The Force is divided into four aspects: The light side (often referred to as "the Force"), the dark side, the Unifying Force, and the Living Force. The first two aspects are concerned with the moral compass of the Force in its various manifestations. The light side of the Force is the facet aligned with good, benevolence, and healing, while the dark side of the Force is the element aligned with fear, hatred, aggression, and malevolence. The latter two aspects are defined by prominent Jedi philosophies. The Unifying Force essentially embraces space and time in its entirety. The Living Force deals with the energy of living things. To some Jedi, "The Force is life, and life is the Force." Though the force is categorized in this way, there are no specific abilities or powers that are only usable by a follower of a different path of the Force; the Force partially exists inside the life form that uses it, and draws energy from their emotions.

Some beings, especially the Sith, believe that the dark side of the Force is more powerful than the light, though it is possible that the dark side is just more tempting to those who use it (or desire to use it). Others think of the Force as an entity capable of intelligent thought, almost as a sort of god. Anakin Skywalker, who is believed to have been conceived by the Force itself, gave credit towards the view of the Force as a sentient entity.

Though the Force is thought to flow through every living thing, it can only be harnessed by a minority of beings described as "Force-sensitive". This Force-sensitivity is attributed to a high count of internal micro-organisms called midi-chlorians that are found in a Force-sensitive's blood: the higher the count, the greater the being's potential Force ability. Force-sensitive beings are able to tap into the Force to perform acts of great skill and agility as well as control and shape the world around them. Sometimes this ability is described as having a strong Force "aura", and it is quite probable that the two traits are connected.

Known Force users in the Galaxy are Luke Skywalker, Lorn Pavan, Kensei, Lowbacca, and Ranger.