JSON Canvas
Allows AI agents to create and edit visual JSON Canvas (.canvas) diagrams.
Steph Ango (Kepano) is credited as the original ai skill creator. Setup notes, fit assessments, and cautions below are Obsidian Mate editorial guidance. How we review resources
Overview
An official open-spec skill by Steph Ango (Kepano) for creating and manipulating JSON Canvas (.canvas) files. Use it when an agent must produce or modify a standards-based .canvas file with explicit nodes and edges. This page treats the skill as an instruction package for an existing agent host, not as an Obsidian plugin or a grant of new permissions.
Key Features
- Open JSON Canvas spec compliance
- Text, file, link, and group node support
- Edge routing and label positioning
How to Install JSON Canvas
- 1Open the source repository and read its current installation instructions for your agent host.
- 2Install the complete skill folder, including any referenced files, into the host's documented skills location.
- 3Start a fresh agent session and confirm the skill is discoverable before granting vault write access.
- 4Run the first workflow in a disposable vault and review the resulting file diff.
How to Use JSON Canvas
Request a three-node test diagram, open it in Obsidian Canvas, move one node, and inspect the saved JSON. This confirms that generated identifiers, coordinates, node types, and edge references remain valid.
When to Use This Skill
Use it when an agent must produce or modify a standards-based .canvas file with explicit nodes and edges.
End-to-End Check
Request a three-node test diagram, open it in Obsidian Canvas, move one node, and inspect the saved JSON. This confirms that generated identifiers, coordinates, node types, and edge references remain valid.
Compatibility and Safety
- Valid JSON can still create an unreadable layout. Review generated files visually and do not let an agent overwrite a complex canvas without a diff or backup.
- The host agent still controls tool access, filesystem scope, and confirmation behavior.
What does this skill do?
Teaches AI agents the exact JSON schema required to construct text nodes, note nodes, link edges, and group containers on an Obsidian Canvas. Use it when an agent must produce or modify a standards-based .canvas file with explicit nodes and edges. The agent host remains responsible for file access, tool availability, and confirmation before writes.
Best for
- Generating visual flowcharts and mind maps from vault notes
- Arranging research topics visually on a canvas
- Creating connected node networks programmatically
How it works
- Agent receives topic or node list
- Calculates X/Y pixel coordinates and dimensions
- Generates valid `.canvas` JSON file with nodes and edges
License & Attribution
COMMUNITY RESOURCE Author: Steph Ango (Kepano) License: MIT Repository: https://github.com/kepano/obsidian-skills
Details
- Author
- Steph Ango (Kepano)
- License
- MIT
- Type
- Agent Skill
- Compatible with
- Claude Code, Codex, ChatGPT, Gemini, Agent Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Obsidian open these canvas files natively?
Yes! Obsidian Canvas natively reads and edits .canvas files.
Sources and Documentation
This guide was checked against the creator's repository and primary documentation.
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