# Shared AI brain: Obsidian and GitHub

> Researched. Work · Advanced · Research. Updated 2026-10-31.

Canonical page: https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/shared-ai-brain-with-obsidian-and-github/

## What it does
Step up from one bot's memory file to a shared notes folder for a small team, backed up to a private GitHub repository and read by your assistants.

## Who it's for
Small teams that already use Obsidian and want more than one assistant working from the same notes. It is the step-up from the single-bot memory setup. Keep passwords, client records and anything private out of the vault.

## Tools
- Obsidian
- A private GitHub repository
- The Obsidian Git community plugin
- Claude Code, or another assistant that reads files from a folder

## Steps
1. Start with the single-bot setup linked from this page. Move to this one when a team or several assistants need the same notes.
2. Make a private GitHub repository for the vault. Do not put passwords, API keys or client records in it.
3. In Obsidian, install the Git community plugin. Its documentation says you can clone an existing remote repository, or start a new local repository and optionally push it to a remote.
4. Create three files at the top of the vault: an index of folders, a short rules file for how assistants should write notes, and a log of changes.
5. Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md files at the start of every session, per Anthropic's docs. Put a pointer to the rules file in CLAUDE.md so it follows the same rules.
6. For ChatGPT, Grok Bot and Muse, reading or writing the folder directly is Not stated in sources. Paste the rules file into each one's instructions by hand.
7. Back up on purpose. Obsidian's help says syncing is not a backup, so keep the GitHub copy as the backup and review what changed before you accept it.

## Copy-paste prompt
Adapt bracketed fields to your situation.
```text
You are working in our shared notes folder. Read the rules file and the index first.

Task: [for example: add today's call notes to the right client folder]

Rules:
- Write only inside [FOLDER NAME].
- Do not delete or rewrite existing notes. Add a new note or append at the end.
- Add one line to the change log: date, file, what you did.
- Never write passwords, keys, account numbers or client records.
- Show me a list of the files you changed. I will review before it is committed.
```

## Guardrails
- What it touches: Chat input you provide (Obsidian; A private GitHub repository).
- Needs your OK: Send, pay, publish, and account changes stay with you. Treat agent output as drafts first.
- Safety level: Drafts for you
- Two assistants editing the same note. Give each its own folder to write in.
- Private information in a repository. Keep the repository private and the vault clean.
- Syncing mistaken for backup. Obsidian's own help warns they are different.

## Tips
- Anthropic's docs say Claude Code can also read AGENTS.md in place of CLAUDE.md.
- Obsidian's help says notes are stored locally by default, so a repository is a second copy, not a mirror.
- Review the commit before you push when an assistant has edited notes.

## Estimates (labeled, not measured)
- Time saved: About 15 minutes a week of re-explaining context.
- Money saved: Not stated in sources.
- Tool cost: Obsidian and its Git community plugin: price Not stated in sources. GitHub and Claude Code plan prices: Not stated in sources.

## Sources
Summaries use the public sources below, not independent verification.
- Obsidian Git plugin documentation: https://publish.obsidian.md/git-doc/Getting+Started (Getting Started: clone an existing remote repository or start a new local one and optionally push to a remote (read 2026-10-31 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open))
- Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/help/backup (Back up your Obsidian files: notes are stored locally by default, syncing is not a backup (read 2026-10-31 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open))
- Anthropic: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/memory (How Claude remembers your project: CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md files, read at the start of every session, auto memory (read 2026-10-31 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open))

## Get the free starter pack
Five beginner copy-paste AI setups, free by email: https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/starter-pack/?utm_source=ai-agent&utm_medium=markdown&utm_campaign=setup-shared-ai-brain-with-obsidian-and-github

Related:
- [How to give your AI bot a long-term memory with an Obsidian vault](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/give-your-ai-bot-a-long-term-memory-with-obsidian/index.md)
- [Turn your X bookmarks into a second brain with Grok Bot](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/turn-x-bookmarks-into-a-second-brain-with-grok-bot/index.md)
- [AI chief of staff bot](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/ai-chief-of-staff-bot/index.md)