Joplin is free, open source, and encrypted by default, but its JEX format keeps it readable only by Joplin. Obsidian gives you local Markdown files plus a knowledge graph and plugins. Learn how to convert your Joplin notes to Obsidian in a few simple steps below.
Export your Joplin notes
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Open Joplin on your computer: Export is available in the Joplin desktop app.
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Export as Markdown: Go to File → Export all. Choose MD - Markdown (JEX is Joplin's own format and only Joplin can read it, so Markdown is the portable choice when moving out), pick a destination folder, and click Save. Each note comes out as its own .md file. On iPhone or iPad, compress the folder into a .zip file so Notes Convert can read it.
Convert your notes
With your notes exported, the conversion itself takes seconds. We'll use our app Notes Convert, the only notes conversion tool on the market, that runs entirely on your device. You can download Notes Convert here. It's free for 50 notes, and inexpensive for unlimited notes.
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Import into Notes Convert: Open Notes Convert and set the import format to Joplin. Click Open Folder… and select the folder you exported from Joplin, or click Open File… and select a .zip of that folder. Notes Convert reads them and keeps titles, text, and attachments.
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Choose Obsidian and convert: Pick Obsidian as the output format, click Convert, choose where to save your notes, and wait for the conversion.
Import into Obsidian
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Move the folder into place: Move the folder Notes Convert produced into where you want your notes stored — for example, Documents — and rename it if you like (for example, Obsidian Vault).
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Open the vault in Obsidian: Go to File → Open Vault…, click Open in the "Open folder as vault…" section, select the folder you moved, and click Open.
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Back in Obsidian: Your new notes appear in the file explorer immediately, links and all.
Done
Your Obsidian notes are ready to be used any way you want. Enjoy!
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