How to Use Obsidian AI: Easy Plugin Guide in 2025

Ever feel like your notes are a jumbled mess? 

It’s super frustrating, right? 

Imagine trying to study for a big test and not being able to find that awesome note you took in class.

It’s a total time-waster! 

That’s where learning how to use Obsidian AI comes in handy.

Let’s learn how to make your notes work for you!

Setting Up

Okay, so you want to add some AI smarts to your Obsidian vault.

Cool! Here’s how you get started:

• Get Obsidian:
  • First, you need the Obsidian app on your computer. Just go to the Obsidian website and download it.
  • Install it like any other program.
• Open Your Vault:
  • Obsidian uses something called a “vault” to keep your obsidian notes organized.
  • Open your existing vault or create a new one.
• Find the Plugins:
  • Obsidian lets you add extra features called “plugins.
  • Go to settings, then click community plugins, then click browse.
• Install AI Plugins:
  • Search for the plugins you want. For example, search “AI” or “ChatGPT” to find your AI tool.
  • Click “Install” on the plugin you want, and then click “Enable”.
• Configure the Plugin:
  • Some plugins need settings adjusted.
  • You might need an API link from Openai if the plugin uses ChatGPT or other AI models.
  • You might have to set the AI assistant’s mode.
• Start Using AI:
  • Now, you can use the AI features.
  • You might use a command or a prompt to tell the AI integration what to do.
  • You can generate summaries or chat with your AI assistant.
• Understand the Interface:
  • Take a moment to understand the interface of the AI plugin.
  • This will help you use its capability to make smart connections within your notes.
• Test and Learn:
  • Try different things. See how the AI response helps your productivity and personal knowledge management.
  • This is a great tool for AI enthusiasts.

Using for Note-Taking

Okay, now that you’ve got the AI set up, let’s make it work for you.

Here are some cool things you can do:

• Quick Summaries:
  • Do you have a long article or lecture notes? Use the AI to make a summary.
  • This saves you time and helps you understand the main points fast.
• Brainstorm Ideas:
  • Stuck on a project? Ask the AI to help you brainstorm.
  • Just type in a prompt like, “Give me ideas for a science project about volcanoes.”
• Find Connections:
  • Obsidian is great at linking notes. AI can help you find even more connections.
  • This will transform your notes into a network of knowledge.
• Create Study Cards:
  • Need to study for a test? Use the AI to turn your notes into flashcards.
  • This makes studying way easier.
• Translate Stuff:
  • Reading something in another language? The AI can help you translate it.
  • This is super useful for research.
• Have a Conversation:
  • Many AI plugins have a chat mode.
  • You can ask questions and get answers right in your notes.
  • This is like having a study buddy that knows everything.
• Make Your Workflow Faster:
  • Using AI can really speed up your workflow.
  • You can get more done in less time.
• Example:
  • Imagine you’re writing a report. You can use the AI to:
    • Summarize your research articles.
    • Help you outline your report.
    • It even helps you find related information in your other notes.
• Your AI Assistant:
  • Think of the AI as your assistant.
  • It’s there to help you organize and understand your notes better.
  • You are the user, so make sure to take advantage of its abilities.

Advanced Techniques

Okay, you’ve got the basics down.

Now, let’s see how to really make AI work for you in Obsidian:

• Custom Prompts:
  • Don’t just ask general questions. Tell the AI exactly what you want.
  • For example, instead of “summarize this,” try “summarize this and list the main characters.”
  • This helps the llm give you the best response.
• AI with Other Plugins:
  • Obsidian has tons of plugins. Try using AI with other tools like Dataview or Templater.
  • You can make super-smart notes that organize themselves.
• Create Your AI System:
  • Think about what you do most with your notes.
  • Then, figure out how AI can help you do it faster.
  • You can create a system that is tailored to you.
• Analyze Big Chunks of Info:
  • Got a huge document? Use the AI to find patterns and connections.
  • This is great for research projects.
  • Pasting and Using LLMs:
    • Some plugins let you paste large texts directly to the llms.
    • This is great for analyzing large files.
  • Keeping Up with Updates:
    • AI changes fast. To stay up to date, you might want to subscribe to certain forums or blogs.
    • You can also check the plugin’s directory for updates.
• Not Everything is Automatic:
  • Remember, AI is a tool. You still need to use your brain.
  • Always double-check the AI’s work.
  • Don’t just manually accept every single output; take time to read it.

Tips and Best Practices

Alright, let’s talk about how to use Obsidian AI like a pro.

Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:

• Keep Things Organized:
  • Even with AI, you still need to keep your notes tidy.
  • Use folders and tags to keep things in their place.
  • Think of the AI as your helper, not your organizer.
• Make Your Prompts Clear:
  • The better your questions, the better the answers.
  • Be specific and give the AI all the info it needs.
  • Don’t be vague.
• Double-Check the AI:
  • AI is smart, but it’s not perfect.
  • Always read through the AI’s work and make sure it’s right.
  • It is a tool, not a replacement for your judgment.
• Stay Updated:
  • New AI plugins and features come out all the time.
  • Check the Obsidian forums and plugin pages to see what’s new.
  • The AI world changes fast.
• Know the Limits:
  • AI can do a lot, but it can’t do everything.
  • Please don’t rely on it for everything.
  • It is a tool to help you, not to do all the work for you.
• Be Ethical:
  • If you use AI to help you write something, make sure you give credit.
  • Don’t pretend the AI’s work is your own.
  • Always cite your sources.
• Experiment and Have Fun:
  • The best way to learn is to try things out.
  • Don’t be afraid to play around with the AI and see what it can do.
  • Find the best method that works for your workflow.

Wrapping Up

So, we’ve talked about how you can use AI in Obsidian to improve your note-taking.

You can summarize big chunks of text.

Find connections between your ideas, and even have a chat with your notes.

It’s like having a super-smart study buddy right inside your computer!

Don’t be afraid to try out different AI plugins and see what works for you. 

There are tons of people sharing tips and tricks. 

In the end, AI is a tool to make your life easier. 

Now, explore and see what awesome stuff you can do with your notes and AI. 

Frequently Asked Questions