Notes & Knowledge
Obsidian
By Dynalist Inc. · Company, Shida Li · Creator, Erica Xu · Creator
Build a linked personal knowledge base from Markdown files stored in folders you control.
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- iPadOS
- Android
Current normalized facts
Key facts
- Pricing
- Freemium
- Subscription
- No subscription required
- Offline
- Works offline
- Account
- Account optional
- Source
- Closed Source
- Local-first
- Yes
Editorial context
Why this app exists
Obsidian organizes linked notes as Markdown files in local vault folders.
CurioBeam’s view
Why we like it
The local vault remains useful without an account, while paid Sync and Publish are optional services rather than requirements for core use.
Product fit
Is it a fit?
Good for
- People who want a linked personal knowledge base built from Markdown files stored in folders they control.
Probably not for you if
- People who require a fully open-source product, a browser-first workspace, or built-in managed collaboration without optional services.
Facts & verification
These public labels come from CurioBeam’s normalized current-fact model. Unknown and planned capabilities are not presented as current facts.
- Pricing
- FreemiumChecked Aug 2026.
- Subscription
- No subscription requiredChecked Aug 2026.
- Offline
- Works offlineChecked Aug 2026.
- Account
- Account optionalChecked Aug 2026.
- Source
- Closed SourceChecked Aug 2026.
- Local-first
- YesChecked Aug 2026.
Editorial alternatives
Alternatives worth considering
Joplin
Better if you want a fully open-source notes app with flexible sync targets
Write notes and to-dos that stay available offline, with optional sync through your choice of service or server.
Standard Notes
Better if encryption-first notes and formal self-hosting matter more
Write encrypted notes in desktop, mobile, or web clients, with accountless offline use and optional sync or self-hosting.
Maker
About the maker
Next step
Ready to explore Obsidian?
Continue at the approved official destination.