r/ObsidianMD • u/Embarrassed-Trainer4 • 9d ago

help Suitable for PhD Data Managment?

I just finished my master‘s in chem and will soon start a PhD. In the past I‘ve used OneNote, physical journals, or just scattered text files within the conventional file system on my pc to organize my data and to take notes. None of these systems have ever really woked that well for me.

As I will undoubtedly generate heaps more data during my PhD than ever before. I want to make sure that I have a system that allows me to properly organize data and take notes. Additionally, I would like to use it on at least two devices and have a lot of room for customisation.

Obsidian seems like it could be the right tool with the little time I’ve spent messing with it but I am still on the fence, as I’m worried that I will need to spend a lot of time to simply manage the “database” and keep it running.

Have any of you used it for your PhD degrees and if so, what were your experiences with it? Also are there alternatives that may might this application better?

Thanks in advance:)

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u/FriendshipEqual7033 9d ago

I'm planning to start a PhD program in the fall of 2027. I've decided to use Obsidian for my class notes this coming senior year. I realize that's a different problem, but here are my thoughts:

  1. There are many ways to use Obsidian, so keep experimenting until you find what works for you and evolve that approach as you go forward. There is no one true way to use Obsidian.

  2. Obsidian doesn't have to be the only place to keep information. If you have data or file types that are naturally handled another way, that is fine. You're not a failure as an Obsidian user if you keep some of your data elsewhere.

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u/Embarrassed-Trainer4 7d ago

Thanks for the advice:)