Note-taking apps typically have pages, sheets, etc. But Obsidian has vaults – places on your local file system where all your Obsidian data is stored. With numerous themes and plugins, you can customize Obsidian vaults however you want, store whatever you need, and access your content even offline.
Obsidian works in a pretty straightforward way. The chances of getting lost on the platform are close to zero. Still, you might want to see how it works before committing to it. Thus, this article will guide you through Obsidian’s main feature – creating new vaults.
How to Create a New Vault in Obsidian on Windows
Obsidian has both Windows and mobile apps. You can also install Obsidian on MacOS and Linux, but unlike Windows, Android, and iOS, you need to do some additional steps. Nevertheless, the processes across these three operating systems are identical, and learning how to create a Windows vault is enough to navigate Obsidian on Linux and MacOS.
After downloading and installing the app on your PC, creating a vault in Obsidian requires only a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:
- Launch Obsidian on your computer.
- Once Obsidian opens, click “Create” next to “Create a new vault” in the pop-up window.
- Type in the vault name in the blank field next to “Vault name.”
- In the “Location” section, press “Browse” to find a place for your new vault.
Note: The vaults on your PC must be in the Obsidian folder. But you can also sync it with your Dropbox and have it in the Dropbox folder on your computer.
- In the pop-up window, select the folder where you want to keep your vault.
- Once you’re back to the Obsidian display, tap “Create.”
How to Create a New Vault in Obsidian on Mobile
As a mobile app, Obsidian is available both for Android in the Google Play Store and for iPhone and iPad in the App Store. The appearance and functioning of Android and iOS devices are nearly identical.
The only additional feature for iOS is that you can immediately sync the vault with your iCloud and allow access across multiple devices. In the case of Android, you have the option to “Setup Obsidian Sync” before you create the vault.
Still, setting up vaults on Android and iOS is the same and involves doing the following steps:
- Open Obsidian on your mobile phone.
- Press “Create new vault.”
- Enter the name of your vault in the empty field under “Vault name.”
- Tap “Choose.”
- Browse your folders and decide where you’re going to create your new vault.
- Once you settle on the location, tap “Use this folder.”
- Press “Allow” if the app asks you to allow Obsidian access to the current and future content stored in the folder you chose.
- Finish off by tapping “Create.”
Now you can create new files, go to other files, or see recent files in the vault. You can also remove a file, open graph view, create a new canvas, insert a template, open the command palette, and open the current day’s daily note.
How to Create a Vault From an Existing Folder
Apart from creating new vaults, you can also turn an existing folder into an Obsidian vault. This feature is quite useful since it eliminates the need for manually transferring all your content and data from an existing folder to a new Obsidian vault. Instead of rewriting or copying everything, you can just use a few simple clicks.
On Mobile
Creating a vault from an existing folder on your mobile phone includes the following steps:
- Enter Obsidian on your phone.
- Press “Open folder as vault.”
- Browse the folders on your phone.
- Once you decide on the folder, tap “Use this folder.”
- Grant access to Obsidian by pressing “Allow.”
- Click on the book icon in the top left corner to view all the existing files and folders in the vault.
On Windows
Turning an existing folder into a vault on your PC is just as simple as doing it on your phone. Here’s what it entails:
- Open Obsidian on your PC.
- Click “Open another vault” in the bottom left corner.
- Tap “Open” in the “Open folder as a vault” section.
- When the pop-up window opens, find the folder you want to transform into your new vault.
- Press “Open” and start creating as you usually would.
How to Manage Vaults in Obsidian
Once you create a new vault in Obsidian, you have various features to manage. You can rename your vault in the “More options” settings next to the vault. Removing or transferring a vault to another folder is possible by going to the same settings.
FAQs
Are vaults in Obsidian private?
Obsidian vaults are as private as regular folders on your computer or mobile phone. Still, Obsidian encrypts your data and doesn’t share it with third parties. You can also install various security plugins to protect your content further and ensure ultimate security.
How many vaults can I create in Obsidian?
In Obsidian, you can create multiple vaults. However, most users find one or two enough as they allow better linking and tagging. Users who prefer multiple vaults usually dedicate vaults to separate projects to minimize distractions and be able to focus on the task at hand.
Can I create a remote vault in Obsidian?
You can create a remote vault in Obsidian. But before that, you need to set up your Obsidian account with an email and a password and enable Obsidian sync. Then go to “Settings,” choose to create a remote vault, and connect to it.
Can I merge vaults in Obsidian?
Although you cannot directly merge two or more vaults in Obsidian, you can sync them. Experienced users recommend trying this out on the copies of your vaults first since it might not do what you’ve envisioned.
Keep Your Notes Safe and Sound With Obsidian
Obsidian is an excellent app for keeping up with your daily and work-related tasks. You can create simple checklists of what you need to bring with you on a trip or buy at the grocery store, or make elaborate plans for important events. With vaults, it’s also easy to interlink topics and organize your daily life. But the best part is that Obsidian is completely free for you to use.
Have you already tried creating a new vault in Obsidian? Did you do it over your computer or phone? Tell us in the comments below.
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