How to move from Notion to Obsidian, step by step
Main topic: How to move from Notion to Obsidian · Facts checked 3 November 2026 — prices change, so re-check the official page before acting on them.
Last checked: 3 November 2026
The two methods, side by side
| API method | File method | |
|---|---|---|
| How it connects | Signs in to Notion with an integration token — needs internet | You export from Notion, then import the file |
| Databases | Converted to Obsidian Bases, formulas included | Do NOT become Bases |
| Database views | Only the primary view of each database imports | — |
| Linked data sources | Not imported | — |
| Best for | Database-heavy workspaces — Obsidian’s recommendation | Mostly page-based workspaces |
↔ Scroll this table sideways — the rest of the page stays put.
If you use the file method: the export comes first
The export matters more than the import. In Notion, go to Settings > Workspace > General > Export all workspace content, choose the format HTML, set it to Include everything, and turn on Create folders for subpages. Do not use Notion’s Markdown export — Obsidian says it leaves out important data. Then, in Obsidian’s Importer plugin, choose Notion (.zip), pick the exported zip, pick an output folder, and enable Save parent pages in subfolders. Import the whole workspace at once, so internal links can reconcile with each other. Menu names can vary slightly between app versions — if a label in your version reads differently, check for the matching option in your version before you proceed.
Step by step
- Back up first. Keep Notion exactly as it is until the check at the end passes — Notion stays your backup throughout.
- Choose your method. If databases matter, use the API method. If your workspace is mostly pages, the file method is fine.
- Import into a test vault. Create a throwaway test copy vault — never import straight into your main vault.
- Check the import. Work through links, pictures and attachments, databases and Bases, and properties, note by note.
- Move to the real vault. Only when the test import passes, repeat the import into your real vault — and rebuild any views and filters by hand where they did not come across.
What breaks
| What breaks | What actually happens |
|---|---|
| Databases (file method) | Pages import, but databases do not become Obsidian Bases. If databases matter, use the API method instead. |
| Database views beyond the primary view | The API method imports only the primary view of each database. Other views do not come across — rebuild them by hand. |
| Linked data sources | Not imported by the API method. |
| Some Notion formulas and text functions | Databases and formulas convert to Bases via the API method, but some formulas and text functions do not survive the conversion. Check them after import. |
| Shared and team workspace features | Notion’s shared and team workspace features do not carry into a personal Obsidian vault. |
↔ Scroll this table sideways — the rest of the page stays put.
Final check before you delete the old copy
- Open 10 notes in Obsidian and read them properly.
- Click 10 links and confirm each one lands on the right note.
- Open 5 pictures or attachments and confirm they load.
- Check tags and dates — and your note properties — on a sample of notes.
- Test search for a few words you know are in your notes.
Only when all five pass is it safe to treat the Obsidian copy as the real one. Until then, Notion stays untouched.
Questions people ask
Do I lose my Notion pages?
No. The Importer plugin copies your content into Obsidian — it does not delete anything from Notion. Keep Notion exactly as it is until the import passes the final check (links, pictures, databases and properties). Only stop using the Notion workspace once the Obsidian copy has passed.
Which method keeps databases?
The API method. It connects to your Notion account with an integration token and converts databases and formulas to Obsidian Bases. The file method does not preserve databases as Bases. Note the API method’s limits too: it imports only the primary view of each database and does not import linked data sources.
Why HTML and not Markdown export?
Because Obsidian says Notion’s Markdown export leaves out important data. For the file method, export the whole workspace as HTML instead (Settings, Workspace, General, Export all workspace content — format HTML, Include everything, Create folders for subpages), then import the zip with the Importer plugin.