If you are a power user of Notion, you may have considered moving to Obsidian for its note-taking features. While Notion is a project management tool, Obsidian is a powerful note-taking app that can be upgraded with plugins. However, moving from Notion to Obsidian can be a daunting task. Here is a guide to help you make the move.
Structure Your Information Architecture
Before exporting your notes from Notion, it's essential to structure your information architecture. This structure will ease the process of importing your notes into Obsidian. For instance, you can use the PolyInnovation Operating System, which you already have set up in Notion. Once you have a solid structure, you can export your notes.
Export Your Notes from Notion
Exporting your notes from Notion is easy. After clicking the export button on your Notion workspace, select Markdown as your export format. This format is compatible with Obsidian.
Import Your Notes into Obsidian
Importing your notes into Obsidian can be a bit tricky. Unlike Notion, which has a straightforward import feature, Obsidian requires some manual work. You can create a vault out of the exported folder, but you may end up with folders and notes that need cleaning up.
For example, every Notion page has a 32-digit file name at the end of your personally made title. This structure creates a nasty name string that you have to delete for every page. While there are tools that can simplify this process, they do not always work as expected.
Use Plugins to Enhance Your Obsidian Experience
Obsidian is a fantastic note-taking app that can be upgraded with plugins to enhance your experience. For instance, the Calendar Plugin provides a calendar view of your notes. The DB Folder plugin lets you create a folder for each database. The Longform plugin is ideal for writing long notes, while the Obsidian Clipper lets you clip web pages to your Obsidian vault.
Other useful plugins include the Obsidian Daily Notes Viewer, RPG Manager, Notetweet, Obsidian Google Lookup, and the Obsidian Kanban.
The Bottom Line
Moving from Notion to Obsidian is a big task. However, it's worth the effort. Obsidian's local nature means that you can combine your folder structure for your regular PC use and your second brain, cutting out the need for doing things twice. While the process can be frustrating, it's a journey worth taking.
