obsidian-canvas

Obsidian Canvas

Use this skill to create valid JSON Canvas files for Obsidian.

Canvas Shape

A canvas file is JSON with:

{
  "nodes": [],
  "edges": []
}

Nodes need stable IDs and position fields:

• id
• type
• x
• y
• width
• height

Common node types:

• text with text
• file with file
• link with url
• group with label

Edges connect node sides:

• id
• fromNode
• fromSide
• toNode
• toSide

Workflow

1. Identify the canvas purpose

   • Map, timeline, workflow, dashboard, argument, project board, or concept graph.

2. Choose layout

   • Left to right for process flows.
   • Top to bottom for hierarchy.
   • Hub and spoke for concept maps.
   • Columns for project boards.

3. Create nodes

   • Use readable dimensions.
   • Keep text concise.
   • Use file nodes for notes that already exist or should be created separately.

4. Connect edges

   • Use edges only for meaningful relationships.
   • Avoid visual clutter.
   • Use stable IDs such as edge-plan-build.

5. Validate JSON

   • Ensure valid JSON, no trailing commas.
   • Ensure every edge references existing node IDs.
   • Ensure nodes do not overlap unintentionally.

Rules

• Do not invent files unless the user asked to create them.
• Prefer text nodes for new ideas and file nodes for existing notes.
• Keep coordinates simple and grid-like.

Output Format

End with:

• Canvas file created or changed
• Node and edge count
• Linked files referenced
• JSON validation result