# how to install obsidian > [!ai]+ AI > > ## How to Install Obsidian > Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base application that works on local Markdown files. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install Obsidian on various operating systems. > ### For Windows > 1. **Download the Installer:** > - Visit the [Obsidian website](https://obsidian.md/). > - Click on the "Download" button. > - Choose the Windows version to download the installer. > 2. **Run the Installer:** > - Locate the downloaded `.exe` file (usually in your Downloads folder). > - Double-click on the installer file. > - Follow the prompts to complete the installation. > 3. **Launch Obsidian:** > - After installation, you can find Obsidian in your Start Menu or as a shortcut on your desktop. > - Open it and start setting up your vault. > ### For macOS > 1. **Download the Installer:** > - Visit the [Obsidian website](https://obsidian.md/). > - Click on the "Download" button. > - Choose the macOS version to download a `.dmg` file. > 2. **Install Obsidian:** > - Locate and open the downloaded `.dmg` file. > - Drag and drop Obsidian into your Applications folder. > 3. **Launch Obsidian:** > - Open Finder, go to Applications, and double-click on Obsidian. > - You may need to authorize it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy if it’s blocked by Gatekeeper. > ### For Linux > 1. **Download AppImage or Snap Package:** > - Visit the [Obsidian website](https://obsidian.md/). > - Click on "Download" and choose either AppImage or Snap package based on your preference. > 2. **Using AppImage:** > * Make AppImage Executable: > ```bash > chmod +x path/to/Obsidian.AppImage > ``` > * Run AppImage: > ```bash > ./path/to/Obsidian.AppImage > ``` > 3. **Using Snap Package:** > * Install Snapd (if not already installed): > ```bash > sudo apt update > sudo apt install snapd > ``` > * Install Obsidian: > ```bash > sudo snap install obsidian > ``` > 4. **Launch Obsidian:** > You can launch it from your application menu or by running `obsidian` from a terminal if installed via Snap. > ### Additional Tips: > - Make sure you have administrative rights when installing software. > - Regularly check for updates within Obsidian to ensure you have access to new features and bug fixes. > - Explore community plugins within Obsidian for additional functionalities tailored to your needs. > By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and start using Obsidian on your preferred operating system! # settings apply the following settings: in settings -> files and links ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623013719.png]] and ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623013749.png]] to ensure that your vault can easily be zipped and shared without breaking file paths. also ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623013823.png]] since obsidian is hyperlinked. for media storage, ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623013850.png]] then ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623013902.png]] and lastly, in "core plugins" ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623022142.png]] # hotkeys / shortcuts navigate to settings -> hotkeys, look for filter: field in the upper right corner: ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623015057.png]] set the following: type "explorer" in filter ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623014331.png]] type "nav" in filter ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623014347.png]] type "move" in filter ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623014417.png]] type "del" in filter ![[../../media/Pasted image 20240623014808.png]] also see [[installing obsidian plugins - text generator]] and [[installing obsidian plugins - whisper]] for custom hotkeys.