It uses any sync solution you want. SyncThing. Obsidian Sync. Heck, even Google Drive.
Share shit with Obsidian Publish, the two different third party plugins for Obsidian, or host it yourself if you need that much.
The internet is fake but computers are painfully real. Keep yourself safe.
Normal caps version
Obsidian is free. It sits on top of real files. On your computer. Forever. Not on someone else's computer where they can take your work away at any time.It uses any sync solution you want. SyncThing. Obsidian Sync. Heck, even Google Drive.
Share shit with Obsidian Publish, the two different third party plugins for Obsidian, or host it yourself if you need that much.
The internet is fake but computers are painfully real. Keep yourself safe.
Another alternative to Google docs for y'all! Obsidian is actually one I use on my phone for making lists and other basic stuff already, so I know it's decent for that.
I can't speak to it's usage on a computer or for long form writing as of yet but I'll try it out. Will also give the syncing solutions between devices a try as that is something I need.
I'll edit to update when I know more, but I feel confident that it is likely a workable alternative for some based on my limited knowledge so I'm reposting now for more visibility.
EDIT: I've just downloaded Obsidian on my windows computer, and after a little bit of toying with it, here's my personal conclusions as a long form creative writer who is used to Google Docs:
PROS
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If you're starting fresh and don't mind a bit of a learning curve coming from more traditional word processors, Obsidian is a decent option for you. It's got the basics for writing short form, writing notes, and making lists. If you're starting new, I think learning to work within Obsidian could mean that it stays your favorite app for a long time.
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It's very aesthetically pleasing. Built in dark-mode, lovely purple accents.
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Has a mobile app that is just as visually pleasing and has all of the same functionality as the desktop app. It's very nice, I've used it for quite some time to make lists and jot down notes.
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All of your files are YOUR files, and aren't stored on some kind of cloud. They are stored in your computer/phone, and you can move them in and out of Obsidian's file manager as you please.
CONS
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If you're coming from another writing app like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, and you're used to that format or have documents to import, it's a bigger loss. You can use Obsidian like a file organizer by turning on the ability for the app to recognize all file types in the settings, but you'll have to open your .odt or other non-Obsidian file types using a separate processor like LibreOffice. Which is fine, but not ideal.
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If you want syncing between devices, you'll have to either pay monthly for Obsidian Sync, or use a third party sync option. If you're fine with that, this isn't a con for you, but it is for me. I already know this app isn't going to work for me, so I haven't tested either syncing option. If you have used either of them, please add your insights to this post! :)
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There are options for document sharing, also, but again: Obsidian Publish is a monthly subscription, and the other options are third party. The prices for both Obsidian Share & Sync are low enough to be inoffensive, and I don't begrudge the developers needing to get paid, but this is unfortunately a deterrent for me. I have limited funds, so paid options don't work for me no matter how low the cost.
OVERALL CONCLUSION:
Obsidian is a very pretty, completely functional writing app. If you don't need, or don't mind paying for the addition of sharing & syncing (or using third party options), I think this app is great for you. It's not got every bell and whistle built in, but it gets the job done. If you're not interested in a cloud service like Google Docs or Zoho Writer (what I am now using) offers, but you want to organize your files better and already use a separate word processor like LibreOffice, then I think Obsidian is perfect for you.





