Question 1

Is this really free? What's the catch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100% free. No credit card, no hidden upsells during download. I created this guide because I want to help beginners avoid the mistakes I made. If you want to go deeper later, I have paid products. But this guide stands completely on its own.

Question 2

Do I need `Obsidian` installed before reading this?

Accepted Answer

No. The guide explains what Obsidian is and why it's different before diving into the how. You can read it first to understand the concepts, then download Obsidian when you're ready to follow along.

Question 3

How is this different from free YouTube tutorials?

Accepted Answer

YouTube tutorials are often scattered. You watch 10 videos and still feel confused because each creator has a different approach. This guide is structured as a complete learning path: from what Obsidian is, to your first notes, to understanding linked thinking. It's designed to build your confidence step by step, not overwhelm you with features.

Question 4

Will this teach me everything about `Obsidian`?

Accepted Answer

It covers the essentials you need to start with confidence. Think of it as your foundation. For comprehensive training with video walkthroughs and advanced techniques, check out the Obsidian Starter Course (2h20+ of video). For a complete vault system with templates and automation, see the Obsidian Starter Kit.

Question 5

I tried `Obsidian` before and gave up. Will this help?

Accepted Answer

Probably. Many people abandon Obsidian because they made common beginner mistakes: over-engineering, treating it like other apps, or drowning in plugins. This guide specifically addresses these pitfalls and gives you a cleaner path forward.

Question 6

What format is the guide?

Accepted Answer

PDF format. You can read it on your computer, tablet, or phone, and reference it anytime you need a refresher.

Question 7

Who wrote this guide?

Accepted Answer

I'm Sébastien Dubois. I created the Obsidian Starter Kit (used by >1K customers). I've been using Obsidian daily since 2020 and have a vault with over 10,000 notes. This guide covers what I wish I'd known on day one.

Question 8

Is this the same as the [Obsidian Starter Kit](/product/obsidian-starter-kit)?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a FREE beginner's guide to help you understand Obsidian. The Obsidian Starter Kit is a complete vault system with templates, plugins, automation, and structure. It's for people who want a ready-to-use system rather than building from scratch.

Question 9

Is this the same as the [Obsidian Starter Course](/product/obsidian-starter-course)?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a FREE written guide covering the basics. The Obsidian Starter Course is a video course (2h20+) that goes much deeper into Obsidian mastery and knowledge management best practices.

Question 10

Can I share this guide with others?

Accepted Answer

The guide is for personal use. If someone else wants it, please send them the link to download their own copy. It's free anyway, and it helps me understand how many people find it valuable.