# How to Use Obsidian as a Zettelkasten: The Ultimate Tutorial Source URL:: https://mattgiaro.com/obsidian-zettelkasten/ Obsidian is a free tool to implement the Zettelkasten method of note-taking. This guide will show you how to get started. ## Highlights > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > How to Take Fleeting Notes in Obsidian > > > >A fleeting note is a note you capture on the fly. > > > >It can be an idea, a thought, or a valuable quote. You want to capture ideas quickly as soon as they arise so that you make sure to not lose them. > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > Obsidian is not very good at capturing ideas quickly. (There are some workaround but they’re far beyond this beginner guide. Remember, I want to keep things simple so that you can have a functioning workflow by the end of this guide.) > > > >This is why, I would encourage you to use a dedicated note-taking capturing tool. > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > However, to create a great permanent note, the goal is to rewrite everything in your own words (also called the Feynman technique.) > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > It’s time to create permanent notes. > > > >The word permanent is here for a reason. Think of those notes as permanent residents of your Zettelkasten. Technically speaking, Creating a permanent note is nothing else than described earlier in this guide when it came to “creating your first note.” You simply create a new note in Obsidian with the content of your fleeting note. > > > >However, to create a great permanent note, the goal is to rewrite everything in your own words (also called the Feynman technique.) > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > It’s time to create permanent notes. > > > >The word permanent is here for a reason. Think of those notes as permanent residents of your Zettelkasten. Technically speaking, Creating a permanent note is nothing else than described earlier in this guide when it came to “creating your first note.” You simply create a new note in Obsidian with the content of your fleeting note. > [!quote]+ %%Updated on Fri Dec 29 2023 12:51:15 GMT-0500%% > > The workflow I follow is quite simple: > > > >1- Reading and highlighting (you don’t need a tutorial for that) > > > >2- Importing your highlights into Obsidian. > > > >3- Distilling the information (rewriting/linking)