them when they felt useful and let connections form organically.
Should beginners install lots of plugins?
The author advises waiting: install plugins only when you encounter a limitation you need to solve.
Is Obsidian dependent on an internet connection?
Obsidian can be used offline and stores notes locally, according to the author.
I used Obsidian wrong for months. Here's the setup that finally stuck Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Zernova / Shutterstock By Anu Joy Published 16 minutes ago Anu is…
Sources
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