Decisions

  • Decided: Git-based sync via Obsidian Git plugin (free, works with existing GitHub repo)

User Tasks


Summary

Decide and set up how Obsidian vaults sync between devices (desktop, phone, VPS).

Problem / Motivation

The Opus vault (and Atlas vault) currently live only on the local machine. No sync means:

  • Can’t read vault content on phone (blocks FR-003 Learning Mode, FR-032 Phone Access)
  • Can’t sync to VPS when it’s set up (blocks FR-025)
  • Risk of data loss if the local machine fails
  • Can’t use Obsidian mobile as a capture tool

Proposed Solution

Choose a sync method and set it up early so all future work is sync-ready.

Options to Evaluate:

OptionProsCons
Obsidian SyncOfficial, conflict resolution, selective syncPaid ($4/mo), only Obsidian
Git push/pullFree, already have GitHubNot real-time, merge conflicts, binary files
SyncthingFree, real-time, peer-to-peerNeeds setup on each device, no central server
OneDrive / Google DriveFree tier, automaticConflict issues with Obsidian, can corrupt vault

Open Questions

1. Sync Method

Question: Which sync method to use?

OptionDescription
A) Obsidian SyncOfficial, best conflict resolution, $4/mo
B) Git push/pullFree, already set up, not real-time
C) SyncthingFree, real-time, more setup
D) Cloud DriveFree, automatic, conflict risk

Recommendation: For phone, Obsidian Sync or Syncthing are likely best. Git on phone is painful.

Decision: Git-based sync via Obsidian Git plugin. Free, works with existing GitHub repo. Quartz web viewer for read-only browsing. See vault/00_system/mobile-sync-guide.md.


Phase Overview

PhaseDescriptionStatus
Phase 1Decide on approach + set up for Opus vault
Phase 2Extend to Atlas vault + VPS

Phase 1: Decision & Setup —

Goal: Evaluate options, choose a sync method, and set it up for the Opus vault.

File / FeatureDetailsOwnerStatus
Evaluate optionsTest top 2 candidates with Opus vaultmvdone
Choose approachGit-based sync via Obsidian Git pluginmvdone
Set up syncFollow vault/00_system/mobile-sync-guide.mdmv
Test on phoneVerify vault is readable in Obsidian mobilemv
Document setupvault/00_system/mobile-sync-guide.md createdopusdone

Phase 2: Extend —

Goal: Apply sync to the Atlas vault and VPS.

File / FeatureDetailsOwnerStatus
Atlas vault syncApply same strategy to personal vaultmv
VPS syncEnsure vault syncs to VPS (pairs with FR-025)opus
Conflict resolutionDocument how to handle sync conflictsopus

Prerequisites / Gap Analysis

Requirements

RequirementDescription
REQ-1FR-025 (VPS) — for Phase 2 sync to server
REQ-2Obsidian mobile installed on phone

Current State

ComponentStatusDetails
Git repodoneFR-028 completed, GitHub remote set up
Obsidian desktopdoneVault open locally
Obsidian mobileNot yet set up

Gap (What’s missing?)

GapEffortBlocker?
Sync method decisionLowYes (blocks everything)
Sync configurationMedNo
Phone setupLowNo

Test

Manual tests

TestExpectedOwnerActualLast
Opus vault accessible on phoneVault opens in Obsidian mobilemvpending-
Desktop changes appear on phoneSync within reasonable timemvpending-
Sync method documentedSetup guide in vaultopuspending-
No data loss from syncFiles intact after sync cyclemvpending-

AI-verified tests

ScenarioExpected behaviorVerification method

E2E tests

ScenarioAssertion

Integration tests

ComponentCoverage

Unit tests

ComponentTestsCoverage

History

DateEventDetails
2026-02-27Promoted from ideaFrom vault/10_features/01_ideas/vault-sync-strategy.md
2026-02-27RenumberedFrom FR-023 to FR-020
2026-02-28ReformattedAligned to feature-request template
2026-03-20Decision madeGit-based sync chosen, mobile guide written, Quartz web viewer set up

References

  • FR-025 (VPS Deployment) — Phase 2 sync to server
  • FR-032 (Phone Access) — benefits from vault on phone
  • FR-028 (GitHub Integration) — git-based sync has low friction since git is already set up