Obsidian basics

Obsidian is a local folder of Markdown files with a powerful interface on top. Learn the few concepts needed to use the starter vault confidently.

All resources

Bottom line

You do not need to master Obsidian before using it. Know where files live, link related notes, capture quickly, and let your system grow from real work.

01 // First principle

A vault is a folder

Obsidian stores notes in a folder on your computer. That makes the content readable outside Obsidian and gives Cowork a clear folder to access.

Note

.md

A Markdown file. It remains readable as plain text and can be opened by many tools.

Vault

Folder

The top-level folder Obsidian opens and treats as one workspace.

Link

Relationship

A connection between notes using `[[Note name]]`, which creates useful navigation and context.

Property

Metadata

Structured information at the top of a note, such as date, status, project, or tags.

02 // Starter map

What each folder is for

Folder	Use it for	Example
Atlas	Knowledge worth keeping	A concept, reference, or lesson learned
Calendar	Anything tied to a date	Morning Brief, daily note, meeting notes
Efforts	Active projects and outcomes	A class project or personal workflow
Rough Notes	Fast capture before organizing	An idea dump or unfinished thought
AIOS	AI-facing context and procedures	Me.md, maps, skills, saved conversations
Templates	Reusable note starting points	Rough note or meeting template

03 // Three habits

Enough Obsidian to be dangerous

01
Capture before organizing
Put unfinished thoughts in Rough Notes so the filing decision does not interrupt the idea.
02
Link when the relationship matters
Type `[[` and choose a note. Link projects to context, decisions, and useful source notes.
03
Use templates for repeated shapes
A template removes blank-page friction and gives AI a predictable structure to work with.

04 // AI boundary

Give Cowork a useful scope

Connect the vault folder, not your entire computer.
Keep root instructions short and point them to deeper maps and skills.
Mark the current working note so an AI does not act on stale plans.
Keep personal context local and review it before sharing or publishing anything.

Official sources

Obsidian - Create a vault Obsidian - Internal links Obsidian - Properties Obsidian - Templates