# Obsidian Canvas Creator

Create Obsidian Canvas files from text content, supporting both MindMap and freeform...

- Repository: https://github.com/axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills (3674 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-06-26
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills --skill obsidian-canvas-creator -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills --skill obsidian-canvas-creator -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills --skill obsidian-canvas-creator -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills --skill obsidian-canvas-creator -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills`

## Description

Create Obsidian Canvas files from text content, supporting both MindMap and freeform layouts. Use this skill when users want to visualize content as an interactive canvas, create mind maps, or organize information spatially in Obsidian format.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Obsidian Canvas Creator

Transform text content into structured Obsidian Canvas files with support for MindMap and freeform layouts.

## When to Use This Skill

- User requests to create a canvas, mind map, or visual diagram from text
- User wants to organize information spatially
- User mentions "Obsidian Canvas" or similar visualization tools
- Converting structured content (articles, notes, outlines) into visual format

## Core Workflow

### 1. Analyze Content

Read and understand the input content:
- Identify main topics and hierarchical relationships
- Extract key points, facts, and supporting details
- Note any existing structure (headings, lists, sections)

### 2. Determine Layout Type

Ask user to choose or infer from context:

**MindMap Layout:**
- Radial structure from center
- Parent-child relationships
- Clear hierarchy
- Good for: brainstorming, topic exploration, hierarchical content

**Freeform Layout:**
- Custom positioning
- Flexible relationships
- Multiple connection types
- Good for: complex networks, non-hierarchical content, custom arrangements

### 3. Plan Structure

**For MindMap:**
- Identify central concept (root node)
- Map primary branches (main topics)
- Organize secondary branches (subtopics)
- Position leaf nodes (details)

**For Freeform:**
- Group related concepts
- Identify connection patterns
- Plan spatial zones
- Consider visual flow

### 4. Generate Canvas

Create JSON following the Canvas specification:

**Node Creation:**
- Assign unique 8-12 character hex IDs
- Set appropriate dimensions based on content length
- Apply consistent color schemes
- Ensure no coordinate overlaps

**Edge Creation:**
- Connect parent-child relationships
- Use appropriate arrow styles
- Add labels for complex relationships
- Choose line styles (straight for hierarchy, curved for cross-references)

**Grouping (Optional):**
- Create visual containers for related nodes
- Use subtle background colors
- Add descriptive labels

The rest: https://github.com/axtonliu/axton-obsidian-visual-skills/blob/HEAD/obsidian-canvas-creator/SKILL.md