vault-search

Search Obsidian vault notes via REST API or file-based fallback.

Updated Mar 22, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/shusuke-ioku/r2 --skill vault-search-shusuke-ioku
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vault-search
Source: https://github.com/shusuke-ioku/r2/tree/main/src/r2/template/.claude/skills/vault-search
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/shusuke-ioku/r2 --skill vault-search-shusuke-ioku

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Retrieves and surfaces notes, papers, and concepts from the Obsidian vault to inform writing, review, and research tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Full-text vault search via the Obsidian REST API when Obsidian is running
  • Fallback to file-based search using frontmatter, backlinks, and concept/paper notes
  • Backlink traversal and concept-to-paper linking to build context quickly

Quick Start

Search the vault for notes on a topic and surface relevant context

Frequently Asked Questions about vault-search

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search my Obsidian vault for notes and papers to support research writing?

Search your Obsidian vault using full-text queries via the Obsidian REST API to surface notes, papers, and concepts. It retrieves relevant context to support drafting prose, verifying claims, and tracing ideas across your knowledge base.

Can I retrieve vault notes and traverse backlinks without the Obsidian REST API running?

Yes, you can retrieve vault notes without the REST API by falling back to file-based search. This fallback method reads frontmatter, traverses backlinks, and parses MOCs to build context for research tasks when Obsidian is not running.

What is the best way to link concepts and trace ideas across Obsidian notes?

The best way to link concepts is by traversing backlinks and mapping concept-to-paper relationships within your vault. This builds context quickly by connecting related notes and papers to support literature reviews and research drafting.

Does vault search work with frontmatter and MOCs for verifying research claims?

Yes, vault search works with frontmatter and MOCs to verify research claims. It reads note frontmatter and maps of content to retrieve and surface relevant papers and concepts, ensuring accurate context for your academic review tasks.

What are the limitations of file-based vault search compared to the Obsidian REST API?

File-based vault search limitations include lacking real-time indexing compared to the Obsidian REST API. However, the fallback still reads frontmatter, backlinks, and MOCs effectively to retrieve notes and concepts when the REST API is unavailable.

How do I surface specific papers and concepts from my vault for a literature review?

Surface specific papers and concepts by searching your vault with targeted queries. The Skill identifies and retrieves relevant literature notes, traverses backlinks, and links concepts to build comprehensive context for your review.