Flattening Obsidian Tags for Better Workflow

In my ongoing quest to optimize my Obsidian workflow, I recently had a revelation that has drastically improved my process: flattening my tags. For the longest time, I’ve adhered to a hierarchical format with two specific types, “On” and “Type.” However, I’ve come to realize that this structure goes against the essence of tags and their intended purpose.

The Trouble with Hierarchical Tags

The hierarchical nature of my previous tag system posed numerous problems, specifically when it came to vocal transcription. As a regular user of Whispering, I found that dictating tags became an unnecessarily cumbersome task. Instead of prefacing each tag with “on” or “type,” I found it far more efficient to list all the different words that come to mind, without any additional qualifiers.

Embracing the Philosophy of Tags

By flattening my tags, I’ve not only streamlined my workflow but also embraced the true philosophy of tags. Tags are designed to help us easily locate and categorize information, and simplifying their structure makes them more effective in achieving this goal. By removing the hierarchical format, I can focus on the essential keywords without getting bogged down by a restrictive classification system.

Benefits of Flattened Tags

Flattening my Obsidian tags has offered several benefits:

1. Improved vocal transcription: As mentioned earlier, using tools like Whispering becomes much more manageable when I can simply list keywords instead of adhering to a rigid structure.
2. Easier navigation: Flattening my tags makes it simpler to navigate through my notes, as I no longer have to remember or follow a specific hierarchy.
3. Increased flexibility: A flattened tag system allows for more flexibility in organizing and categorizing my notes, making it easier to adapt and evolve as my needs change.

Conclusion

Overall, flattening my Obsidian tags has significantly improved my note-taking process, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re struggling with a hierarchical system. By embracing the true purpose of tags and simplifying their structure, you can enjoy a more efficient and flexible workflow that caters to your individual needs. So go ahead, flatten those tags, and discover the benefits for yourself!