Obsidian lets you easily migrate your journal entries from Apple Journal using the [[Importer|Importer plugin]]. This converts your journals to durable Markdown files you can use with Obsidian and many other apps.
## Export your data from Apple Journal
### On iPhone
Follow the instructions for [Print and export entries in Journal on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/print-and-export-entries-iph4cad323fe/ios#iph1edf66806):
1. Go to the Journal app on your iPhone.
2. Choose a journal or tap All Entries.
3. Tap the More button at the top of the screen.
4. Tap Export, then choose Export.
5. Choose a location, then tap the Selected button.
### On Mac (Tahoe)
Follow the instructions for [Print and export entries in Journal on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/journal/print-and-export-entries-dev883fc2329/mac#devc24a8f09a):
1. Go to the Journal app on your Mac.
2. Go to File > Export, then choose Export.
## Import Apple Journal data into Obsidian
You will need the official Obsidian [[Importer]] plugin, which you can [install here](obsidian://show-plugin?id=obsidian-importer).
1. Open **[[Settings]]**.
2. Go to **Community Plugins** and [install Importer](obsidian://show-plugin?id=obsidian-importer).
3. Enable the Importer plugin.
4. Open the **Importer** plugin using the command palette or ribbon icon.
5. Under **File format**, choose **Apple Journal (HTML Export)**.
6. In **Files to import**, select the folder with exported data, usually _AppleJournalEntries_, or individual files from _Entries_.
7. Review and edit the other import options.
8. Select **Import** to review the generated template and preview examples from your entries.
9. Select **Import** again and wait for the import to finish.
## Templates
Use [[Importer templates|Importer templates]] to fully configure how your Apple Journal data is imported.
![[Importer templates#Variables]]
When **Add metadata as frontmatter** is enabled, Apple Journal metadata is converted into [[Properties|properties]]. Depending on the entry, these can include `state-of-mind`, `contact`, `location`, `motion-activity`, `third-party-media`, and `workout-route`.
Use the `properties` variable to access this metadata. For example, use `{{properties.location}}` for a location or `{{properties["state-of-mind"]}}` for a state of mind.