obsidian-viz
Generate Obsidian-compatible visualization files (Excalidraw / Mermaid / Canvas). Supports text descriptions and image inputs, outputs editable diagrams in Obsidian or standard formats.
About this skill
The `obsidian-viz` skill empowers AI agents to create a variety of diagrams and visualizations directly compatible with Obsidian. It intelligently processes user input, distinguishing between text descriptions and images. For image inputs, it attempts to extract content and diagrams, while text inputs proceed directly to diagram generation. The skill then selects the most appropriate tool—Excalidraw for hand-drawn styles and concept maps, Mermaid for technical diagrams like flowcharts and sequence diagrams, or Canvas for large knowledge networks and interactive explorations—based on the content type. After tool selection, it loads specific format specifications to ensure accurate generation. Users can choose between standard output formats (e.g., `.mmd` for Mermaid, `.excalidraw` for Excalidraw, `.html` for Canvas) or the default Obsidian-native formats (e.g., `.md` with Mermaid code block, `.md` with Excalidraw JSON, `.canvas`). This flexibility allows for seamless integration into an Obsidian vault or sharing in common diagram formats. This skill is invaluable for anyone who frequently visualizes information within their knowledge management workflow. It automates the often tedious process of creating diagrams from scratch, enabling users to rapidly translate ideas, notes, or even existing visual information into structured, editable diagrams. By leveraging AI to select the right tool and format, it significantly enhances productivity for researchers, developers, students, and anyone building a visual knowledge base.
Best use case
The primary use case is to rapidly generate and integrate various types of visual content, such as flowcharts, architecture diagrams, or concept maps, directly into an Obsidian knowledge base. It significantly benefits users who need to transform textual ideas or existing visual information (from images) into structured, editable diagrams without manual drawing or extensive tool switching, streamlining their note-taking and documentation processes.
Generate Obsidian-compatible visualization files (Excalidraw / Mermaid / Canvas). Supports text descriptions and image inputs, outputs editable diagrams in Obsidian or standard formats.
A generated visualization file (e.g., Mermaid `.md`, Excalidraw `.md`, Canvas `.canvas`, or standard `.mmd`, `.excalidraw`, `.html`) saved to the workspace, along with instructions for opening it in Obsidian.
Practical example
Example input
Create a Mermaid flowchart for a simple e-commerce checkout process: Add to Cart -> View Cart -> Enter Shipping -> Select Payment -> Confirm Order -> Order Placed.
Example output
File generated: `~/.openclaw/workspace/outputs/ecommerce-checkout.md`. This file contains a Mermaid flowchart code block. Open it in Obsidian, and it will render automatically. If you want to edit it, click on the Mermaid diagram and choose 'Edit Source'.
When to use this skill
- When you need to visualize concepts, processes, or systems directly within Obsidian.
- To convert text descriptions into structured diagrams like flowcharts, sequence diagrams, or ERDs.
- For brainstorming or mapping ideas visually using Excalidraw's hand-drawn style.
- If you want to transform a diagram from an image into an editable format.
When not to use this skill
- For highly artistic or complex graphic design tasks requiring advanced drawing tools.
- If the input image is purely decorative and does not contain meaningful diagrammatic content.
- When you require specialized diagramming features not supported by Excalidraw, Mermaid, or Canvas.
- If you do not use Obsidian or require diagrams in proprietary formats.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/obsidian-viz/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How obsidian-viz Compares
| Feature / Agent | obsidian-viz | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | easy | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Generate Obsidian-compatible visualization files (Excalidraw / Mermaid / Canvas). Supports text descriptions and image inputs, outputs editable diagrams in Obsidian or standard formats.
How difficult is it to install?
The installation complexity is rated as easy. You can find the installation instructions above.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# Obsidian Viz Skill Generate Obsidian-compatible visualization files from text descriptions or image inputs. ## Processing Flow ### Step 0 - Input Type Detection **If user sends an image**: 1. Load `modules/image-reader.md` 2. Execute image type recognition and content extraction 3. Output structured Markdown summary 4. If image contains diagrams, proceed to Step 1 5. If image is text/screenshot only, end process **If user provides text description**: - Proceed directly to Step 1 ### Step 1 - Tool Selection Load `modules/chart-router.md` and select the most appropriate tool based on content type: - **Excalidraw**: Hand-drawn style, architecture diagrams, free layout, concept maps - **Mermaid**: Technical documentation, flowcharts, sequence diagrams, state diagrams, ER diagrams - **Canvas**: Large knowledge networks, interactive exploration, data visualization ### Step 2 - Format Specification Loading Load the corresponding reference file based on the selected tool: - `mermaid` → `references/mermaid.md` - `excalidraw` → `references/excalidraw.md` - `canvas` → `references/canvas.md` **Important**: Must read the corresponding reference file before generating any content. ### Step 3 - Output Format Selection **Standard Format** (when user explicitly requests "standard format" or "excalidraw.com"): - Mermaid → `.mmd` file - Excalidraw → `.excalidraw` file - Canvas → `.html` file **Obsidian Format** (default): - Mermaid → `.md` file (with mermaid code block) - Excalidraw → `.md` file (with Excalidraw JSON) - Canvas → `.canvas` file ### Step 4 - Generate File 1. Strictly follow format specifications in reference file 2. Output to `~/.openclaw/workspace/outputs/<filename>.<ext>` 3. Explain to user how to open the file in Obsidian ## Usage Instructions ### Excalidraw Files **Obsidian Mode** (`.md`): - Place in any vault folder - Obsidian automatically opens in canvas mode - Requires Excalidraw plugin **Standard Mode** (`.excalidraw`): - Can be opened directly at excalidraw.com - Supports import to any Excalidraw instance ### Mermaid Files **Obsidian Mode** (`.md`): - Place anywhere in vault - Renders in normal preview mode - Obsidian supports Mermaid by default **Standard Mode** (`.mmd`): - Can be opened in Mermaid-compatible editors - Natively supported by GitHub, GitLab, etc. ### Canvas Files **Obsidian Mode** (`.canvas`): - Place anywhere in vault - Double-click to interact in Canvas view - Natively supported by Obsidian **Standard Mode** (`.html`): - Open in browser - Supports interactive exploration ## Chart Type Quick Reference | Need | Recommended Tool | Chart Type | |------|---------|---------| | Workflow / CI-CD | Excalidraw or Mermaid | flowchart | | API calls / Message interaction | Mermaid | sequenceDiagram | | Organization / System hierarchy | Excalidraw | hierarchy | | Concept divergence / Brainstorming | Canvas or Excalidraw | mindmap | | State machine / Lifecycle | Mermaid | stateDiagram-v2 | | Project timeline | Excalidraw | timeline | | A vs B comparison | Excalidraw | comparison | | Priority matrix | Excalidraw | matrix | | Large knowledge network | Canvas | free-layout | | Animation demo | Excalidraw | animation mode | | Database design | Mermaid | erDiagram | | Class diagram / Object relationships | Mermaid | classDiagram | | Project schedule | Mermaid | gantt | ## Notes 1. **Must load reference first**: Skipping this step will produce incorrectly formatted files 2. **Chinese support**: All tools natively support Chinese, no escaping needed 3. **File path**: Output files are uniformly placed in `~/.openclaw/workspace/outputs/` directory 4. **Fallback strategy**: If primary tool fails, automatically try alternative tool 5. **Node count limit**: For more than 30 nodes, recommend user to split or use Canvas
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