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Productivity

Self-host Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) on a VPS

Sync your Obsidian vault through your own server.

Run a CouchDB backend so your Obsidian notes sync securely between devices without going through a third-party service.

Why self-host Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB)?

If you write in Obsidian and care where your notes live and sync, a self-hosted LiveSync backend keeps them on your own box.

How to install Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB)

  1. 1

    Provision a VPS

    Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.

  2. 2

    Install the stack

    Install CouchDB + Obsidian plugin.

  3. 3

    Deploy the application

    Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.

  4. 4

    Enable HTTPS

    Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.

  5. 5

    Back it up

    Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.

Practical tips

  • Give Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
  • Reverse-proxy Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
  • Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
  • Keep Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM does Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) need?
Plan on 1–2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
What stack does Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) run on?
CouchDB + Obsidian plugin.
Can I run other things on the same VPS?
Yes — size the plan so Obsidian LiveSync (CouchDB) plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.

Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Nextcloud (sync), Syncthing, Joplin Server — browse all app guides.