1.2: Visualizing Files with Obsidian

• Time to Complete: 15-20 minutes
• Prerequisites: Module 1.1 complete, basic familiarity with file systems

Start this module in Claude Code: Run /start-1-2 to kick off the interactive experience.

📖 Overview

Set up Obsidian to visualize your project files in real-time alongside Claude Code for a seamless split-screen workflow.

Key takeaway: Visual workspace lets you watch files appear and update as Claude works.

🎯 Why Visualization Matters

Working with Claude Code in a terminal feels like working blind. You ask Claude to create documents, but you can’t see what’s happening.

The solution: Open Obsidian alongside your terminal. Now you can:

• Watch files appear as Claude creates them
• Read documents while Claude is working
• Verify everything is organized correctly
• Always know exactly what’s happening

This transforms Claude Code from a mysterious black box into a transparent tool you can watch and verify in real-time.

🎨 Why Obsidian?

Obsidian is perfect for PMs because it’s built for markdown (PRDs, notes, docs) and has a clean, distraction-free interface. It’s free, fast, and works offline.

Alternatives: VS Code (more powerful) or Cursor (VS Code + AI) also work great. We’ll use Obsidian for this course since it’s ideal for PM work.

🚀 Setup Guide

Download: Visit https://obsidian.md/download (free for personal use)

Open your project: In Obsidian, select “Open folder as vault” and navigate to your course folder (ask Claude for the path if needed)

Split-screen workflow: Position Claude Code terminal and Obsidian side-by-side to watch files appear in real-time

⚠️ The .claude/ Folder

Key limitation: Obsidian cannot display hidden folders (folders starting with .)

The .claude/ folder contains agents, commands, and settings. You won’t see it in Obsidian - this is normal.

To view .claude/ files:

• Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + . in Finder to show hidden folders
• Windows: Enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer View tab

When you need it: Module 1.5 (Custom Sub-Agents) and later. For now, focus on regular project files.

Note: Claude Code can access .claude/ files - only Obsidian can’t display them.

🎬 Real-Time Visualization Demo

When Claude creates or edits files, you’ll watch them appear in Obsidian instantly.

Try it:

1. Open Obsidian with your project folder
2. In Claude Code, ask: Create a file called test-visualization.md with some content
3. Watch Obsidian - the file appears immediately
4. Click it to read what Claude wrote

That’s it! No refresh needed. Files update in real-time as Claude works.

💡 Obsidian Tips for PM Work

Essential shortcuts:

• Cmd/Ctrl + O - Quick Switcher (jump to any file)
• Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + F - Search across all files
• Cmd/Ctrl + E - Toggle Reading/Editing view

Wikilinks: Connect documents with [[filename]] syntax for easy navigation

Tags: Organize with #prd #user-research #q1-2025 for filtering

Stay in Reading view for cleaner formatted display

💼 Example: Real-Time Workflow

Without visualization: Claude creates files, but you’re unsure what happened or where they are.

With Obsidian: Watch files appear instantly, click to review content, verify organization - complete visibility and control.

✅ Best Practices

Do:

• Use split-screen workflow constantly
• Leverage Cmd/Ctrl+O Quick Switcher
• Stay in Reading view for cleaner display

Don’t:

• Expect to see .claude/ folder (it’s hidden - use Finder/Explorer)
• Work full-screen terminal only (you’re missing half the value)

🐛 Troubleshooting

I don’t see any files:

Likely cause: Wrong folder opened as vault

Fix:

1. Ask Claude: Whats the path to my course folder?
2. In Obsidian: Settings → About → Close vault
3. Open folder as vault again, using the exact path Claude gave you
4. Your files should now appear

Common mistake: Opening a parent folder instead of the project folder itself

Example:

• ❌ Opened: /Users/yourname/Documents (too high level)
• ✅ Should open: /Users/yourname/Documents/claude-code-pm-course

Files arent updating in Obsidian

Likely cause: Obsidian needs to detect the change

Fix:

1. Click outside and back into Obsidian window (forces refresh)
2. Or: Close and reopen the specific file
3. Or: Restart Obsidian (rare, but works)

Prevention: Usually this doesnt happen. If it does repeatedly, check:

• Is Obsidian set to the right folder?
• Are you editing the right file? (check file paths)

I see weird code/formatting in files

Likely cause: Youre in Editing view instead of Reading view

What youre seeing:

# This is a heading
 
**This is bold** and *this is italic*
 
- Bullet point
- Another bullet

What you should see: Formatted text (actual heading, actual bold, actual bullets)

Fix:

• Press Cmd/Ctrl + E to toggle to Reading view
• Or click the book icon (top-right of file view)

Wheres the .claude/ folder? I cant find it!

Answer: Its hidden! This is normal and expected.

To see it:

Mac:

1. Open Finder
2. Navigate to your project folder
3. Press: Cmd + Shift + . (period)
4. .claude/ becomes visible (dimmed/gray)

Windows:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Navigate to your project folder
3. View tab → Check Hidden items
4. .claude/

About This Course

Created by Carl Vellotti. If you have any feedback about this module or the course overall, message me! I’m building a newsletter and community for PM builders, check out The Full Stack PM.

Source Repository: github.com/carlvellotti/claude-code-pm-course