ObsidianLinux
vs
Google KeepWindows
Obsidian as a Linux alternative to Google Keep
Updated
Our verdict
Obsidian is not a direct replacement for Google Keep for most casual users. It excels as a local, markdown-based knowledge base with deep linking and customization, but lacks built-in sync, reminders, and collaboration features out of the box. If you take detailed, interconnected notes and don’t rely on quick reminders or sharing, Obsidian can work with plugins and paid sync. However, users wanting Google Keep’s simplicity, real-time sharing, and cross-device push sync will find Obsidian too complex and limited without significant setup. It’s better suited for self-hosted, privacy-focused power users, not casual note-takers.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary=https://obsidian…
- Price
- freemium
- Latest version
- 1.15.0 (October 31, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support text notes and to-do lists
- Support tagging and color-coding via CSS or plugins
- Allow image attachments and embedded file previews
- Enable organization through user-defined structure and links
- Available on desktop and mobile platforms
What is different
- Obsidian lacks built-in reminders and location-based notifications
- No native collaboration or real-time sharing between users
- Sync requires optional paid service or manual setup, not automatic like Google Keep
- Notes are stored locally as Markdown, not stored by default in the cloud
- OCR text extraction from images is not supported
Opening your Google Keep files
There is no direct way to import Google Keep notes into Obsidian, as Google Keep does not export in Markdown or plain text by default. You can export Keep notes as JSON or HTML via Google Takeout, but converting them into usable Markdown files requires custom scripting or third-party tools. Image OCR data from Keep is not preserved in exports. Obsidian can import plain text files, so post-processing is necessary. No official tool supports this workflow, and results vary based on formatting complexity.
Switching from Google Keep to Obsidian, step by step
- Export your Google Keep notes using Google Takeout in JSON or HTML format
- Use a script or tool like 'takeout-to-markdown' to convert exported notes
- Organize converted Markdown files into a single folder
- Open the folder in Obsidian as a new vault
- Install plugins like 'Calendar' and 'Sync' if needed for reminders and cloud sync
Key features of Obsidian
- Local plain‑text markdown storage
- Bidirectional linking and graph view
- Support for CommonMark, GFM, LaTeX, mermaid, footnotes
- Tagging system and embedded file previews
- Community plugin ecosystem (20+ official plugins)
- Built‑in demo vault and extensive documentation
- Optional Catalyst license for insider builds
- Flatpak distribution with easy install
How to install Obsidian on Linux
flatpak install flathub md.obsidian.Obsidiansudo pacman -S obsidianFrequently asked questions
Can I sync Obsidian across devices like Google Keep?
Yes, but not by default. You need to use Obsidian Sync (paid), a third-party service like iCloud or Syncthing, or set up manual sync via Git. Unlike Google Keep, sync isn’t built-in or free.
Does Obsidian support reminders and checklists like Google Keep?
Checklists are supported natively in Markdown. Reminders require the 'Calendar' plugin or third-party tools, as Obsidian has no built-in reminder system.
Can I share notes with others in real time?
No, real-time collaboration isn't supported. You can share Markdown files manually, but there's no equivalent to Google Keep's sharing or commenting features.
5 other alternatives to Google Keep
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