## Simplest Way to Send an Email to Obsidian on a Mac The most straightforward and user-friendly way to send an email directly to your Obsidian vault on a Mac is to use the built-in macOS Mail app in combination with the "Actions for Obsidian" app, an AppleScript, and a Shortcuts workflow. This method is native to macOS and does not require third-party automation services or cloud syncing tools. ### Step-by-Step Solution **Requirements:** - macOS Mail app (set up with your email account) - Obsidian (installed and set up with your vault) - [Actions for Obsidian](https://actions.work/actions-for-obsidian) (available on the Mac App Store) - Apple Shortcuts app (comes with macOS) **How It Works:** - You send an email (e.g., a "note to self") to your own email address. - The macOS Mail app receives the email. - A Mail rule triggers an AppleScript when a matching email arrives. - The AppleScript passes the email content to a Shortcuts workflow. - The Shortcuts workflow creates a new note in your Obsidian vault with the email's contents. **Setup Instructions:** 1. **Install Actions for Obsidian** from the Mac App Store. 2. **Download the Shortcuts workflow** called “Mail to Obsidian note.shortcut” and double-click to install it in the Shortcuts app[5]. 3. **Download the AppleScript** “Send Mail to Shortcuts.scpt”. 4. **Move the AppleScript** to the folder: `~/Library/Application Scripts/com.apple.mail/` (Use Finder → Go → Go to Folder… to reach this path.) 5. **Set up a Mail rule** in the macOS Mail app: - Go to Mail > Preferences > Rules. - Create a new rule with a condition (e.g., if the sender is you or subject contains a keyword). - Set the action to "Run AppleScript" and select the script you added. 6. **Test the workflow** by sending an email to yourself. When the email arrives, the rule will trigger the script and workflow, and a new note will appear in your Obsidian vault[3][5]. ### Advantages - No need for third-party cloud services or external automation platforms. - Works entirely on your Mac, keeping your data local and private. - Highly customizable (you can adjust the rule, script, or workflow as needed). - Free except for the Actions for Obsidian app (if not already owned). ### Alternative Methods If you prefer not to use AppleScript or Shortcuts, or want a cross-platform/cloud-based solution, you can: - Use IFTTT to forward emails to Dropbox, then use Hazel to rename and move the file into your Obsidian vault[4]. - Use plugins like Omnivore or Readwise, but these require additional setup and may not be as seamless[1]. ### Summary Table | Method | Complexity | Cost | Cloud Required | Works Offline | Attachments Support | Notes | |------------------------------|------------|--------------|---------------|---------------|---------------------|---------------------------------------------| | AppleScript + Shortcuts | Low | Actions app | No | Yes | Limited | Easiest for Mac users, native solution | | IFTTT + Dropbox + Hazel | Medium | Hazel, IFTTT | Yes | No | Yes | More complex, works cross-platform | | Omnivore/Readwise Plugin | Medium | Free/Paid | Yes | No | Varies | Requires plugin setup, not as seamless | ## Conclusion The simplest and most native way to send an email to Obsidian on a Mac is to use the macOS Mail app, a Mail rule with AppleScript, and a Shortcuts workflow in combination with the Actions for Obsidian app. This setup is well-documented, works reliably, and keeps everything on your Mac[3][5]. Sources [1] How can I email notes to Obsidian? : r/ObsidianMD - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ObsidianMD/comments/vyyfo4/how_can_i_email_notes_to_obsidian/ [2] Forward emails from macOS Mail to Obsidian - Help https://forum.obsidian.md/t/forward-emails-from-macos-mail-to-obsidian/57588 [3] How to email a "Note to Self" to your Obsidian vault - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkfGTtPpeNw [4] How to Send an Email to Your Obsidian Vault https://amerpie.lol/2024/02/04/how-to-send.html [5] How to email a "Note to Self" to your Obsidian vault - Actions For ... https://forum.actions.work/t/how-to-email-a-note-to-self-to-your-obsidian-vault/23 [6] Email client for Obsidian - Plugins ideas https://forum.obsidian.md/t/email-client-for-obsidian/31271 [7] Automatically save gmail as markdown in obsidian vault - Web https://talk.automators.fm/t/automatically-save-gmail-as-markdown-in-obsidian-vault/13651