No more Untitled Document malaise
I'm writing this article right now in the Obsidian Markdown editor.
It's free, it's powerful, it's extensible, and it's a game-changer if you're looking to power-boost your written content creation.
If you're used to typing things in Word, or WordPress, or the Medium editor, download Obsidian here.
Install it and open your first vault, if you don't already have one.
Here are some beginner tips to adding goodness to your Obsidian vault.
1. New Note, and type your thought out
Almost too simple to write down, but just get the note in your vault.
Doing this will:
- Consolidate your note in a collection rather than a random slip of paper.
- Give it a fighting chance that you'll look at it again.
Call it raw material for your second brain.
2. Give that note a title
When you do CTRL-n for a new note, it's titled something like Untitled 4.
It's accurate — because you haven't titled it yet! — but it's not super-helpful.
Changing the title gives it much more context and you'll be reminded of the content a lot better when you see it in your vault again.
3. Put those notes into folders
By default, all of your notes go into the main vault.
Like putting papers into a filing cabinet without any folders.
Pretty soon it's a mess.
Some well-named folders tame the mess a bit.
4. A bulleted list
Obsidian is a Markdown editor, so it formats as you go with some simple syntax.
Type a dash and a space and you start a bulleted list.
Hit return, and the next bullet comes right up for you.
Now you can list all of those books you want to read, and it's formatted pretty nicely!
5. Writing an article? Format headings with octothorpes
You know … pound signs, number signs, hashtags. These things –> #
One pound sign and a space formats with Heading 1.
Add more pound signs for those inner headings.
So simple, and so nice to look at! No mousing around in the ribbon! (IYKYK)
6. Power-unleashing time! Make some links
I saved the best for last.
Let's say you have a “dogs are great” note, and a “cats are great” note.
Create another note “dogs and cats living together”.
Type two left brackets (the square ones).
Start typing “dog” and your “dogs are great” note pops up. (If you hit ENTER it should auto-complete. Easy!)
You just linked your “dogs are great” note.
Do the same with your “cats are great” note.
The note you just created now adds connectivity to your notes! It's a thought that draws on two other thoughts in your vault.
This is the start of how your notes can come alive in a second brain!
This is just the start, though!
If you played along and this exercise didn't scare you off, then I'm guessing you want more!
And there's a lot more power to be had with Obsidian!
I've developed a Starter Kit that gives templates, processes, and dashboards to help you build your second brain out in a way that reduces friction and makes it fun!
Check out the Obsidian Starter Kit for Content Creators here!
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash