Self-hosted LiveSync is a synchronisation plugin for Obsidian that enables vault synchronisation across devices using self-hosted server infrastructure or peer-to-peer connections.
The plugin addresses the need for private, self-hosted note synchronisation by offering multiple backend options including CouchDB and object storage systems like MinIO, S3, and R2. It handles conflicting modifications through automatic merging of simple conflicts and efficient synchronisation with minimal traffic. For users who prefer decentralised approaches, it supports WebRTC peer-to-peer synchronisation where devices exchange notes directly without a central storage server, though a signalling relay remains necessary for peer discovery. The plugin also provides end-to-end encryption and can synchronise settings, snippets, themes, and plugins through its Customisation Sync feature.
The tool suits researchers, engineers, developers, and anyone requiring fully self-hosted notes for security and privacy reasons. It is particularly valuable for those unwilling to rely on cloud-based synchronisation services. The plugin is incompatible with official Obsidian Sync and cannot be used alongside other synchronisation solutions including iCloud. Users should back up their vault before installation or upgrade. For those new to self-hosting, the project recommends a three-minute CouchDB setup on fly.io as an entry point, with additional workflows available for different server configurations.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with the codebase through regular updates and refinements to core synchronisation logic. The project maintains comprehensive documentation including setup guides for multiple deployment scenarios, peer-to-peer communication models, and troubleshooting resources. Community contributions are integrated alongside maintainer work, with the plugin available across all Obsidian-compatible platforms. The project provides experimental tools like the WebPeer browser utility to help users test connectivity and understand peer-to-peer behaviour before full deployment.
