TextGen is a free, open-source AI plugin designed for Obsidian, the popular markdown-based note-taking app. It brings intelligent content generation features directly into your writing environment by allowing users to interact with powerful language models like GPT-4, Claude, Bard, and local LLMs. With just a few commands or templates, you can generate text, summarize content, create outlines, and brainstorm ideas—all without switching apps or breaking your creative flow.
TextGen integrates seamlessly into Obsidian’s UI, letting users automate repetitive writing tasks, improve productivity, and collaborate using a growing library of templates. It’s ideal for writers, researchers, students, and knowledge workers who want the power of AI embedded into their daily workflow.
| TextGen Review Summary | |
| Performance Score | A+ |
| AI Technology | GPT-4, Claude, Bard, LLaMA, Local LLMs |
| Purpose of Tool | Embed AI into Obsidian for fast content generation |
| Interface | Seamless plugin within Obsidian markdown UI |
| Compatibility | Obsidian (desktop); supports multiple APIs |
| Pricing | Free and open-source |
Who is Best for Using TextGen?
- Obsidian Users: Enhance productivity by generating outlines, content, and summaries directly inside their vaults with zero context-switching.
- Writers: Create ideas, drafts, and creative prompts using custom AI templates designed for fiction, non-fiction, and journaling.
- Researchers: Summarize long notes, extract insights, and auto-generate report structures using LLM-powered commands in markdown.
- Students: Use the plugin to study more efficiently by auto-generating study guides, flashcards, and topic summaries in seconds.
TextGen Key Features
| Obsidian-native plugin integration | Support for GPT-4, Claude, Bard, and more | Free and open-source with active community |
| Customizable AI templates | Community-driven template sharing hub | Works with local and remote LLMs |
| Context-aware generation within vaults | Markdown-based, no external platform switching |
Is TextGen Free?
Yes, TextGen is completely free and open-source. Users can install it from the Obsidian community plugin directory and connect to their preferred AI model APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic). No hidden fees, no subscriptions—just the cost of API usage depending on your chosen model.
TextGen Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% free and open-source plugin
- Supports multiple popular and local AI models
- Fully integrated with Obsidian note-taking
- Community-driven template ecosystem
- Easy to customize and expand
Cons
- Requires manual API key configuration
- Obsidian desktop app required to use
- Depends on third-party AI services for output quality
FAQs
Do I need a paid OpenAI or Anthropic account?
Yes, you’ll need your own API key for any external model you want to use, like GPT-4 or Claude.
Is TextGen safe to use with my notes?
Yes, TextGen runs locally in Obsidian and only sends data to your configured API—no third-party data storage involved.
Can I use TextGen offline?
Partially. You can use local models like LLaMA offline, but cloud-based models require internet and API access.
