Smaller Features in Obsidian

So, in terms of smaller features that are available inside of Obsidian, let's take a look:

Audio Recorder

Obsidian has a bunch of useful plugins, but not all of them are switched on by default. One example is the audio recorder which allows you to attach audio files to your notes. This is a great time saver, especially for students or those who need to record thoughts quickly.

In our testing, the audio recorder worked well, but it lacks a transcription feature. This isn't surprising since transcribing audio would likely require a paid service due to the AI resources involved. However, you can switch the Audio Recorder on, as it's not activated from the start.

Canvas

One standout feature is the canvas modes, which allows you to add images, files, and notes into a visual workspace. Researchers, in particular, may find this feature invaluable for visualizing ideas.

Some users even set Canvas as their homepage to see an overview of their most-used notes. This feature can be great for connecting ideas and organizing information visually.

Community Themes & Hotkey

With over 150 themes, users can design Obsidian's look and feel to suit their preferences. This customization particularly appeals to writers who want a private and focused writing environment.

Lastly, hotkeys are a key feature in Obsidian, with over 170 available. These shortcuts allow you to customize your workflow and improve efficiency, making them a great feature for developers or users who prefer staying on the keyboard without constantly switching between mouse and keyboard.

Publish

Obsidian Publish is another feature worth noting. It's a great option for users who want to share their notes externally, such as hosting a digital garden, website, or wiki. This feature makes it easy to turn your notes into publicly accessible documents or sites.

Pros:

• Comes with PKM abilities
• Powerful graph view for networked notes
• Obsidian adds new features fairly regularly
• You can switch on and off features
• Free & easy access

Cons:

• Lacks project management
• Does not have database abilities

Pricing:

Obsidian is free to use with no limits; there is a $4 per month pricing for E2E notes & sync.

Is Obsidian fast to use?

In terms of performance, Obsidian proved to be one of the fastest applications we tested, especially when working offline. It handled tasks like creating new notes, moving content in Canvas mode, and using the graph view seamlessly.

We experienced no issues on Mac, and the app performed well without an internet connection, even allowing the use of features like the audio recorder, which is something not offered by many other apps.

What limitations does Obsidian have?

However, Obsidian has some limitations. The most significant challenge is the learning curve associated with knowledge management (PKM).

For new users, the links, graphs, and extensive plugin options can feel overwhelming. That said, for a free, locally stored system, the learning time is worth it if you’re looking for a powerful and customizable PKM tool. We recommend looking into some of the courses available, as well as engaging with the active Obsidian community, which can be a great resource for optimizing your experience.

How much does Obsidian cost per month?

Obsidian is free, but it offers a $4 monthly sync option for syncing across devices and a $8 monthly publish option popular with digital gardening.

Is Obsidian free?

You can use Obsidian for free as a local-first note-taking application.

Should I get Obsidian?

Obsidian is best suited for advanced note-takers.

If you need to connect notes or see how notes are linked, or if you need something more customizable and accessible, with security as a focus, then Obsidian could be your note-taking app. If you're on a budget too, Obsidian will be very attractive with their local-first approach to notes.

Obsidian is ideal for those seeking a free, offline-first PKM application with markdown functionality. It’s great for users who prefer raw, customizable note management. However, it’s not the best fit for everyone.

Suppose you want to simplify your note-taking system or move away from more complex apps like Evernote. In that case, Obsidian may be a good option, especially because it makes exporting notes easier due to its markdown structure.

That said, Obsidian does lack built-in collaboration features, which might be a drawback for users needing to work with others. But for personal notes, journaling, or project management, it serves a wide range of use cases. If you’re curious about other options, we have an Obsidian alternatives feature that might help you explore different tools.

Obsidian is one of the most customizable ways to take notes with plugins that can make your experience even more powerful while still using markdown notes.