Obsidian
FreeA private note-taking app that works on a local folder of plain Markdown files, with linking and a large plugin library.
About Obsidian
Obsidian is a note-taking and knowledge-base app that stores everything as plain Markdown files in a folder you control. Notes can be linked to each other, and the app shows backlinks and a graph of connections, which suits building a personal knowledge base.
It runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. Recent updates add Bases, a database-style view that can show notes as tables, cards or kanban boards. A large plugin and theme ecosystem lets you extend it, and the files remain readable in any text editor, so you are not locked in.
Obsidian is free for personal use, and the Google Play listing shows no ads or in-app purchases. Optional paid services such as sync and publishing exist, but we do not quote prices here. It suits people who value local files, privacy and customisation. The trade-off is a learning curve: you build your own system rather than getting a ready-made one. The core app is proprietary rather than open source.
Pick a simple folder structure first and add plugins slowly. Back up the vault folder like any other important files.
Version history
2 releases tracked- Windows: Bases adds Hide column to kanban menu
- Search matches full item paths
- Outline works for files opened outside vault
- iOS: Includes all new features and bug fixes up to Obsidian Desktop 1.14.4
Frequently asked
Is Obsidian free?
Yes for personal use. Optional paid services such as sync are sold separately.
Does it need an account?
No. You can use it with local files and no account.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Notes are local files, so it works without a connection.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to obsidian.md or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.