Aug 193 min read

Maximizing Productivity and Creativity: Leveraging Ollama AI Models with Obsidian

Updated: Aug 28

In my last couple of articles, we took a look at running AI models locally and getting cozy with Obsidian. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into Obsidian’s advanced features by checking out a nifty community plugin called the BMO Chatbot.

But before we get into the AI-powered fun, let’s talk about plugins in Obsidian and how they can make your life easier.

Getting Started with Community Plugins

No Obsidian journey is complete without a nod to its vibrant community and the treasure trove of plugins they've created. These "community plugins" aren't just add-ons; they're the secret sauce that makes Obsidian so powerful and customizable. If you're serious about getting the most out of Obsidian, exploring these plugins is a must.

However, today we’re focusing on one gem in particular—the BMO Chatbot plugin. If you’re curious about other plugins, feel free to check out guides on getting started with community plugins and their picks for the best ones available.

Installing the BMO Chatbot Plugin

Let’s get BMO up and running. Head over to Obsidian's settings, navigate to the community plugins section, and hit “Browse.” Type in "BMO Chatbot" and install it.

After installation, don't forget to check out the hotkeys section and note down the key combinations—you’ll need them shortly.

If you’re new to running AI models locally, I’ve covered how to set up Ollama and Docker in a previous article. But since I’ve already got them up and running on my machine, I’ll walk you through how to get BMO working with Ollama. If you’re not set up yet, follow the link to my earlier guide for a detailed walkthrough.

Firing Up Ollama

First, hit the Windows key, type "terminal," and launch it.

Then, run the following command to open your Ubuntu instance:

wsl <instance_name>

Once you've logged into your instance it's time to start your docker container. Once you're logged in, you’ll need to start your Docker container. This command lists all your Docker containers.

sudo docker ps

To start the right one, use. Copy your instance id and paste it into the above command.

sudo docker start <instance_id>

In case Ollama is already running, stop it first with:

sudo systemctl stop ollama

Then, start it again:

ollama start

You'll have to wait for a bit for the AI to start running on your machine.

Once you see green ticks for the /api/tags and /api/version you are good to go.

Back to Obsidian

Now that Ollama is humming along, head back to Obsidian. Go to the options tab, scroll down to community plugins, and select BMO Chatbot. Double-check your connection settings.

If things aren’t working as expected, you might need to reload your models. Once everything’s configured, you’re ready to start chatting with BMO.

BMO Chatbot Basics

Depending on which models you’ve installed on Ollama, you can choose the one you want BMO to use. I’m rolling with Mistral because it’s light on my laptop’s resources but still gets the job done.

To get started, type `/help` in Obsidian for a handy user guide. One of the commands I found particularly useful is `/reference on`, which enables references within the document you're working on.

For some AI-powered note-taking magic, use the hotkey combo `Ctrl + Shift + =`. BMO will generate content on the fly as you write.

The AI Generated Sentence.

Limitations and Final Thoughts

I tried to push BMO to its limits, expecting it to reference all my notes once I typed `/reference on`. Unfortunately, BMO only has access to the current file, so no deep dives across your entire vault. That said, it’s still pretty handy for generating sentences and answering general questions, depending on the model you’ve chosen.

For me, Llama 3.1 takes the cake. It’s friendly, detailed, and doesn’t sound like a machine—unlike some of the others.

So there you have it—a deep dive into the BMO Chatbot plugin. While it’s not perfect, it’s a fun and useful tool that can definitely enhance your Obsidian experience.

Wrapping It Up

We’ve journeyed through the advanced features of Obsidian, exploring the power of community plugins with a spotlight on the BMO Chatbot. While getting started with Obsidian is just the tip of the iceberg, diving into tools like BMO can really elevate your note-taking game, blending AI capabilities with a streamlined workflow.

Though BMO has its quirks, it’s a fun and practical addition to your Obsidian toolkit, especially when paired with the right AI model. Whether you're generating content on the fly or exploring new ways to organize your notes, Obsidian's flexibility, combined with the creativity of its community, offers endless possibilities.

So, fire up your terminal, get those plugins installed, and start experimenting. The only limit is your curiosity! Happy note-taking! 🦈