What you will build
By completing this guide, you'll have:
- Claude Code installed on your computer
- A workspace folder structured by AI based on your actual work
- Obsidian running as your knowledge management layer
The entire process takes approximately 15 minutes and is fully reversible—no coding experience required.
What is Claude Code
Claude Code is a command-line interface tool by Anthropic that operates within a folder on your computer rather than in a browser window. Unlike the standard Claude chat interface, it can directly read, create, edit, and delete files within that folder. This approach streamlines knowledge work by eliminating the need to copy text back and forth between a chat window and your files.
Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:
- A computer meeting Claude Code system requirements
- Internet connection
- An Anthropic account with active Claude subscription or API access
- Obsidian installed from obsidian.md
Installation steps
1. Check system requirements
Visit the Claude Code setup page and verify your operating system version:
- macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac
- Windows: Settings > System > About
- Linux: Terminal command
cat /etc/os-release
2. Install Claude Code
Copy the recommended install command from the setup page for your operating system. This method includes automatic updates.
Open your terminal (Cmd+Space > Terminal on Mac; Windows key > PowerShell on Windows) and paste the command. Installation takes 1-2 minutes.
Verify installation by typing claude --version. If you see a version number, installation succeeded.
3. Create your workspace
Create an empty folder named "My Workspace" on your Desktop. Open a terminal inside this folder:
- macOS: Right-click the folder > New Terminal at Folder
- Windows: Open the folder, right-click empty space > Open in Terminal
- Linux: Right-click inside the folder > Open Terminal Here
4. Start Claude Code and build structure
Type claude in your workspace terminal. Claude Code loads with an interactive interface.
Describe your work and ask Claude Code to suggest a folder structure. Engage in conversation to refine it until satisfied, then request creation. Approve the file operations when prompted.
5. Initialize CLAUDE.md
Type /init in the terminal. Claude Code analyzes your folder and generates a CLAUDE.md file containing project context that loads automatically in future sessions.
6. Open in Obsidian
In Obsidian, select "Open folder as vault" and navigate to your workspace folder. All created folders and files appear in the sidebar. Browse the structure and install recommended community plugins through Settings > Community plugins.
Daily workflow
Split your screen with Obsidian on one side and the Claude Code terminal on the other. You can reference files using the @ symbol followed by the file path.
Claude Code can:
- Read any file in the folder
- Create new files and folders
- Edit existing files
- Delete files and folders (all destructive actions require approval)
Setting up backups
Choose one backup approach:
Option 1: Obsidian Git Plugin (recommended) Uses Git to save automatic commits. Install via Community plugins and configure daily commits.
Option 2: Local Backup Plugin Creates zip file backups on a schedule. Install via Community plugins and set to daily.
Option 3: Claude Code Git Sync Request Claude Code to help set up Git and GitHub integration with daily syncing.
Troubleshooting
"Command not found" after installation: Close your terminal window and open a new one. Type claude --version to verify.
Permission denied on macOS: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow terminal applications to run.
Next steps
- Type
/helpto explore available Claude Code commands - Customize your folder structure as you discover what works
- Create custom slash commands to automate repetitive tasks
- Consult the Claude Code documentation for advanced features