What is a JSON Canvas file?

It is an open-source, JSON-based format for visual canvases, primarily used by Obsidian to represent nodes and edges in a infinite-canvas diagram.

Can this skill edit existing .canvas files?

Yes, the skill is designed to read existing files, preserve existing node IDs, and add or modify content while maintaining the original structure.

Does this support Obsidian-specific features like file links?

Yes, it fully supports 'file' nodes which can point to images, PDFs, or other Markdown notes within your Obsidian vault.

How does the skill handle node positioning?

The skill uses an X-Y coordinate system where X increases to the right and Y increases downward. It follows spacing guidelines to ensure nodes don't overlap.

Obsidian JSON Canvas

Name: Obsidian JSON Canvas
Author: macnversion

bymacnversion

Productivity & Workflow

Generates and modifies standard JSON Canvas files for visual brainstorming and diagramming in Obsidian.

About

This skill enables Claude to programmatically create, read, and edit .canvas files adhering to the official JSON Canvas specification used by Obsidian. It handles the complexities of spatial positioning, edge connections, and unique ID generation, allowing users to transform structured text or data into visual mind maps, flowcharts, and Kanban boards. By managing node types—including text, files, links, and groups—it provides a seamless way to build and maintain visual documentation and knowledge graphs directly within your Obsidian vault.

Key Features

Create and edit .canvas files following the JSON Canvas Spec 1.0
Support for specialized node types including text, local files, and external links
Intelligent coordinate system management for grid-aligned layouts
0 GitHub stars
Automated 16-character hexadecimal ID generation for nodes and edges
Built-in templates for mind maps, flowcharts, and Kanban boards

Use Cases

Visualizing complex software logic or workflows as interactive diagrams in Obsidian
Converting project requirements or brainstormed lists into visual mind maps
Automating the creation of Kanban task boards from text-based todo lists

About

Key Features

Create and edit .canvas files following the JSON Canvas Spec 1.0
Support for specialized node types including text, local files, and external links
Intelligent coordinate system management for grid-aligned layouts
0 GitHub stars
Automated 16-character hexadecimal ID generation for nodes and edges
Built-in templates for mind maps, flowcharts, and Kanban boards

Use Cases

Visualizing complex software logic or workflows as interactive diagrams in Obsidian
Converting project requirements or brainstormed lists into visual mind maps
Automating the creation of Kanban task boards from text-based todo lists