What Nobody Tells You About Organizing Folders in Obsidian

Introduction

Organizing folders in Obsidian can often feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can create a system that works for you. This tutorial will guide you through different folder organization methods and concepts presented in the video by Nick Milo. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of how to set up your Obsidian vault to enhance your productivity and note-taking efficiency.

Step 1: Explore Your Obsidian Vault

• Open your Obsidian application and navigate to your vault.
• Familiarize yourself with the existing folder structure.
• Identify notes that need reorganization based on your workflow.

Step 2: Understand Different Note Systems

Nick Milo introduces several note organization systems. Here are three key systems you can implement:

Note System Zero

• This is a basic organizational structure with minimal folders.
• Focus on simplicity and ease of access.
• Ideal for users who prefer a straightforward approach without many categories.

Note System Two

• Introduces a slightly more complex structure with two main categories.
• This might include broad categories like “Projects” and “Reference.”
• Helps in distinguishing between active work and stored information.

Note System 22

• A more detailed structure that includes specific categories tailored to your needs.
• Consider creating folders such as “Ideas,” “Resources,” and “Completed Projects.”
• This system is beneficial for those who deal with a variety of topics or projects.

Step 3: Experiment with Folder Organization

• Try out different note systems and see which resonates with your style.
• Consider the following methods:
  • Random Attempts: Create folders based on immediate needs without overthinking.
  • PARA Method: Organize notes into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives.
  • ACE Method: Focus on Action, Context, and Energy to categorize your notes.

Step 4: Implement the PARA Method

• Projects: Current tasks or projects you are actively working on.
• Areas: Ongoing responsibilities you manage regularly.
• Resources: Information that supports your projects and areas.
• Archives: Completed projects and notes you may need later.
• Create separate folders for each category within your vault.

Step 5: Use the ACE Method

• Action: Organize notes based on actionable items or tasks.
• Context: Group notes by context, such as meetings or research.
• Energy: Consider how much energy you have for tasks and organize accordingly.
• Tailor your folder setup to reflect these aspects for better usability.

Step 6: Customize with Note System 75

• Download templates like Note System 75 from the provided resources.
• Use these templates to structure your notes effectively.
• Personalize the categories based on your unique workflow and preferences.

Step 7: Build from the Bottom Up

• Start with a basic organization and gradually refine it.
• As your collection of notes grows, revisit and adjust your folder structure.
• Ensure that your system evolves with your needs.

Conclusion

Organizing folders in Obsidian is a personal journey that requires experimentation and adaptation. By exploring different note systems like Note System Zero, Two, 22, along with the PARA and ACE methods, you can develop a customized setup that enhances your productivity. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you and to remain flexible as your needs change. Consider downloading templates and continuing to refine your organization strategy to keep your Obsidian vault effective and user-friendly.