search-obsidian

Search Obsidian notes by filename and content via the Local REST API.

10|Updated Jul 22, 2025

Search Tags:#markdown #knowledge management #search #obsidian #notes #rest api

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/bdambrosio/Cognitive_workbench --skill search-obsidian

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-obsidian
Source: https://github.com/bdambrosio/Cognitive_workbench/tree/main/src/tools/search-obsidian
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bdambrosio/Cognitive_workbench --skill search-obsidian

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill allows you to quickly find information within your Obsidian vault without manually navigating through your notes, saving you time and effort in retrieving specific knowledge.

Core Features & Use Cases

Filename and Content Search: Searches notes by filename first, then by content match.
Structured Output: Returns results in a standardized format, compatible with other tools.
Use Case: You need to recall information about "neural networks" that you previously documented in Obsidian. This Skill can instantly retrieve relevant notes, providing you with the content and source URI.

Quick Start

Search your Obsidian vault for notes related to "neural networks".

Frequently Asked Questions about search-obsidian

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I search my Obsidian notes from an external application?▼

To search Obsidian notes externally, use this Skill to query the Obsidian Local REST API. It retrieves structured JSON notes containing text, metadata, URI, and character count. It prioritizes filename searches before performing content matches.

Do I need the Local REST API plugin to search my Obsidian vault?▼

Yes, searching your Obsidian vault requires the Local REST API plugin to be installed and enabled. You must also configure environment variables for the API URL and key to authenticate and retrieve your markdown notes.

How does Obsidian note search prioritize matching results?▼

Obsidian note search prioritizes filename matches first before performing content matches on markdown files. This two-step process ensures you quickly find relevant notes by title before scanning the full text of your knowledge management vault.

Can I retrieve metadata and source URIs when searching Obsidian notes?▼

Yes, searching Obsidian notes returns structured JSON output. Each result includes the note's text content, metadata, source URI, domain, and character count, making it compatible for use with other downstream tools.

What are the limitations of using a REST API to search Obsidian notes?▼

The limitation of using a REST API to search Obsidian notes is the strict dependency on the Local REST API plugin. If the plugin is not installed, enabled, and properly configured with environment variables, the note search will fail.