> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/obsidianmd/obsidian-help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage notes

> Create, rename, move, and delete notes in Obsidian using the file explorer, keyboard shortcuts, and the command palette.

You can manage files and folders using keyboard shortcuts, the Command palette, or the File explorer panel.

## Create a note

<Steps>
  <Step title="Press the keyboard shortcut">
    Press `Ctrl+N` (or `Cmd+N` on macOS).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the note">
    Enter a name for the note and press `Enter` to start editing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Alternatively, use the File explorer to create a new note, or run **Create new note** from the Command palette.

<Note>
  Obsidian respects the filename limitations of your operating system. If you plan to sync your notes across devices, use filenames that are safe on all target operating systems.
</Note>

## Rename a note

To rename the note currently open in the editor:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select the note title">
    Click the note title at the top of the editor, or press `F2`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the new name">
    Type the new name and press `Enter`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

When you rename a file, Obsidian automatically updates all internal links pointing to that file across the vault.

You can also rename a note or folder without opening it by right-clicking it in the File explorer.

## Move a note

To move a note to a different folder:

* **File explorer** — drag the note to the destination folder, or right-click and choose **Move file to...**.
* **Command palette** — run **Move current file to another folder** and select the destination.

Obsidian updates all internal links to the note after you move it.

## Delete a note

To delete the note currently open in the editor, select **More options → Delete file** in the upper-right corner.

You can also run **Delete current file** from the Command palette, or right-click a note in the File explorer and choose **Delete**.

### What happens to deleted files

You can control what happens to deleted files under **Settings → Files & links**:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="System trash (default)">
    Deleted files are sent to your operating system's trash. You can restore them using your file manager.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Obsidian trash">
    Deleted files are moved to a `.trash` folder inside your vault. You can browse and restore them from there.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Permanently delete">
    Files are deleted immediately with no way to recover them.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Use the File explorer

The File explorer (left sidebar) shows all notes and folders in your vault. From the File explorer you can:

* Create, rename, move, and delete notes and folders.
* Drag and drop files between folders.
* Right-click any file or folder to see all available actions.

## Use the quick switcher

The quick switcher lets you navigate to any note by name without leaving the keyboard.

* Press `Ctrl+O` (or `Cmd+O` on macOS) to open the quick switcher.
* Start typing the note name or an [alias](/linking/aliases).
* Press `Enter` to open the selected note, or `Ctrl+Enter` to open it in a new tab.