JSON Canvas

Create and edit .canvas files with nodes, groups and connections to map ideas in Obsidian and compatible tools.

Knowledge managementkepano/obsidian-skillsMITSources checked: 2026-10-21

See installation steps View original Skill

Features

Represent canvas nodes, connections, groups and positions in JSON.
Create and edit .canvas files and validate their structure and connection references.

When to use it

Useful for mind maps, research relationships and project flows that remain editable in JSON Canvas applications.

Before you start

Requires an application that opens JSON Canvas, such as Obsidian. The skill edits files and is not a standalone canvas application.

Usage example

Follow this illustrative workflow, replacing file names and goals with your own project details.

Turn a research brief into an editable canvas

What to prepare: research-brief.md and existing notes that may be referenced.
Workflow: Create nodes and groups for questions, evidence and next steps, connect related content and validate the file.
Expected deliverables: research.canvas with valid nodes and edges, plus content provenance notes.

Recommended prompts

Replace the bracketed placeholders, then paste into an AI tool with this skill installed. Prompts follow the interface language; copying preserves the full text and line breaks.

Use the json-canvas skill to turn [research brief path] into research.canvas. Group nodes into research questions, existing evidence and next steps. Use real paths for note references, label relationships and avoid overlapping nodes. Produce valid JSON Canvas, check unique node IDs, existing edge endpoints and sensible coordinates and dimensions, and explain the source of the content.

Review the JSON, node IDs, edge endpoints and referenced paths. Check layout readability and grouping, and fix dangling edges or overlaps. Clearly state if the file has not yet been previewed in a compatible application.

Supported AI tools

Claude CodeTerminal in your project folder
CodexTerminal in your project folder
OpenCodeTerminal in your project folder

These tools appear in the Skills CLI support list. Task results depend on the model, project and required runtime.

Installation

Requires Node.js 22.20 or later. The command selects this skill; follow the installer to confirm its location in the project.

Choose an AI tool

Run in: Terminal in your project folder

Install into the selected tool with Skills CLI. The original project also documents other installation methods.

npx skills add kepano/obsidian-skills --skill json-canvas -a claude-code

Restart the tool or open a new session, then mention this skill when describing your task.

Check the official setup guide

Source and license

This guide summarizes the original skill definition, README and setup documentation. Models, accounts and external services are provided by their respective tools.

SKILL.md README License terms