> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/Papela/Obsidian-Portable/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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:**

<CodeGroup>
  ```ini appinfo.ini theme={null}
  [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
  ```
</CodeGroup>

**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](/advanced/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...]
```

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

### 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

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

#### 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

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

<Note>
  **Application Files**: Files in the `App` directory may be replaced during upgrades. Never store user data in the `App` directory.
</Note>

<Warning>
  **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.
</Warning>

## 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](/advanced/launcher-configuration) - Detailed launcher configuration reference
* [Upgrading](/advanced/upgrading) - How to upgrade while preserving your data
* [Installation Guide](/installation) - Initial setup and installation