# Quick Start Obsidian can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Some of the greatest tools for a writer can be found in the vanilla version of Obsidian without any plugins or really any preferences different than the defaults. Below is a guide to get you set up with obsidian and get your vault ready to receive all the wonderful TTRPG content you want to put in it. If you're familiar with obsidian already, you might want to jump ahead and check out the [[Game Management Introduction|Game Management Tools]] or [[Templates Introduction|World Building Templates]]. ## Setting Up Obsidian 1. Obsidian can be downloaded at [Obsidian.md](https://obsidian.md/). Installing it goes like installing anything else you have on your computer. I'm not here to infantilize you. 2. When you open obsidian, you'll want to **create a new vault**. This is the place where all of your TTRPG files will be stored. Pretty straight forward. >[!tip] Creating a Vault >Obsidian creates folders and notes as actual folders and notes on your computer. The vault you're creating is just a folder. You could even create a folder in your favorite place and then tell obsidian, "hey create a vault inside this folder." So create it somewhere accessible. > >Also, if you want, put it in a folder that syncs to the cloud (like iCloud) so you can get it all on those sweet devices. 3. Create a note! Once your vault is created, you're basically good to go. Type something like "Hey this is my first note in here for writing and running Mörk Borg." Congratulations. You're using obsidian. ## File Organization How you want to organize your files as your vault grows is totally up to you. We're all coming from binders and trapper keepers full of scraps of notebook paper and graph paper ripped out of spiral notebooks, so whatever you do is going to be a step up. I've built out a fairly straightforward and simple file structure that you can check out in my [[Introduction to the Vault|Templated Vault]]. If you like what you see there, you can download just the basic folders here. OR you can check out the [[downloads]] page to see built-out vaults with some files in them too. Whatever you're thinking about doing, here are some things to consider while you have that think: - **Keeping all your files in one vault *is* a good idea.** Writing adventures in the same place you keep your game notes in the same place you have your compendium of information is a good idea because you can connect all that stuff together, literally, with links. It makes it super easy to reference things during writing, prep, or in-session. - **Try to keep it efficient, but don't sacrifice clarity for simplicity.** You want things to be easy to find manually but you also don't need to be afraid of creating 10,000 folders if that's what will help you organize since you can connect everything via links or some other method (or just do a global search with a plugin like [Omnisearch](https://publish.obsidian.md/omnisearch/Index_)). - **Set rules for your method of organization.** Put new notes in a "new notes" folder. Figure out if you want homebrew items to live with other items or in their own homebrew folder. Name things consistently. Using this application is an opportunity to put a lot of your brain into one big organizational machine but it will all feel a lot more useful if you keep it clean and treat it like a workspace instead of drop box of notes and ideas. ## [[Plugins]] If you're using any of my templates or tools or you just happened to stumble across my Obsidian tutorial, you're going to want to install plugins as soon as you get started. Plugins are tools built to enhance the functionality of Obsidian. They do all sorts of things, from building tables of data to running LLMs in your notes to syncing your online fantasy calendar to your Vault. There have been several fantastic TTRPG-specific plugins built (which was half the reason I started using obsidian in the first place). For a full list of recommended plugins and a brief explanation of what each can do for your game running, check out the [[Plugins|Plugins]] page. No matter what you use or how you choose to build your vault, here are a few I recommend you install right off the bat: - Omnisearch (not required) - Dataview - Templater - Advanced Tables (just for fun) - Meta Bind - Modal Forms - Style Settings (make it look pretty but not required) - Initiative Tracker - Fantasy Statblocks - JS Engine ### Installing Plugins Installing plugins is extremely easy. Very basically: search, install, enable (gotta remember to enable). In your Obsidian preferences, you'll find a view for **Community Plugins**. >[! example]- image of the community plugins pane >![[community plugins.png]] When you first open it up, you'll have to turn on community plugins. It's just a checkpoint to make sure you understand that you're installing things that are open source and outside the Obsidian organization. After turning on community plugins you can hit "Browse" and then search for plugins by name. Once you've found what you want, you can hit "**Install**" followed by "**Enable**". I recommend scrolling down and checking out the documentation for plugins you install as most have some sort of quick-start instruction. >[!example]- image of a cool plugin I found >![[installing a plugin.png]] **Check the [[Plugins|plugins]] page for some extra settings you need to enable to get it all to work the right way.** >[!warning] "Safe Mode" or "Restricted Mode" >Some plugins will request that you turn off Restricted Mode (found in the Community Plugins view). It's chill. Some of the plugins are just a touch outside the assumed parameters of what Obsidian can do. Also, this is just the thing you clicked when you enabled community plugins at the very begining.