> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://memory.basicmachines.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Canvas Visualizations

> Create visual knowledge maps using Obsidian's Canvas feature to understand relationships between concepts

# Canvas Visualizations

Basic Memory can create visual knowledge maps using Obsidian's Canvas feature. These visualizations help you understand relationships between concepts, map out processes, and visualize your knowledge structure.

## Creating Canvas Visualizations

Ask Claude to create a visualization by describing what you want to map:

> [card] Example Requests
>
> * "Create a canvas visualization of my project components and their relationships."
> * "Make a concept map showing the main themes from our discussion about climate change."
> * "Can you make a canvas diagram of the perfect pour over method?"

![Canvas Visualization Example](https://mintcdn.com/basicmachines/o-7gfHyHm-1OBf90/attachments/Canvas.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=o-7gfHyHm-1OBf90\&q=85\&s=0951e12842464cab443a1e7a8831140e)

## Types of Visualizations

Basic Memory can create several types of visual maps:

> [card] Document Maps
>
> Visualize connections between your notes and documents

> [card] Concept Maps
>
> Create visual representations of ideas and their relationships

> [card] Process Diagrams
>
> Map workflows, sequences, and procedures

> [card] Thematic Analysis
>
> Organize ideas around central themes

### Relationship Networks

Show how different entities relate to each other in your knowledge base.

## Visualization Sources

Claude can create visualizations based on:

### Documents in Your Knowledge Base

```example theme={null}
You: "Create a canvas showing the connections between my project planning documents"
```

### Conversation Content

```example theme={null}
You: "Make a canvas visualization of the main points we just discussed"
```

### Search Results

```example theme={null}
You: "Find all my notes about psychology and create a visual map of the concepts"
```

### Themes and Relationships

```example theme={null}
You: "Create a visual map showing how different philosophical schools relate to each other"
```

## Visualization Workflow

**1. Request a visualization**

Describe what you want to see by asking Claude to create a canvas

**2. Claude creates the canvas file**

The canvas file is automatically created in your Basic Memory directory

**3. Open the file in Obsidian**

View the visualization in Obsidian's Canvas feature

**4. Refine the visualization**

Ask Claude for adjustments:

* "Could you reorganize the canvas to group related components together?"
* "Please add more detail about the connection between these two concepts."

## Technical Details

Behind the scenes, Claude:

> [!NOTE]
>
> 1. Creates a `.canvas` file in JSON format
> 2. Adds nodes for each concept or document
> 3. Creates edges to represent relationships
> 4. Sets positions for visual clarity
> 5. Includes any relevant metadata

The resulting file is fully compatible with Obsidian's Canvas feature and can be edited directly in Obsidian.

## Tips for Effective Visualizations

> [card] Be Specific
>
> Clearly describe what you want to visualize

> [card] Specify Detail Level
>
> Mention how much detail you need

> [card] Mention Type
>
> Specify the visualization type (concept map, process flow, etc.)

> [card] Start Simple
>
> Begin with basic visualizations and ask for refinements

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Provide context** about what documents or concepts to include for the best results.


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