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Obsidian CLI

Free

Manage your Obsidian vaults directly from the command line.

by openclaw385.8k stars on openclaw/openclaw
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Updated Aug 10, 2026
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Free · Opens the source repo

What Obsidian CLI does

The Obsidian CLI skill allows users to interact with their Obsidian vaults through a command-line interface, providing a powerful way to manage notes, tasks, and links without needing to open the Obsidian application. This skill leverages the official Obsidian CLI, enabling users to perform a variety of actions such as reading, searching, creating, and editing notes directly from their terminal. Since Obsidian vaults are structured using plain Markdown, users can also make direct edits to files when necessary, offering flexibility in how they manage their notes.

To use the Obsidian CLI, users must have Obsidian version 1.12.7 or higher installed, with the command line interface enabled in the settings. The CLI connects to the running Obsidian app, allowing for real-time updates and interactions with vaults. Users can execute commands to open files, search for specific queries, create new notes, and manage tasks, all while maintaining the integrity of their vault structure.

This skill is particularly useful for developers and designers who prefer working in a terminal environment or need to automate their note-taking processes. The ability to perform bulk operations, such as moving or deleting files, and managing tasks via the command line can significantly enhance productivity. Additionally, users can utilize the skill to integrate their note-taking workflow with other command-line tools, making it a versatile option for those who rely on Obsidian for knowledge management.

However, it's important to note that while the CLI offers extensive functionality, it may not be suitable for users who prefer a graphical interface for managing their notes. The skill is designed for those comfortable with command-line operations and who are looking to streamline their workflow within the Obsidian ecosystem.

When to use it

Use this skill when you want to efficiently manage your Obsidian vaults through the command line, especially for repetitive or bulk tasks.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for users who are unfamiliar with command-line interfaces or prefer a visual approach to note management.

What you can build with it

Quick Note Creation

Easily create new notes in your Obsidian vault using a simple command, streamlining your note-taking process.

Task Management

Manage your tasks directly from the command line, allowing for quick updates and tracking of your to-dos.

Bulk File Operations

Perform bulk operations like moving or deleting files efficiently, which can save time compared to using the GUI.

How to install Obsidian CLI

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add openclaw/openclaw/obsidian --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by openclaw

Obsidian

Use the official obsidian CLI for Obsidian vault work. Vault files are plain Markdown, so direct file edits are still fine when safer/faster.

Requirements

  • Obsidian 1.12.7+ installed.
  • Settings -> General -> Command line interface enabled.
  • obsidian registered on PATH.
  • Obsidian app running; the CLI connects to the running app.

Check:

obsidian version
obsidian help

macOS registration creates /usr/local/bin/obsidian pointing at the app-bundled CLI. Linux registration copies the binary to ~/.local/bin/obsidian.

Vault model

  • Notes: *.md.
  • Config: .obsidian/; avoid editing unless asked.
  • Canvases: *.canvas JSON.
  • Attachments: vault-configured folder.
  • Multiple vaults are common; pass vault="<name>" when ambiguous.

Obsidian desktop tracks vaults here:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/obsidian/obsidian.json

Command pattern

obsidian <command> [name=value] [flag]
obsidian vault="Notes" search query="meeting notes" format=json

Parameter values with spaces need quotes. Add --copy to copy output where useful.

Common commands

Open/read:

obsidian open file=Recipe
obsidian open path="Inbox/Idea.md" newtab
obsidian read
obsidian read file=Recipe

Search:

obsidian search query="TODO" matches
obsidian search query="status::active" format=json
obsidian search:open query="project notes"

Create/modify:

obsidian create name="New Note"
obsidian create path="Inbox/Idea.md" content="# Idea"
obsidian append file=Note content="New line"
obsidian prepend file=Note content="After frontmatter"

Move/delete:

obsidian move file=Note to=Archive/
obsidian move path="Inbox/Old.md" to="Projects/New.md"
obsidian delete file=Note

Daily/tasks:

obsidian daily
obsidian daily:read
obsidian daily:append content="- [ ] Review inbox"
obsidian tasks all todo
obsidian task file=Note line=8 done

Properties/links:

obsidian tags all counts
obsidian property:read file=Note name=status
obsidian property:set file=Note name=status value=done
obsidian backlinks file=Note
obsidian unresolved verbose counts

Developer/debug:

obsidian plugin:reload my-plugin
obsidian dev:errors
obsidian dev:screenshot file=shot.png
obsidian eval "app.vault.getFiles().length"

Notes

  • file=<name> uses Obsidian-style file resolution; path=<vault-relative.md> is exact.
  • Prefer CLI move/delete/property commands for Obsidian-aware updates.
  • Prefer direct Markdown edits for bulk text changes after locating the vault path.
  • Do not rely on third-party obsidian-cli unless user explicitly asks for it.

Frequently asked questions about Obsidian CLI

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