Obsidian Quick Start¶
Learn to navigate your vault in 10 minutes.
1. What is Obsidian?¶
Obsidian is your local knowledge base.
- All files are plain text (Markdown) stored on YOUR computer
- No cloud lock-in - you own your data
- AI agents (Claude Code) can read and write directly to these files
Think of it as: A smart folder system where everything links together.
2. The Vault Structure¶
Your vault is organized into numbered zones:
| Folder | Purpose | You'll Use For |
|---|---|---|
{vault.core} |
System files | Templates, settings (don't edit) |
{me.root} |
Personal workspace | Your profile, contacts, ideas |
{company.root} |
Your business | Services, pricing, knowledge base |
{company.clients} |
Client work | Projects, meetings, deliverables |
{resource.root} |
Research | Market data, references |
3. The Left Sidebar¶
The left sidebar is your navigation hub.
Top icons: - 📁 File explorer (folder view) - 🔍 Search (find anything) - ⭐ Bookmarks (quick access)
Tip: Click the folder icon to see all your files organized by folder.
4. Opening Files¶
Three ways to open a file:
- Click in the file explorer (left sidebar)
- Search with
Ctrl+O(orCmd+Oon Mac) - Click a link like README in any note
Pro tip: Ctrl+O is the fastest way. Just start typing the file name.
5. Understanding Links¶
Links connect your notes together.
| Syntax | What It Does |
|---|---|
[[Note Name]] |
Links to another note |
[[Note Name\|Display Text]] |
Link with custom text |
#tag |
Adds a tag for organization |
Example: 02_your_first_skill links to the next guide.
When you click a link, Obsidian opens that note.
6. The Right Sidebar¶
The right sidebar shows context about the current note.
Useful panels: - Backlinks: What links TO this note - Outgoing links: What this note links TO - Table of contents: Jump to headings
Tip: You can collapse it with the arrow if you need more space.
7. Where AI Outputs Go¶
Some workflows save files to your vault during the run; others just return the answer in the chat. When a file is saved, Claude shows the path in the run output. Typical destinations:
| Output Type | Typical Save Location |
|---|---|
| Mind maps, diagrams | Where you specify (or current folder) |
| Client work | {company.clients}[client-name]/ |
| Documents | Relevant folder based on content |
| Meeting notes | {me.meetings} or client folder |
Some skills auto-open the file in Obsidian; others don't. If a file doesn't open automatically, copy the path from the run output and open it via Ctrl+O.
8. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts¶
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl+O |
Quick open (find any file) |
Ctrl+P |
Command palette (all commands) |
Ctrl+E |
Toggle edit/preview mode |
Ctrl+N |
New note |
Ctrl+F |
Find in current note |
Ctrl+Shift+F |
Search entire vault |
Just remember Ctrl+O - it's the most useful one.
What's Next?¶
You now know enough to navigate. Time to run your first AI skill.
→ Continue to 02_your_first_skill