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Overview

Obsidian Portable follows the PortableApps.com format with a standardized directory structure that separates the application files from user data, enabling true portability.

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Complete Directory Tree

ObsidianPortable/
├── App/
│   └── AppInfo/
│       ├── Launcher/
│       │   ├── ObsidianPortable.ini
│       │   └── splash.jpg
│       ├── EULA.txt
│       ├── appicon.ico
│       ├── appicon_16.png
│       ├── appicon_32.png
│       ├── appicon_75.png
│       ├── appicon_128.png
│       ├── appicon_256.png
│       └── appinfo.ini
├── Data/
│   ├── ObsidianAppData/
│   │   ├── obsidian.json
│   │   ├── Cache/
│   │   ├── Dictionaries/
│   │   └── [...other Obsidian data...]
│   └── PortableApps.comInstaller/
│       └── license.ini
├── Other/
│   ├── Help/
│   └── Source/
├── ObsidianPortable.exe
├── help.html
├── DONATIONS.url
├── LICENSE
└── README.md

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Directory Details

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App Directory

Contains all application-related files and metadata. This directory is typically replaced during upgrades.

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App/AppInfo/

Application metadata and launcher configuration. Key Files: 
[Format]
Type=PortableApps.comFormat
Version=3.7

[Details]
Name=Obsidian Portable
AppID=ObsidianPortable
Publisher=Papela & PortableApps.com
Homepage=https://portableapps.com/apps/office/obsidian-portable
Donate=https://ko-fi.com/papela
Category=Office
Description=Markdown note-taking app
Language=Multilingual

[License]
Shareable=true
OpenSource=false
Freeware=true
CommercialUse=true

[Version]
PackageVersion=1.11.5.0
DisplayVersion=1.11.5

[Control]
Icons=1
Start=ObsidianPortable.exe
BaseAppID=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe
BaseAppID64=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe
BaseAppIDARM64=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe
appinfo.ini - Contains application metadata including:
  • Application name, ID, and publisher information
  • Version numbers (current: 1.11.5)
  • License information
  • Control settings for the launcher
appicon files - Application icons in various sizes (16x16, 32x32, 75x75, 128x128, 256x256) EULA.txt - End User License Agreement

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App/AppInfo/Launcher/

Launcher-specific configuration and assets. ObsidianPortable.ini - Main launcher configuration file (see Launcher Configuration) splash.jpg - Splash screen image displayed during launch

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App/Obsidian/ (when installed)

This directory contains the actual Obsidian application files: 
App/Obsidian/
├── Obsidian.exe
├── resources/
├── locales/
├── chrome_100_percent.pak
├── chrome_200_percent.pak
├── icudtl.dat
├── resources.pak
└── [...other Electron/Chromium files...]
The App/Obsidian/ directory is not included in the source repository. It’s populated during installation or upgrade when you download the full Obsidian Portable package.

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Data Directory

Contains all user data and settings. This directory is preserved during upgrades.

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Data/ObsidianAppData/

The primary location for Obsidian’s user data, specified via the --user-data-dir command-line argument. Key contents: 
Data/ObsidianAppData/
├── obsidian.json          # Vault configuration and paths
├── Cache/                  # Application cache files
├── Dictionaries/           # Custom dictionaries
├── GPUCache/              # GPU rendering cache
├── Local Storage/         # Local storage data
└── Session Storage/       # Session data
obsidian.json - Critical configuration file that stores:
  • Paths to your vaults
  • Recently opened vaults
  • Application preferences
The obsidian.json file contains absolute paths to your vaults. The launcher automatically updates these paths when you move the portable app to maintain portability.

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Data/PortableApps.comInstaller/

Contains installer metadata: license.ini - License acceptance information for the PortableApps.com installer

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Vault Storage Locations

Obsidian Portable vaults can be stored in multiple locations: 
ObsidianPortable/
└── Data/
    └── Vaults/
        ├── MyVault/
        ├── WorkNotes/
        └── PersonalKnowledge/
Storing vaults in the Data directory ensures they’re included in the portable package and preserved during upgrades.

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Option 2: Alongside Portable App

USB Drive/
├── ObsidianPortable/
└── ObsidianVaults/
    ├── MyVault/
    └── WorkNotes/

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Option 3: Anywhere on the Same Drive

Vaults can be stored anywhere, but the launcher will update paths automatically only if they’re on the same drive as the portable app.

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Other Directory

Contains supporting files:

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Other/Help/

Help documentation and images for the help system.

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Other/Source/

Source code and build information for the portable launcher.

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Root Files

ObsidianPortable.exe - Main launcher executable. Run this file to start Obsidian Portable. help.html - HTML help file with information about the portable app DONATIONS.url - Link to support the developer LICENSE - GPL-3.0 license text README.md - Repository readme with version information and contribution guidelines

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Important Notes

Preserve During Upgrades: The entire Data directory is preserved when upgrading to a new version. Your vaults, settings, and cache remain intact.
Application Files: Files in the App directory may be replaced during upgrades. Never store user data in the App directory.
Manual File Operations: If you manually move or copy the portable app, ensure you copy the entire directory structure. Missing files may prevent proper operation.

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Configuration File Locations

Quick reference for key configuration files:
FilePathPurpose
Launcher ConfigApp/AppInfo/Launcher/ObsidianPortable.iniLauncher behavior
App MetadataApp/AppInfo/appinfo.iniVersion and app information
Vault PathsData/ObsidianAppData/obsidian.jsonVault locations and settings
License InfoData/PortableApps.comInstaller/license.iniInstallation metadata

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