Tips and Tricks

💡 Tips & Tricks

Unlock VaultAI's hidden potential with these power-user techniques. From workflow optimizations to creative use cases, these tips will transform how you work with AI in Obsidian.

🚀 Productivity Workflows

The "Quick Draft" Method

Transform rough ideas into polished content in minutes:

1. Brain dump - Write scattered thoughts and bullet points
2. Position cursor after each main idea
3. Enable Insert Mode (📍)
4. Ask: "Expand this into 2-3 sentences with supporting details"
5. Result: Comprehensive draft from minimal input

The "Research Synthesis" Workflow

Turn multiple sources into coherent insights:

1. Paste research from various sources into a note
2. Add headers between different sources
3. Use custom prompt: "Analyze these sources and find common themes: {{content}}"
4. Follow up: "Create connections between these insights"
5. Result: Unified analysis from fragmented research

The "Meeting Notes Enhancer"

Transform basic meeting notes into actionable documents:

1. Record key points during the meeting
2. After meeting, select each section
3. Use prompts:
   • "Extract action items from: {{selection}}"
   • "Clarify this decision: {{selection}}"
   • "Add context to this discussion point: {{selection}}"
4. Result: Comprehensive meeting documentation

🎯 Advanced Custom Prompt Strategies

Multi-Purpose Template Prompts

Create prompts that adapt to different content types:

"Smart Improver"

Analyze the content type and improve accordingly:
- For lists: Add relevant items and reorganize
- For paragraphs: Enhance clarity and flow
- For outlines: Add detail and structure
- For notes: Improve organization and add insights

Content: {{selection}}

"Context-Aware Expander"

Expand this content based on its context:
- If it's an introduction: Add engaging hook and preview
- If it's a main point: Add examples and evidence
- If it's a conclusion: Add implications and next steps
- If it's a transition: Make it smoother and more logical

Content: {{selection}}

Role-Based Prompt Series

Create different "expert" prompts for various perspectives:

"Business Analyst"

As a business analyst, review this content and provide:
- Market implications
- Risk assessment
- Opportunity identification
- Strategic recommendations

Content: {{selection}}

"Technical Writer"

As a technical writer, improve this content for:
- Clarity and precision
- Logical flow
- Audience appropriateness
- Actionable instructions

Content: {{selection}}

🧠 Smart Context Management

The "Layered Context" Technique

Build context gradually for complex topics:

1. Start broad: Ask about general concepts
2. Narrow focus: Select specific sections for detailed analysis
3. Connect insights: Use previous responses to inform new questions
4. Synthesize: Ask AI to connect all the pieces

The "Document Structure" Method

Use VaultAI to improve note organization:

1. Create outline: Ask "Generate an outline for a note about [topic]"
2. Expand sections: Use Insert Mode to flesh out each outline point
3. Add connections: Ask "How does this section relate to the previous one?"
4. Polish flow: Select transitions and ask for improvements

⚡ Efficiency Hacks

Hotkey Combinations for Speed

Set up these powerful hotkey sequences:

"Express Writing" Setup

• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+V - Toggle chat
• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+G - Generate at cursor
• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+E - Explain selection
• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+I - Improve text

"Research Power User" Setup

• F1 - "Summarize" custom prompt
• F2 - "Extract key points" custom prompt
• F3 - "Find connections" custom prompt
• F4 - "Generate questions" custom prompt

Clipboard Workflows

Maximize external content integration:

1. Copy interesting content from web/docs
2. Paste into Obsidian
3. Select and improve: Use "Polish Paragraph" prompt
4. Add context: Ask "How does this relate to my research on [topic]?"
5. Generate follow-ups: "What questions does this raise?"

🎨 Creative Applications

The "Perspective Multiplier"

Explore topics from multiple angles:

Custom Prompt: "Multiple Perspectives"

Analyze this topic from these different viewpoints:
1. Historical perspective
2. Current practical application
3. Future implications
4. Alternative interpretations
5. Contrarian view

Topic: {{selection}}

The "Content Transformer"

Repurpose content for different formats:

Blog Post to Social Media

Transform this blog content into:
- 3 engaging tweet threads
- 1 LinkedIn post
- 1 Instagram caption
- 5 discussion questions

Original content: {{selection}}

The "Learning Accelerator"

Turn any content into learning materials:

"Study Guide Generator"

Create a comprehensive study guide from this content including:
- Key concepts summary
- Important definitions
- Practice questions
- Real-world applications
- Memory aids/mnemonics

Content: {{content}}

🔧 Troubleshooting & Optimization

Performance Optimization Tips

For Large Documents

• Use {{selection}} instead of {{content}}
• Break content into smaller chunks
• Clear chat history regularly
• Process sections sequentially

For Better Results

• Be specific in your prompts
• Provide examples when possible
• Iterate and refine based on outputs
• Use follow-up questions for clarity

Error Prevention Strategies

API Key Management

• Keep a backup copy of your API key
• Monitor usage in Google AI Studio
• Set up usage alerts if available
• Test key periodically with simple prompts

Content Safety

• Always review AI outputs before finalizing
• Keep original content backed up
• Use Insert Mode carefully in important documents
• Test new prompts on sample content first

🎯 Pro User Workflows

The "Daily Review" System

Enhance daily notes with AI insights:

1. Morning: Ask "What should I focus on today based on yesterday's notes?"
2. Midday: Use "Progress check: {{content}}" custom prompt
3. Evening: Ask "What insights can I extract from today's activities?"

The "Knowledge Garden" Approach

Build interconnected knowledge with AI:

1. Create concept notes for key topics
2. Use AI to find connections: "How does this relate to [other notes]?"
3. Generate linking questions: "What questions bridge these concepts?"
4. Build concept maps: Ask AI to suggest relationship diagrams

The "Iterative Refinement" Method

Perfect your writing through AI collaboration:

1. First draft: Write basic version
2. AI enhancement: Use improvement prompts
3. Targeted fixes: Select specific areas for polish
4. Final review: Ask AI for overall assessment
5. Repeat: Continue until satisfied

🚀 Advanced Integration Ideas

Cross-Note Analysis

Use AI to find patterns across your vault:

Custom Prompt: "Pattern Finder"

Look for patterns, themes, and connections in this content that might relate to other notes in my vault about [topic area]. Suggest:
- Common themes
- Contradictions to explore
- Missing perspectives
- Research opportunities

Content: {{selection}}

Automated Note Enhancement

Set up systematic improvement workflows:

1. Weekly review: Select old notes and ask "How would I update this now?"
2. Connection building: Ask "What notes should I link to this?"
3. Gap identification: Use "What's missing from this analysis?"
4. Quality improvement: Regular "How can I make this clearer?"

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🎯 Remember: The best tip is to experiment! Try new prompt combinations and workflows to discover what works best for your unique needs.