Obsidian × Codex Knowledge Base Starter

A starter structure for turning personal files into a local, searchable knowledge base with traceable source links.

Who this is for

For people who want AI-assisted knowledge retrieval without first designing a complete folder, template and operating-rule system.

Result

A local knowledge base that separates raw sources, reusable guidance and AI operating instructions.

Start here

  1. Open the same starter folder in Obsidian and Codex.
  2. Add your own source material to the designated intake area.
  3. Review the proposed synthesis before reusable knowledge is updated.
  4. Ask questions and follow the answer back to the synthesized page and raw source.

Add one source and ask one question

Add one Markdown or plain-text source, preserve it in the raw layer, review the proposed synthesis and ask a question. The answer must point through the knowledge page to the original source.

The operating rules are included, not left for you to invent

This is not an empty folder. It includes first-use guidance, Codex maintenance rules, a separated raw/wiki structure and reusable templates so the knowledge base can begin with an explicit operating contract.

Install Obsidian, then open the local folder

Obsidian provides the reading and navigation interface. The underlying knowledge remains local Markdown that can be inspected without depending on a proprietary database.

Ways to use the starter kit

Start with a small subject you will revisit: project decisions and retrospectives, study and research notes, content research, or tool and experiment records.

The durable result is not a single AI summary

Every update retains an immutable raw record, a readable wiki synthesis and a query path that can return to evidence. The layers have distinct permissions and responsibilities.

The workflow organises information; it does not replace judgement

Only deliberately added material is used. Missing evidence is reported as missing, knowledge changes require review and the package contains no private knowledge from another user.

Access and version

The fixed v1.0.0 package is available under the MIT License. It contains the empty structure, operating rules and synthetic demonstration material, never a private vault. Automated clean-room checks pass; independent non-owner usability validation is tracked separately and is not yet claimed.

Related content

This tool is connected to the Personal Knowledge System project, which documents the source, knowledge and control layers in more detail.

Limits

The workflow only uses material deliberately added by the user. Missing evidence must be reported as missing, not replaced with unverified web content.