How to create a new vault in obsidian

Note taking apps usually 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 what you need, and access your content even offline.

Obsidian works in a fairly simple 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. Therefore, 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.windowsand mobile applications. You can also install Obsidian on MacOS and Linux, but unlike Windows, Android, and iOS, you need to take a few extra steps. However, the processes on 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 just a few steps. This is what you should do:

1. Start Obsidian on your computer.
   
2. Once Obsidian opens, click “Create” next to “Create a new vault” in the pop-up window.
   
3. Type the name of the vault in the blank field next to “Vault Name.”
   
4. In the “Location” p, press “Browse” to find a place for your new vault.
   Note:Your PC vaults should be in the Obsidian folder. But you can also sync it with your Dropbox and have it in the Dropbox folder on your computer.
   
5. In the pop-up window, select the folder where you want to save your vault.
   
6. Once you return to the Obsidian screen, tap “Create.”
   

How to create a new vault in Obsidian on mobile devices

As a mobile app, Obsidian is available for bothAndroid on Google Play Storeand toiPhone and iPad in the App Store. The appearance and operation of Android and iOS devices are almost identical.

The only additional feature for iOS is that you can immediately sync the vault to your iCloud and allow access across multiple devices. For Android, you have the option to “Set up Obsidian Sync” before creating the vault.

Still, setting up vaults on Android and iOS is the same and involves following the following steps:

1. Open Obsidian on your mobile phone.
   
2. Press “Create new vault”.
   
3. Enter the name of your vault in the empty field under “Vault Name.”
   
4. Tap “Choose.”
   
5. Browse your folders and decide where you will create your new vault.
   
6. Once you decide on the location, tap “Use this folder.”
   
7. Press “Allow” if the app asks you to allow Obsidian access to current and future content stored in the folder you chose.
   
8. Finish by tapping “Create.”
   

You can now create new files, go to other files, or view recent files in the vault. You can also delete a file, open the chart view, create a new canvas, insert a template, open the command palette, and open the daily note for the current day.

How to create a vault from an existing folder

In addition to creating new vaults, you can also convert an existing folder into an Obsidian vault. This feature is quite useful as it eliminates the need to manually transfer all content and data from an existing folder to a new Obsidian vault. Instead of rewriting or copying everything, you can use just a few clicks.

On mobile

Creating a vault from an existing folder on your mobile phone includes the following steps:

1. Enter Obsidian on your phone.
2. Press “Open folder as vault.”
   
3. Browse your phone folders.
   
4. Once you decide on the folder, tap “Use this folder.”
   
5. Grant access to Obsidian by pressing “Allow.”
   
6. Click the book icon in the upper left corner to view all existing files and folders in the vault.
   

On Windows

Converting an existing folder to a vault on your PC is as simple as doing it on your phone. This is what it entails:

1. Open Obsidian on your PC.
   
2. Click “Open another vault” in the lower left corner.
   
3. Tap “Open” in the “Open folder as vault” p.
   
4. When the pop-up window opens, locate the folder you want to transform into your new vault.
   
5. Press “Open” and start creating as you normally would.
   

How to Manage Vaults in Obsidian

Once you create a new vault in Obsidian, you have several functions to manage. You can change the name of your vault in the “More options” settings next to the vault. It is possible to delete or transfer a vault to another folder by accessing the same settings.

Frequent questions

Are the Obsidian vaults private?

Obsidian Vaults are as private as regular folders on your computer or mobile phone. Still, Obsidian encrypts your data and does not share it with third parties. You can also install various security plugins to further protect your content and ensure maximum security.

How many vaults can I create in Obsidian?

In Obsidian, you can create multiple vaults. However, most users find that one or two are sufficient as they allow for better linking and tagging. Users who prefer multiple vaults often dedicate them to separate projects to minimize distractions and allow them 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 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 can’t directly merge two or more vaults in Obsidian, you can sync them. Experienced users recommend testing this on your vault copies first, as it may not do what you had imagined.

Keep your notes safe and sound with obsidian

Obsidian is a great app to keep up with your daily and work tasks. You can create simple checklists of what you need to take on a trip or shop at the grocery store, or make elaborate plans for important events. With vaults, it’s also easy to interconnect topics and organize your daily life. But the best part is that Obsidian is completely free.

Have you already tried creating a new vault in Obsidian? Did you do it through your computer or phone? Tell us in the comments below.