> ## 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.

# Launcher Configuration

> Configure the PortableApps.com launcher for Obsidian Portable

## Overview

Obsidian Portable uses the PortableApps.com Launcher to manage the portable execution environment. The launcher configuration is defined in `ObsidianPortable.ini`, which controls how Obsidian runs and manages data paths.

## Configuration File Location

The launcher configuration file is located at:

```
ObsidianPortable/
└── App/
    └── AppInfo/
        └── Launcher/
            └── ObsidianPortable.ini
```

## ObsidianPortable.ini Structure

The configuration file contains several sections that control the launcher behavior:

### \[Launch] Section

The `[Launch]` section defines the core execution parameters for Obsidian Portable.

```ini theme={null}
[Launch]
ProgramExecutable=Obsidian.exe
ProgramExecutable64=Obsidian.exe
ProgramExecutableARM64=Obsidian.exe
CommandLineArguments=--user-data-dir="%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData"
DirectoryMoveOK=yes
SupportsUNC=yes
```

#### Configuration Parameters

<ParamField path="ProgramExecutable" type="string" required>
  The main executable file name for 32-bit systems. Set to `Obsidian.exe`.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="ProgramExecutable64" type="string" required>
  The executable file name for 64-bit systems. Set to `Obsidian.exe`.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="ProgramExecutableARM64" type="string" required>
  The executable file name for ARM64 systems. Set to `Obsidian.exe`.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="CommandLineArguments" type="string">
  Arguments passed to Obsidian on startup. Configures the user data directory to ensure portable operation.

  Default: `--user-data-dir="%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData"`
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="DirectoryMoveOK" type="boolean">
  Allows the portable app to function correctly even if moved to a different directory.

  Default: `yes`
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="SupportsUNC" type="boolean">
  Enables the app to run from UNC network paths (e.g., `\\server\share`).

  Default: `yes`
</ParamField>

### Path Correction Sections

Obsidian Portable uses four `[FileWrite]` sections to automatically update file paths in the configuration when the portable app is moved between drives or directories.

#### \[FileWrite1] - Initial Data Directory

```ini theme={null}
[FileWrite1]
Type=Replace
File=%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData\obsidian.json
Find=INITIALDATADIR
Replace=%PAL:Drive%%PAL:PackagePartialDir:DoubleBackslash%\\Data
```

Replaces the initial placeholder `INITIALDATADIR` with the actual data directory path on first run.

#### \[FileWrite2] - Package Directory Update

```ini theme={null}
[FileWrite2]
Type=Replace
File=%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData\obsidian.json
Find=%PAL:LastDrive%%PAL:LastPackagePartialDir:DoubleBackslash%\\
Replace=%PAL:Drive%%PAL:PackagePartialDir:DoubleBackslash%\\
```

Updates paths when the package is moved to a different directory location.

#### \[FileWrite3] - PortableApps Base Directory Update

```ini theme={null}
[FileWrite3]
Type=Replace
File=%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData\obsidian.json
Find=%PAL:LastDrive%%PAL:LastPortableAppsBaseDir:DoubleBackslash%\\
Replace=%PAL:Drive%%PAL:PortableAppsBaseDir:DoubleBackslash%\\
```

Updates paths relative to the PortableApps.com base directory when moved.

#### \[FileWrite4] - Drive Letter Update

```ini theme={null}
[FileWrite4]
Type=Replace
File=%PAL:DataDir%\ObsidianAppData\obsidian.json
Find=%PAL:LastDrive%\\
Replace=%PAL:Drive%\\
```

Updates the drive letter when the portable app is moved to a different drive (e.g., from `E:` to `F:`).

<Note>
  These FileWrite sections ensure that vault paths and other references in `obsidian.json` remain correct when you move your portable installation between USB drives, network locations, or different computers.
</Note>

## Environment Variables

The PortableApps.com Launcher provides several environment variables that are used in the configuration:

| Variable                                        | Description                                                 |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `%PAL:DataDir%`                                 | The `Data` directory path within the portable app           |
| `%PAL:Drive%`                                   | The current drive letter where the app is located           |
| `%PAL:LastDrive%`                               | The previous drive letter from the last run                 |
| `%PAL:PackagePartialDir:DoubleBackslash%`       | The partial path to the package with double backslashes     |
| `%PAL:LastPackagePartialDir:DoubleBackslash%`   | The previous partial path with double backslashes           |
| `%PAL:PortableAppsBaseDir:DoubleBackslash%`     | The PortableApps.com base directory with double backslashes |
| `%PAL:LastPortableAppsBaseDir:DoubleBackslash%` | The previous base directory with double backslashes         |

## Custom Configuration

<Warning>
  Modifying the launcher configuration is for advanced users only. Incorrect settings may prevent Obsidian Portable from launching or cause data loss.
</Warning>

### When to Customize

You might want to customize the launcher configuration to:

* Change the location of the user data directory
* Add additional command-line arguments for Obsidian
* Modify path correction behavior for specific network environments
* Disable UNC support if running only from local drives

### Making Changes

1. **Backup the configuration file** before making any changes
2. Edit `App/AppInfo/Launcher/ObsidianPortable.ini` with a text editor
3. Test your changes thoroughly after modification
4. Keep a backup of the working configuration

### Example: Custom Data Directory

To change the data directory location, modify the `CommandLineArguments` line:

```ini theme={null}
CommandLineArguments=--user-data-dir="%PAL:DataDir%\CustomObsidianData"
```

Then update all `[FileWrite]` sections to reference the new directory.

## Additional Resources

* [PortableApps.com Launcher Documentation](https://portableapps.com/manuals/PortableApps.comLauncher/)
* [Obsidian Command Line Arguments](/advanced/command-line-arguments)
* [File Structure Reference](/advanced/file-structure)