File Structure

Complete directory structure of Obsidian Portable installation

Overview

Obsidian Portable follows the PortableApps.com format with a standardized directory structure that separates the application files from user data, enabling true portability.

Complete Directory Tree

ObsidianPortable/
├── App/
│   └── AppInfo/
│       ├── Launcher/
│       │   ├── ObsidianPortable.ini
│       │   └── splash.jpg
│       ├── EULA.txt
│       ├── appicon.ico
│       ├── appicon_16.png
│       ├── appicon_32.png
│       ├── appicon_75.png
│       ├── appicon_128.png
│       ├── appicon_256.png
│       └── appinfo.ini
├── Data/
│   ├── ObsidianAppData/
│   │   ├── obsidian.json
│   │   ├── Cache/
│   │   ├── Dictionaries/
│   │   └── [...other Obsidian data...]
│   └── PortableApps.comInstaller/
│       └── license.ini
├── Other/
│   ├── Help/
│   └── Source/
├── ObsidianPortable.exe
├── help.html
├── DONATIONS.url
├── LICENSE
└── README.md

Directory Details

App Directory

Contains all application-related files and metadata. This directory is typically replaced during upgrades.

App/AppInfo/

Application metadata and launcher configuration.

Key Files:

appinfo.ini

[Format]
Type=PortableApps.comFormat
Version=3.7

[Details]
Name=Obsidian Portable
AppID=ObsidianPortable
Publisher=Papela & PortableApps.com
Homepage=https://portableapps.com/apps/office/obsidian-portable
Donate=https://ko-fi.com/papela
Category=Office
Description=Markdown note-taking app
Language=Multilingual

[License]
Shareable=true
OpenSource=false
Freeware=true
CommercialUse=true

[Version]
PackageVersion=1.11.5.0
DisplayVersion=1.11.5

[Control]
Icons=1
Start=ObsidianPortable.exe
BaseAppID=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe
BaseAppID64=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe
BaseAppIDARM64=%BASELAUNCHERPATH%\Obsidian.exe

appinfo.ini - Contains application metadata including:

• Application name, ID, and publisher information
• Version numbers (current: 1.11.5)
• License information
• Control settings for the launcher

appicon files - Application icons in various sizes (16x16, 32x32, 75x75, 128x128, 256x256)

EULA.txt - End User License Agreement

App/AppInfo/Launcher/

Launcher-specific configuration and assets.

ObsidianPortable.ini - Main launcher configuration file (see Launcher Configuration)

splash.jpg - Splash screen image displayed during launch

App/Obsidian/ (when installed)

This directory contains the actual Obsidian application files:

App/Obsidian/
├── Obsidian.exe
├── resources/
├── locales/
├── chrome_100_percent.pak
├── chrome_200_percent.pak
├── icudtl.dat
├── resources.pak
└── [...other Electron/Chromium files...]

The App/Obsidian/ directory is not included in the source repository. It’s populated during installation or upgrade when you download the full Obsidian Portable package.

Data Directory

Contains all user data and settings. This directory is preserved during upgrades.

Data/ObsidianAppData/

The primary location for Obsidian’s user data, specified via the --user-data-dir command-line argument.

Key contents:

Data/ObsidianAppData/
├── obsidian.json          # Vault configuration and paths
├── Cache/                  # Application cache files
├── Dictionaries/           # Custom dictionaries
├── GPUCache/              # GPU rendering cache
├── Local Storage/         # Local storage data
└── Session Storage/       # Session data

obsidian.json - Critical configuration file that stores:

• Paths to your vaults
• Recently opened vaults
• Application preferences

The obsidian.json file contains absolute paths to your vaults. The launcher automatically updates these paths when you move the portable app to maintain portability.

Data/PortableApps.comInstaller/

Contains installer metadata:

license.ini - License acceptance information for the PortableApps.com installer

Vault Storage Locations

Obsidian Portable vaults can be stored in multiple locations:

Option 1: Inside Data Directory (Recommended)

ObsidianPortable/
└── Data/
    └── Vaults/
        ├── MyVault/
        ├── WorkNotes/
        └── PersonalKnowledge/

Storing vaults in the Data directory ensures they’re included in the portable package and preserved during upgrades.

Option 2: Alongside Portable App

USB Drive/
├── ObsidianPortable/
└── ObsidianVaults/
    ├── MyVault/
    └── WorkNotes/

Option 3: Anywhere on the Same Drive

Vaults can be stored anywhere, but the launcher will update paths automatically only if they’re on the same drive as the portable app.

Other Directory

Contains supporting files:

Other/Help/

Help documentation and images for the help system.

Other/Source/

Source code and build information for the portable launcher.

Root Files

ObsidianPortable.exe - Main launcher executable. Run this file to start Obsidian Portable.

help.html - HTML help file with information about the portable app

DONATIONS.url - Link to support the developer

LICENSE - GPL-3.0 license text

README.md - Repository readme with version information and contribution guidelines

Important Notes

Preserve During Upgrades: The entire Data directory is preserved when upgrading to a new version. Your vaults, settings, and cache remain intact.

Application Files: Files in the App directory may be replaced during upgrades. Never store user data in the App directory.

Manual File Operations: If you manually move or copy the portable app, ensure you copy the entire directory structure. Missing files may prevent proper operation.

Configuration File Locations

Quick reference for key configuration files:

File	Path	Purpose
Launcher Config	App/AppInfo/Launcher/ObsidianPortable.ini	Launcher behavior
App Metadata	App/AppInfo/appinfo.ini	Version and app information
Vault Paths	Data/ObsidianAppData/obsidian.json	Vault locations and settings
License Info	Data/PortableApps.comInstaller/license.ini	Installation metadata

Related Topics

• Launcher Configuration - Detailed launcher configuration reference
• Upgrading - How to upgrade while preserving your data
• Installation Guide - Initial setup and installation