itsnotes vs Obsidian

The task in common

Compare text-note storage and navigation without assuming plugin, Canvas or graph parity.

The smaller product scope

• Browse notes as a card grid or list, with tags, folders and month markers.
• Import an Obsidian vault ZIP or selected Markdown files; the documented importer handles note links and images.
• Optionally mirror notes to Markdown files; the database remains authoritative and conflicts are saved separately.

What needs a separate plan

• You run the application and PostgreSQL service, including backups and upgrades.
• A vault importer does not reproduce Obsidian plugins, Canvas documents or graph behavior.
• Optional AI features use your configured provider. A local deployment alone does not keep every AI request on your machine.

Sources & maker notes

• itsnotes — maintainer README and AI-build statement
• itsnotes product site
• itsnotes public demonstration
• Joplin product and platform scope
• Obsidian product scope