Setup prerequisites

Prepare Node.js, the destination path, and your Obsidian decision before installation.

Overview

You need a compatible Node.js installation and a trusted local destination. Obsidian provides the full memory layer; without it, you can choose Dashboard-only, but full shared memory is unavailable. Setup time depends on whether Obsidian is installed and is only an estimate.

Check your runtime

You need Node.js 20 or newer. Run node --version and then npm --version to check your runtime. If a command is missing, fix the Node.js installation and executable path first; administrator privileges are not the default workaround.

Choose destinations and installation mode

Prepare a writable local destination and sources you are authorized to read. Use Obsidian for full memory; Dashboard-only has limitations. Back up existing data and compare the proposed destination with the location you intended.

When are you ready?

Continue when Node.js is compatible, the destination is known, and you have selected the tools and sources you need. Setup duration depends on existing installations and source count; no guaranteed or unmeasured duration is claimed.

Completion checklist

Before installation, confirm: 1. Node.js and npm commands run successfully. 2. You recognize the local destination and can write to it. 3. You own or are authorized to read the selected sources. 4. You have chosen Full or Dashboard-only mode. 5. Existing files are backed up.

Sources and next actions

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