Connect Obsidian to Shift so you can merge all your web apps into your browser
Download ShiftWhat is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a local-first note-taking and personal knowledge management app. It stores notes as plain Markdown files in a user-controlled vault, giving users direct ownership of their files and the ability to work offline.
Obsidian includes bidirectional links, backlinks, graph views, full-text search, daily notes, templates, and a large community plugin ecosystem. It is popular with researchers, writers, students, and knowledge workers who want a flexible system for connecting ideas and building a personal knowledge base.
The core Obsidian app is free for personal and professional use. Optional paid services include Obsidian Sync for syncing notes across devices and Obsidian Publish for publishing notes to the web.
How Obsidian works in Shift
Adding Obsidian to Shift can help keep Obsidian-related resources alongside the other web apps and research tools you use throughout your day.
You can dedicate a Space to a research, writing, or knowledge-management workflow and keep supporting tools such as reference sites, project apps, communication tools, and cloud services organized together. This can make it easier to move between Obsidian-related work and the other tools that support your projects without managing everything across separate browser windows.
Alternatives to Obsidian
Users may consider alternatives depending on how they prefer to organize information or collaborate.
Logseq is an open-source, local-first outliner built around blocks, daily journals, and linked references. It is a good option for users who prefer block-based organization and outlining.
Notion is a cloud-based workspace that combines documents, databases, collaboration, and project management. It may be better suited to teams that need shared editing and structured databases.
Joplin is an open-source Markdown note-taking app with support for end-to-end encrypted synchronization through supported sync services. It may appeal to users who want a simpler cross-platform notes experience with control over how their data is synchronized.
FAQ
1. Why do some users switch away from Obsidian?
Some users prefer tools with simpler onboarding, fewer customization options, or more built-in collaboration features. Obsidian can become complex when heavily customized with themes and community plugins.
2. What are the downsides of Obsidian?
Obsidian’s flexibility can come with a learning curve, particularly for users who rely on plugins or create highly customized workflows. Teams looking primarily for browser-based, real-time document collaboration may also prefer a cloud-first platform.
3. How does Obsidian make money?
Obsidian is free to use, including for professional and commercial work. The company earns revenue through optional services such as Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish, along with optional Catalyst and Commercial supporter licenses.
4. Do you need a subscription to use Obsidian?
No. The core Obsidian app is free to use without a subscription. Paid services such as Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish are optional and add features such as encrypted device syncing, version history, collaboration on shared vaults, and web publishing.
