How to Create and Use Templates in Obsidian

“Templates transformed the way I work in Obsidian — no more starting from scratch every time!”

If you’re like me, sometimes starting a new note feels like a blank page stare-down. Where do I even begin? That’s where templates come in — reusable note structures that save time and keep your vault consistent.

Let me walk you through how to create templates in Obsidian and ways to use them that’ll make your note-taking flow effortlessly.

Why Use Templates?

Templates let you:

Standardize note formats (journals, meeting notes, projects)Quickly insert repeated info like headers, tags, or promptsKeep consistency in structure and style across your vaultSave tons of time so you focus on content, not formattingHow to Set Up Templates in Obsidian1. Enable the Templates Plugin

Go to Settings > Core Plugins and enable Templates.

2. Create a Templates Folder

Make a folder named Templates or anything you like in your vault.

3. Create Your Template Notes

Inside this folder, create notes with the structure and placeholders you want to reuse.

Example:

# Daily Journal - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}

## Morning Thoughts -

Mood: -

Goals for today:

## Evening Reflection -

Wins: -

Challenges:

#tags #journal #daily

4. Configure Template Folder in Settings

Under Settings > Templates, set the folder location for your templates.

5. Use Templates in Notes

In any note, press Ctrl+P (or Command+P) to open the command palette and search for “Insert template.” Pick the template you want, and Obsidian will insert it with placeholders filled automatically.

Popular Templates to Start WithDaily Notes — journaling prompts, mood tracking, task listsMeeting Notes — attendees, agenda, action itemsProject Templates — overview, goals, milestones, resourcesBook Notes — author, summary, key takeaways, quotesIdea Capture — quick note format with tags and priorityUsing Template Placeholders

Obsidian templates support dynamic placeholders:

{{date}} — inserts current date{{time}} — inserts current time{{title}} — inserts current note’s titleCustom date formatting like {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}

Using placeholders automates repetitive tasks so you don’t have to type the same info daily.

Tips for Template MasteryKeep your templates simple and adaptable — you can always customize after insertion.Use tags in templates to keep notes organized automatically.Combine templates with daily notes plugin for routine journaling or planning.Explore community plugins like Templater for advanced scripting and automation.Regularly update templates as your workflows evolve.Conclusion

Templates are like your note-taking shortcuts, making Obsidian faster and more consistent. Whether you journal, plan projects, or capture ideas, setting up just a few templates can save you hours.

Try creating your first template today — I promise it’ll be a game-changer.

 What’s your favorite template to use in Obsidian? Any cool hacks? Share below!

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