obsidian

Read, search, tag, and edit notes in Obsidian vaults via the Obsidian CLI.

Updated Apr 17, 2026

Search Tags:#templates #cli #obsidian #vault #notes #tags

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/smallorbit/smallorbit-plugins --skill obsidian-smallorbit

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: obsidian
Source: https://github.com/smallorbit/smallorbit-plugins/tree/main/plugins/vaultkit/skills/obsidian
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/smallorbit/smallorbit-plugins --skill obsidian-smallorbit

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill provides a programmatic way to interact with Obsidian vaults via the Obsidian CLI, enabling reading, searching, tagging, editing notes, managing templates, and performing vault maintenance without the GUI.

Core Features & Use Cases

Read and inspect vault files and folders quickly from the command line.
Search content, manage tags and properties, and navigate the outline across notes.
Create or update templates and perform routine vault maintenance tasks such as plugin checks and vault health checks.

Quick Start

Begin by selecting a vault and reading a note with obsidian vault=<VAULT> read path="Notes/Overview.md" to verify CLI access.

Frequently Asked Questions about obsidian

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I read and edit Obsidian notes from the command line?▼

You can read and edit Obsidian notes from the command line by using the Obsidian CLI to interact directly with your vault files. This skill enables programmatic vault exploration, note updates, and in-place operations that preserve file metadata.

Can I search and manage tags across multiple Obsidian vaults without opening the GUI?▼

Yes, you can search content and manage tags across multiple Obsidian vaults without the GUI. By specifying the vault context via vault=<VAULT>, the CLI allows you to navigate outlines and update note properties programmatically.

Do I need the Obsidian CLI binary running to use this vault automation skill?▼

Yes, you need the Obsidian CLI binary running to use this vault automation skill. It requires an active CLI environment and a specified vault context using the vault=<VAULT> parameter to execute read, edit, and maintenance commands.

What's the best way to automate routine vault maintenance and template creation in Obsidian?▼

The best way to automate routine vault maintenance and template creation in Obsidian is through the CLI. This skill supports programmatic template provisioning, plugin checks, and vault health checks to keep your notes organized without manual GUI intervention.

Does this CLI approach preserve file metadata when updating Obsidian notes?▼

Yes, this CLI approach preserves file metadata when updating Obsidian notes. The skill performs in-place operations designed to read, tag, and edit your vault files while maintaining their original metadata whenever possible.

When do I need programmatic vault exploration instead of using the standard Obsidian app?▼

You need programmatic vault exploration instead of the standard Obsidian app when automating workflows across multiple vaults. It is applicable for routine maintenance, automated note updates, and template provisioning tasks that require CLI integration.