# 10 Obsidian Tips That Are Super Useful  ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=0s) - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] is designed as a second brain system that focuses on speed and simplicity to help users quickly capture and manage their notes [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=0s). - The primary reasons for using Obsidian for notetaking are to care about productivity, efficiency, and simplifying one's workflow [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=8s). - Initially opening Obsidian for the first time can feel overwhelming due to the amount of features to learn, but it also has incredible potential to enhance information organization [(00:00:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=15s). - To help navigate the learning curve, a compilation of the top 10 Obsidian tips has been created, featuring tips that would have been helpful to know when starting out [(00:00:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=24s). ## Interactive Table of Contents [(00:00:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=38s) - Obsidian's interactive table of contents (TOC) is a useful feature for staying organized, especially for researchers, content creators, and individuals in fields such as marketing and academia dealing with complex data [(00:00:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=41s). - The TOC helps users navigate through long research documents or in-depth articles by automatically generating a table based on properly structured notes using headings and subheadings [(00:01:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=63s). - To use the TOC, users can click the outline button in the top right panel, allowing instant navigation through the document by clicking on relevant headings [(00:01:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=71s). - The TOC saves time in reviewing and updating notes, making it especially handy for those who write reports or maintain large documents [(00:01:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=80s). - If the outline gets in the way, users can click the button again to hide it [(00:01:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=88s). ## Automatically Update Internal Links [(00:01:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=92s) - Obsidian's linking feature is a key attraction, but it can be tweaked to make navigation smoother, especially when renaming files that have links to them across notes [(00:01:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=95s). - Renaming a file can normally break the links to that file across notes, requiring manual fixing, but this can be avoided by enabling the "Automatically update internal links" feature [(00:01:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=109s). - The "Automatically update internal links" feature allows [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] to automatically update all references to a file whenever it is renamed [(00:01:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=116s). - To enable this feature, go to Settings, then File and Links, and turn it on [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=126s). - Enabling this feature is a small but significant tweak, particularly for those managing a growing collection of notes [(00:02:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=132s). ## Hotkeys [(00:02:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=138s) - Memorizing a few Obsidian [[Keyboard shortcut | hotkeys]] can make a significant difference for individuals working with numerous notes or under tight deadlines [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=141s). - Hotkeys can be used to perform various actions, such as creating a new note with Ctrl + N or accessing the command palette instantly with Ctrl + P [(00:02:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=156s). - To customize hotkeys, go to Settings, then Hotkeys, and set preferred combinations, allowing for personalization of commands for common actions [(00:02:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=163s). - Customizable commands include adding tags or exporting to [[PDF]], making [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] more advanced, especially for busy professionals like project managers, students, or anyone juggling multiple tasks [(00:02:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=169s). ## Commands [(00:03:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=183s) - Obsidian allows users to quickly access various commands by pressing the slash key, similar to apps like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] [(00:03:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=186s). - Pressing the slash key instantly brings up a list of commands, enabling users to insert tables, images, or code blocks without taking their hands off the keyboard [(00:03:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=201s). - To enable the commands feature, users need to go to Settings, then Core Plugins, and switch on "Commands" [(00:03:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=209s). - Once enabled, users can press the slash key while writing or organizing notes to choose from a range of commands that make it easier to work with blocks of content [(00:03:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=217s). ## Canvas [(00:03:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=224s) - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] Canvas is a useful tool for brainstorming, particularly for creative professionals such as designers, writers, and marketers [(00:03:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=228s). - The canvas allows users to visually map out ideas, link them together, and see how everything connects [(00:03:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=230s). - It enables the placement of blocks, images, and notes on a virtual workspace that can be zoomed in and out of as needed [(00:04:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=241s). - To navigate the canvas, users can press control plus scroll to zoom or space plus left click to move around [(00:04:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=248s). - Obsidian Canvas is ideal for individuals who enjoy mind mapping or working on projects with many interconnected ideas [(00:04:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=253s). - The canvas can be thought of as a digital whiteboard where users can bring in existing notes, ideas, and images to create a long-term plan or outline [(00:04:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=260s). ## Properties [(00:04:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=270s) - Adding properties to [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] documents can help categorize and manage notes more effectively, particularly in a busy corporate environment where organization is crucial [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=274s). - Properties can be used to organize client files based on deadlines, topics, or statuses, making it easier to find and manage each note [(00:04:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=284s). - To add a property, press Ctrl+P and select "Add file property" from the command path, which enables filtering notes later since all property fields are indexed [(00:04:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=292s). ## Attachments [(00:05:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=305s) - Managing attachments can be a challenge in note-taking apps, especially when dealing with numerous images, [[PDF | PDFs]], or other files [(00:05:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=308s). - In [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]], attachments can be set to automatically be stored in a dedicated folder under the current directory, eliminating the need to search the entire system for a misplaced file [(00:05:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=317s). - To set up automatic attachment storage, go to Settings, then Files and Links, and select the default location for new attachments [(00:05:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=327s). - Create a subfolder specifically for attachments to keep them organized [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=332s). - This feature is particularly helpful for individuals dealing with a lot of media, such as content creators and journalists [(00:05:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=337s). ## Graph View [(00:05:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=344s) - Obsidian's interlinking and graph view capabilities are particularly helpful for individuals who prefer to see connections between ideas, such as researchers, content strategists, and writers working on large projects [(00:05:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=347s). - The graph view provides a visual representation of all notes and their relationships, making it easy to identify patterns and themes [(00:06:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=365s). - To link notes, users can simply type the name of another note, and [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] will show all notes linked to that particular one in the graph [(00:06:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=374s). - The graph view can be accessed by clicking on the graph icon in the left-hand panel or by pressing Ctrl+G [(00:06:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=382s). - The graph view displays a web of notes, allowing users to understand how all their thoughts are interconnected [(00:06:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=387s). - This feature is perfect for anyone working on research papers, novel plots, or product development strategies, as it gives a bird's eye view of their entire knowledge base [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=398s). ## Callouts [(00:06:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=404s) - Base callouts in [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] are a useful feature for drawing attention to important parts of notes, making them ideal for individuals who need to track key points, such as students, teachers, and project managers [(00:06:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=406s). - Callouts can be used to highlight critical information, including tips, warnings, or important notes, ensuring they stand out when reviewing content [(00:07:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=423s). - To add a callout, use a specific format in the note, followed by the type of callout desired, such as "note," "tip," or "warning" [(00:07:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=432s). - Using callouts makes notes more organized and visually easier to skim through, allowing for quick retrieval of important details [(00:07:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=436s). - Callouts are particularly useful for projects, enabling users to flag certain steps or instructions and easily revisit those points later without having to sift through all the content [(00:07:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=446s). ## Community Plugins [(00:07:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=457s) - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] Community plugins offer a wide range of additional functionality to enhance note-taking capabilities, allowing users to customize their workflow to the highest possible level [(00:07:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=460s). - Community plugins are particularly beneficial for individuals who like customizing their workflow, such as software developers, digital marketers, or power users, as they can drastically improve productivity [(00:07:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=471s). - Installing plugins can provide enhanced task management, add advanced markdown features, and turn Obsidian into a versatile tool that fits specific needs [(00:07:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=475s). - To start using plugins, users need to click on the settings button, navigate to the Community plugins tab, turn on the community plugins option, and click the browse button to explore available plugins [(00:08:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=486s). - Available plugins include daily note organizers, Pomodoro timers, task managers, and more, all of which can be integrated within the Obsidian workspace [(00:08:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=497s). - Once a plugin is installed, it becomes part of the Obsidian environment, making it easier to adapt the app to individual workstyles [(00:08:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjKKgctvx4&t=506s).