My PKM environment comprises many apps, including Obsidian (notes), Arc (browser/internet), Airmail (mail), Drafts (text), OmniFocus (tasks), Fantastical (calendar), DEVONthink (reference/support), and Finder (folders/files). I focus on Apple technologies on macOS, iOS, and watchOS, as well as open source technologies like JavaScript, Swift, and Java.

Also, I use support apps that help me link and integrate actions from the other apps, such as Markdown (headings, lists, links), URL Schemes (deep links), Hookmark (mail / file links), Shortcuts (workflows / actions), Actions for Obsidian (Shortcut actions), Actions URI (Obsidian actions), Hazel (automation), Alfred (workflows), and Keyboard Maestro (automation).

I think that Obsidian is the best app for notes in my PKM system. Sometimes, there is a tendency to make it do more, like manage your tasks and calendars. There are some features available in Markdown, such as bullet, numbered, or even checkbox items that can mark items completed. Also, there are many plugins that add calendar features like daily notes and some that even incorporate tasks into your Obsidian notes, and they are quite sophisticated, such as Periodic Notes and Obsidian Tasks.

However, I don’t like the idea of making my note system into a task manager or calendar. I believe it’s better to use multiple apps that are each great in their area, rather than trying to making Obsidian do everything. I know it can be tempting, but I think it leads to unnecessary complications as you try to extend this further. I think the better solution is to integrate these other apps with Obsidian, so you have the best of them all together without diluting each one by making it something else.

I’m actively working on several efforts that help me integrate Obsidian with these apps:

• Arc
• Airmail
• Drafts
• Shortcuts
• URL Schemes
• Actions URI
• Actions for Obsidian
• OmniFocus
• Fantastical
• DEVONthink
• Hookmark
• Hazel

As I make progress, I will share my discoveries, tips & techniques, suggestions, and guidelines to help you with your own systems. This will be an incremental process, but I plan to focus on it quite a bit during LYT Workshop 13 throughout February 2024.