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obsidian-canvas

Create and edit Obsidian Canvas files as JSON following the JSON Canvas spec.

2|Updated Jul 28, 2026
Search Tags:#note-taking#obsidian#vault#canvas#diagram#json canvas#visual map
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mbadali25/useful-claude-add-ons --skill obsidian-canvas-mbadali25
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: obsidian-canvas
Source: https://github.com/mbadali25/useful-claude-add-ons/tree/main/skills/obsidian-canvas
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mbadali25/useful-claude-add-ons --skill obsidian-canvas-mbadali25

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Building visual maps, architecture diagrams, and boards in Obsidian normally requires manual dragging in the app; this Skill lets you author .canvas files directly as JSON so they render natively in any vault. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Canvas Authoring: Write .canvas files with text cards, embedded live notes, link nodes, groups, and labeled edges per the open JSON Canvas spec. - Layout Guidance: Apply sizing heuristics, column-based tiers, and color codes so diagrams stay readable without overlap. - Safe Editing: Read existing .canvas files before modifying them, since Obsidian may rewrite node order and ids. - Use Case: Ask for an architecture map of your infrastructure in your vault, and get a .canvas file with grouped tiers (clients, servers, storage) and labeled arrows that opens directly in Obsidian. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to create an Obsidian canvas in your vault that maps out how your project components connect.

Frequently Asked Questions about obsidian-canvas

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create an Obsidian Canvas file programmatically?▼

Write a .canvas file as plain JSON following the JSON Canvas spec, with a nodes array (text, file, link, or group types) and an edges array. Validate it parses with a JSON parser, then Obsidian renders it natively via its core canvas plugin.

What is the JSON Canvas file format?▼

JSON Canvas is an open spec (jsoncanvas.org) where nodes carry id, type, x, y, width, height, and type-specific fields like text or file, and edges connect nodes with optional fromSide, toSide, and label. Coordinates mark the top-left corner with y growing downward.

Do Obsidian canvas files support backlinks and graph view?▼

No, canvases do not participate in backlinks or graph view. After creating one, reference it from a related markdown note so search and recall workflows can still find it.

Can I edit an existing .canvas file without breaking it?▼

Yes, but always read the existing file first because Obsidian may have rewritten node order or ids since it was last touched. Never regenerate a canvas from scratch when only a tweak was requested.

How do groups work in Obsidian Canvas JSON?▼

Group membership is purely geometric: the group node's rectangle must visually enclose its member nodes. There is no explicit parent-child field, so layout math determines containment.

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