I've been using [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) every day for 1.5 years. I love it, and recommend it highly. Previously I used Google Docs for ~10 years. Before that, I used Evernote for ~3 years. If you're switching notes app more than once a year, you're doing it (very) wrong. [^1] [^1]: I sometime run into people who appear to spend way too long on "meta" activities, especially trialling and switching to the hot new software thing. I'm not sure what motivates this, but it strikes me as clearly dysfunctional. When evaluating PKM software, the question "am I likely to use this for >5 years?" should be front of mind. I've not yet had time to write a proper note about Obsidian. For now, skim my pros and cons list below, then try [this intro and tutorial](https://www.teachingyouhowtolearn.com/2021/11/23/obsidian-rough.html). **Pros:** - Fast. - Extensible. - Community plugins or write your own. - Plugin ecosystem already impressive. - Database is just a folder of markdown files. No lock-in, proper backup is trivial (e.g. automatic hourly backups to Github, using a community plugin). - Themable - Community themes or write your own CSS. - Core feature design decisions (and technical decisions) very good. - Good sync between MacBook, iPad, Android. - [Obsidian Publish](https://publish.obsidian.md/), which powers this notes website. - Improving rapidly. **Cons:** - It's a <5 person team, they are relatively early. - Onboarding is a bit rough around the edges, learning curve could be better. - Some default settings are obviously wrong, especially on mobile (e.g. mobile quick action, mobile shortcut bar icon order). Most of these issues can be fixed via customisation. - There's no multiplayer mode. One day I'd love to have Google Docs-style comments and suggested edits. - Note titles cannot contain question marks. - They should clearly add more YAML support to the core, including a `title` parameter. Not sure why they are dragging feet on this. ## The competition **Roam** - I don't trust the founding team (especially on tech compentance and security). - Lots of great ideas, but bad execution on many important details. **Bear** - Apple devices only. - Dev team is slow. - Not customisable enough. - Missing features. **Craft** - Not customisable enough. - Files in cloud **Google Docs** - Built for a different use-case. - No bidirectional links. - Excellent collaboration features - Excellent cross-device sync **Notion** - More for project management than notes.