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Local-first Markdown notes with optional paid Sync and Publish
Updated
Obsidian is a knowledge base app that stores notes as local Markdown files on your device. The core application is free with no sign-up, and paid services add encrypted sync and web publishing.
You write notes in Markdown inside a vault folder on your own device. Sync, if purchased, replicates the vault with AES-256 encryption, and Publish turns selected notes into a website. The company says it is 100% user-supported with no investor backing.
Individuals, students, researchers and writers use it for personal knowledge management. Organizations are asked to buy the Commercial license at $50 per user a year, and education and nonprofits get 40% off Sync and Publish.
The Obsidian app is free. Sync is $4 a month billed annually or $5 monthly. Publish is $8 a month annually or $10 monthly. Commercial is $50 per user yearly and Catalyst is $25 one-time. Sync and Publish have a 7-day refund window.
Alternatives include Capacities for object-based notes, Heptabase for visual notes, Goodnotes for handwritten notes, Napkin for idea capture, and AudioPen for voice notes.
Pricing Model
FREEMIUM
Starting Price
$4/mo
Free Options
Free version
| Feature | Free | Sync Popular | Publish | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core app, no sign-up | , | , | , | |
| Local Markdown storage | , | , | , | |
| Billed annually, $5 monthly | , | , | , | |
| End-to-end encryption, version history, shared vaults | , | , | , | |
| Billed annually, $10 monthly | , | , | , | |
| Publish notes to the web | , | , | , | |
| Commercial license: $50 per user a year | , | , | , | |
| Catalyst: $25 one-time | , | , | , |
Other
Storage
Productivity
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API Types
SDK Availability
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Developer Features
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Compliance Standards
SOC 2 Type II
EnterpriseISO 27001
EnterpriseGDPR Compliant
GlobalHIPAA
HealthcarePCI DSS
FinanceCCPA
PrivacyFedRAMP
GovernmentCSA STAR
CloudDeployment & Data
Data Residency Options
Verify with vendor for your specific region requirements.
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