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Logseq offers three key advantages over Obsidian that are particularly relevant for daily note-taking. For starters, Logseq features block-first outlining, treating each idea as a movable piece; I can indent, reorder, and link a single line without having to deal with a whole page. The second advantage is the built-in query system that lets me surface matching blocks by tag or property. Finally, I love the integrated Daily Note that’s ready as soon as you open the app.

When an app like Logseq has the features I use integrated without having to install anything, it’s a plus. I wish I had triedLogseq before Obsidian, and maybe this would have been my note-taking app from the beginning. These advantages stand out to me every time I use Logseq. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what they’re like in daily use and how they compare with what Obsidian has to offer.

Daily notes that are truly built in

Start on today’s page with zero setup

Logseq tests the daily note as a home base. As soon as I open the app, I see today’s note with the date already set up. I can start writing before I lose track of my thoughts. I can instantly add backlinks without wasting time in settings. Each daily note also includes text that shows you how to use it, in case you forget. It features keyboard shortcuts that you can use, and a YouTube video is also available for those who need a refresher.

In Obsidian, Daily Notes can match Logseq, but you need to access the app’s settings. I enable the core Daily notes plugin, pick a folder, set a date format, and point to a template. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s something beginners appreciate. And not every new Obsidian user knows the difference between a core plugin that ships with the app and a community plugin you have to install, which is why Logseq’s journal feels better to use.

Logseq Outliner: block-based notes that scale

Move and nest ideas with Tab and Shift + Tab

Connecting specific ideas in my notes has become significantly easier with Logseq. Instead of thinking about notes as whole pages, I work with small, individual blocks of information. Breaking my notes into smaller chunks makes bigger projects feel less overwhelming, and I can focus on one idea at a time.

For example, I can tag or link just one idea, which helps me keep related content organized without mixing everything. Nesting these blocks within outlines also gives me a clear structure, making it easier to rearrange ideas as needed.

Obsidian, on the other hand, treats notes primarily as full pages. Tags and links apply to the entire page, so if I want to highlight even a small paragraph of my notes, I have to link the whole page. This approach can make it harder to keep detailed notes well-organized, especially when working on complex topics. Without block-level control, managing specific pieces of information can feel limiting at times.

Logseq’s built-in query system

Surface the right blocks, not whole pages

Logseq’s built-in query system helps me save time finding what I need. I tag or add a couple of properties to the blocks that matter, then embed a {{query}} on a dashboard page to surface only the relevant blocks. For example, I can easily pull anything I tagged [[Later]] with a simple {{query [[Later]]}}, which shows those blocks, so I don’t have to dig through pages. It’s like having a live, auto-updating to-do list that stays focused.

Unlike Logseq, Obsidian doesn’t have such a comprehensive search setup. Obsidian does have a great page-level search and backlinks; its native features focus on showing you the entire notes or search results from complete files, not specific blocks that match tags or properties. If I want to experience block-level queries, I need to install plugins like Dataview.

Why these Logseq features won me over

Obsidian could take some lessons from Logseq on how some things are done. Opening the app and landing on your daily note as soon as you open the app is great, and all without having to set anything up beforehand. Additionally, being able to tag a specific line in your notes is a must-have, as it is much easier to find than having to read through lengthy notes. I’m not saying I’m abandoning Obsidian, but the previously mentioned features have definitely caught my attention.

Logseq

Logseq is a privacy-focused, open-source note-taking and knowledge management app that organizes your notes using linked, block-based, and locally stored content.