How to import Zim notebooks into Obsidian
Convert your Zim pages to Markdown, then put the resulting files in your vault.
How to import Standard Notes into Obsidian
Export a decrypted JSON backup and convert supported records into Markdown notes. As of October 2026, Obsidian reads local Markdown, and its import guide lists no dedicated Standard Notes route. Standard Notes Import reads a supported backup in your vault and keeps source tags, UUIDs and date strings.
Background
A Standard Notes backup stores note records and tag references in JSON rather than separate Markdown files. Standard Notes Import supports legacy backups without a version field and version 004, with defined plain text and Markdown editor shapes.
2 ways to do it
Copy selected notes into Markdown
Create a Markdown note and copy the text you want to keep from Standard Notes. Obsidian's syntax guide explains how to add headings, lists and links.
Use this route when you want to review each note as you move it. Add your tags and source dates yourself if you need them.
- limits
- Manual copying doesn't join backup tag records or retain source UUIDs for you. Check the copied text and formatting yourself.
Standard Notes Import from this site
Copy a decrypted JSON backup into your vault and run Import a decrypted backup. Choose a destination and select Check backup to read planned paths and skipped records before writing.
The importer creates Markdown from supported Note records and joins their Tag references in either direction. Repeat imports skip UUIDs already present in vault notes, while Pro previews changes for manual review.
- limits
- Encrypted content, rich editor conversion and attachment downloads are outside this version. The preview doesn't merge or replace existing notes.
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Check your backup with Standard Notes Import
Export a decrypted JSON backup from Standard Notes and keep a separate copy.
Copy the backup into your vault and run Import a decrypted backup from the command palette.
Choose the file and destination, then select Check backup.
Read planned paths and skipped records, then close the report.
Select Import notes and check the new Markdown files and source properties.
Common questions
Which backup version should I use?
Use a decrypted backup with no version field or with version 004. The input needs an items array. Other version fields are rejected.
How can I keep original dates?
The importer writes supplied date strings into source_created_at and source_updated_at. It doesn't set the file system dates or invent missing source dates.
Can I change tag folders after importing?
Pro rules choose folders for new records only. Existing UUIDs are skipped, and saving a rule doesn't move a note already imported.
Sources
- Obsidian help for importing noteshelp.obsidian.md
- Obsidian help for Markdown syntaxhelp.obsidian.md
You can now import Standard Notes into Obsidian.
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The plugin in this guide
Standard Notes Import
Import supported text, tags, UUIDs and dates from a decrypted JSON backup.