Can I self-host obsidian?
Yes, you can absolutely self-host Obsidian for data synchronization and access, primarily using community plugins like Self-hosted LiveSync (with CouchDB/S3/R2) or Remotely Save (S3/MinIO), or even SyncThing for peer-to-peer syncing, offering free alternatives to Obsidian Sync by giving you full control over your notes' location and privacy. These methods involve setting up a server (like Docker or a Raspberry Pi) and configuring plugins to connect your devices, with options for web access via containers like Quartz or direct sync.Can you host Obsidian yourself?
Our self-hosted Obsidian sync setup has three main parts: CouchDB, Docker, and Pinggy, tied together by the LiveSync plugin. CouchDB powers real-time replication, making it ideal for syncing notes. Everything runs in Docker containers, so the setup works the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux.Does Obsidian run locally?
Obsidian stores notes locally on your device so you always have access to them, even offline. To access your notes on multiple devices you need to set up a sync method. This guide covers common sync methods, including tips to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth experience.Can I run Obsidian offline?
Obsidian is designed to work even without an internet connection. When you're flying or in a remote location, you still have access to your files.Is Obsidian not free anymore?
Anyone can use Obsidian for work, for free. If Obsidian benefits your organization, you can still purchase Commercial licenses to support development. Nothing else is changing.Selfhost OBSIDIAN Notes + SYNCTHING to sync across devices | Self-Hosted Lab Series
Is there a better alternative to Obsidian?
There's no single "better" app than Obsidian; it depends on your needs, with top alternatives like Notion (all-in-one, databases), Logseq (outliner, open-source), Anytype (local-first, privacy), Tana (structured notes, productivity), Capacities (simpler, less tinkering), Joplin (open-source, privacy), and Roam Research (networked thought) offering different strengths for knowledge management, focus, or collaboration. Obsidian excels at deep linking, local Markdown files, and customization, but alternatives shine if you want less complexity or specific features like AI, databases, or simple outliners.What are the downsides of Obsidian?
- Persistent reliability issues, such as corrupted notes and app crashes. - Extensive permissions required to access and manage all files on a phone, seen as a security risk. - Some users experience a learning curve, especially those with basic programming skills.Is Obsidian better than Evernote?
Evernote is easier for quick, multimedia-rich notes with strong search (OCR) and collaboration, using traditional notebooks/tags, ideal for general users. Obsidian excels at building interconnected knowledge bases (a "second brain") with powerful markdown, bidirectional linking, a visual graph view, and deep customization via plugins, perfect for researchers, writers, and privacy-focused users who prefer local-first data.Is Obsidian 100% free?
Obsidian is free for everyone to use. We offer optional paid licenses to support our development and provide additional benefits.What is Obsidian mostly used for?
In ancient times, obsidian was used for cutting tools and weapons, like blades and arrowheads. Well-crafted obsidian blades can be as sharp as surgical steel scalpels. Today, obsidian is used as a gem or ornamental stone.Is Obsidian just a Markdown editor?
Obsidian is both a Markdown editor and a knowledge base app. Used in the most basic way, you can edit and preview Markdown files.Is it legal to collect Obsidian?
The Free Use Authorization allows a visitor to collect a predetermined amount per year of obsidian for their own personal use. This obsidian may not be sold or traded. Collection for resale is a violation of the Free Use Authorization permit.What is the best self-hosted VPN?
For the best self-hosted VPN, WireGuard (via tools like PiVPN, Tailscale/Headscale) is top for speed and simplicity, while OpenVPN offers battle-tested reliability and broad compatibility, especially with Pritunl for a user-friendly interface. Other strong contenders include NetBird for zero-trust mesh networking and SoftEther for multi-protocol versatility, with Algo VPN offering easy deployment for cloud setups.Can you actually forge Obsidian?
(also sorry that this did not go into the discord, please feel free to delete) Obsidian's an extremely cool material and makes for immaculately sharp, although brittle, knives. As it is volcanic glass, you do not forge it, and a blacksmith would know that it is not a type of metal.Can I host Obsidian on GitHub?
This template gives you an easy (and automated) way to publish your Obsidian notes (or blog!) on your Github pages. With this template, you get these out-of-the-box: an awesome website based on Material theme, complete with a search bar (Checkout this template repo published here)Is there a free alternative to Obsidian?
So, if you're looking to find an application that suits your needs better than Obsidian, we've got you covered. Here are some of the top alternatives you might consider: NotePlan, Evernote, OneNote, Notion, Roam Research, Joplin, Google Keep, Simplenote, Dropbox Paper, and Bear.How much is 1 lb of Obsidian worth?
Obsidian price per pound varies widely, from around $2.27 to $8+ for common black obsidian (bulk rough) to potentially $20-$50+ per pound for rare rainbow or fire obsidian, depending on quality, color, if it's polished, and seller; you can find it for as little as a few dollars per pound for raw chunks or much more for specific cuts or unique specimens, says theyogamandala.com, colemanquartz.com, and RoughStone.Rocks LLC.Is Obsidian legal?
Obsidian is free for both personal and commercial use; they offer paid premium services (Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish), an optional commercial license, and the Catalyst license, which grants users access to beta versions of Obsidian.What was the downfall of Evernote?
Evernote's ambition was both its strength and its downfall. In an attempt to be everything for everyone, it became bloated. As the app added more and more features, the interface started to feel cluttered. The promise of simplicity was lost amid constant updates, redesigns, and shifting functionality.Why do I prefer notion over Obsidian?
If ease of use means having built-in features, and you don't want to customize Obsidian by adding plugins to access those features, Notion might be a better fit. If you are comfortable with Markdown and want a tool that is solely focused on note-taking, choose Obsidian.Why is Obsidian so hard?
The high viscosity inhibits the diffusion of atoms through the lava, which inhibits the first step (nucleation) in the formation of mineral crystals. Together with rapid cooling, this results in a natural glass forming from the lava. Obsidian is hard, brittle, and amorphous; it therefore fractures with sharp edges.What are 5 uses for Obsidian?
Obsidian has been used across history to make weapons, implements, tools, ornaments, and mirrors. Because of its conchoidal fracture (smooth curved surfaces and sharp edges), the sharpest stone artifacts were fashioned from obsidian.Is Markdown still relevant?
What do designers and devs love more than a clever shortcut or a clean UI? A tool that's simple, versatile, and gets out of your way. Markdown fits the bill. Born more than 20 years ago, it's still going strong in 2025—clean, readable, and ridiculously flexible.
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