> ## 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.

# Obsidian Integration

> Integrate Basic Memory with Obsidian for powerful visualization and navigation of your knowledge graph

# Obsidian Integration

Basic Memory integrates seamlessly with [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md), providing powerful visualization and navigation capabilities for your knowledge graph.

## Setup

### Setting Up Obsidian with Basic Memory

You can either create a new vault for Basic Memory or configure Basic Memory to use your existing vault.

#### Option 1: Use an Existing Obsidian Vault

If you have an existing Obsidian vault where you want Basic Memory to save notes:

**1. Configure Basic Memory project**

```bash theme={null}
# Point Basic Memory to your existing vault
basic-memory project add main ~/path/to/your/obsidian-vault

# Set it as default
basic-memory project default main
```

**2. Restart Claude Desktop**

Restart Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect

**3. Test the integration**

Ask Claude to create a note - it will now appear in your existing vault

#### Option 2: Create a New Vault for Basic Memory

**1. Download Obsidian**

Download and install [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md)

**2. Create a new vault**

Create a new vault in Obsidian pointing to your Basic Memory directory (\~/basic-memory by default)

**3. Enable core plugins**

Enable core plugins like Graph View, Backlinks, and Tags

## Visualization Features

### Graph View

Obsidian's Graph View provides a visual representation of your knowledge network:

> [card] Node Representation
>
> Each document appears as a node

> [card] Connection Lines
>
> Relations appear as connections between nodes

> [card] Color Customization
>
> Colors can be customized to distinguish types

> [card] Filter Options
>
> Filters let you focus on specific aspects

> [!NOTE]
>
> Local graphs show connections for individual documents, providing focused views of specific areas in your knowledge base.

### Backlinks

Obsidian automatically tracks references between documents:

* View all documents that reference the current one
* See the exact context of each reference
* Navigate easily through connections
* Track how concepts relate to each other

### Tag Explorer

Use tags to organize and filter content:

* View all tags in your knowledge base
* See how many documents use each tag
* Filter documents by tag combinations
* Create hierarchical tag structures

## Knowledge Elements

Basic Memory's knowledge format works natively with Obsidian:

### Wiki Links

```markdown theme={null}
## Relations
- implements [[Search Design]]
- depends_on [[Database Schema]]
```

> [!NOTE]
>
> These display as clickable links in Obsidian and appear in the graph view.

### Observations with Tags

```markdown theme={null}
## Observations
- [tech] Using SQLite #database
- [design] Local-first #architecture
```

Tags become searchable and filterable in Obsidian's tag pane.

### Frontmatter

```yaml theme={null}
---
title: Document Title
type: note
tags: [search, design]
---
```

Frontmatter provides metadata for Obsidian to use in search and filtering.

## Canvas Integration

Basic Memory can create [Obsidian Canvas](https://obsidian.md/canvas) files:

**1. Ask Claude to create a visualization**

```example theme={null}
You: "Create a canvas showing the structure of our project components."
```

**2. Claude generates a .canvas file**

The file is automatically created in your knowledge base

**3. Open the file in Obsidian**

View and edit the visual representation in Obsidian

**4. Canvas files maintain references**

Canvas files keep live references to your documents

## Recommended Plugins

These Obsidian plugins work especially well with Basic Memory:

> [card] Dataview
>
> Query your knowledge base programmatically

> [card] Kanban
>
> Organize tasks from knowledge files

> [card] Calendar
>
> View and navigate temporal knowledge

> [card] Templates
>
> Create consistent knowledge structures

## Workflow Suggestions

### Daily Notes

```markdown theme={null}
# 2024-01-21

## Progress
- Updated [[Search Design]]
- Fixed [[Bug Report 123]]

## Notes
- [idea] Better indexing #enhancement
- [todo] Update docs #documentation

## Links
- relates_to [[Current Sprint]]
- updates [[Project Status]]
```

### Project Tracking

```markdown theme={null}
# Current Sprint

## Tasks
- [ ] Update [[Search]]
- [ ] Fix [[Auth Bug]]

## Tags
#sprint #planning #current
```

## Advanced Obsidian Features

### Graph Analysis

> [tab] Global Graph
>
> View your entire knowledge network to identify:
>
> * Central concepts (highly connected nodes)
> * Knowledge clusters
> * Isolated information
> * Missing connections

> [tab] Local Graph
>
> Focus on specific documents to see:
>
> * Direct connections
> * Related concepts
> * Knowledge pathways
> * Context around ideas

### Search and Navigation

> [card] Quick Switcher
>
> Rapidly navigate between documents using Cmd/Ctrl + O

> [card] Global Search
>
> Search across all content with advanced filtering options

> [card] Tag Navigation
>
> Browse by tags and see tag hierarchies

> [card] Backlink Panel
>
> See all references to the current document

### Visual Customization

You can customize how your knowledge appears in Obsidian:

```css theme={null}
/* Custom CSS for Basic Memory observations */
.observation-tech {
  color: #4A90E2;
  font-weight: bold;
}

.observation-design {
  color: #7ED321;
  font-style: italic;
}

.observation-decision {
  color: #F5A623;
  background: rgba(245, 166, 35, 0.1);
  padding: 2px 4px;
  border-radius: 3px;
}
```

## Integration Benefits

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Why use Obsidian with Basic Memory?**
>
> * **Visual Knowledge Mapping**: See the structure of your knowledge
> * **Powerful Navigation**: Move through connected concepts easily
> * **Rich Plugin Ecosystem**: Extend functionality with community plugins
> * **Mature Editor**: Professional markdown editing with live preview
> * **Local Files**: Everything stays on your machine, just like Basic Memory

## Tips for Effective Use

> [card] Consistent Tagging
>
> Use consistent tag patterns to enable better filtering and organization

> [card] Meaningful Relations
>
> Create meaningful relation types that help you understand connections

> [card] Regular Review
>
> Regularly review your graph to identify knowledge gaps

> [card] Template Usage
>
> Use templates for consistent document structure

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

> [accordion] Links not appearing in graph
>
> * Ensure proper WikiLink syntax: `[[Document Title]]`
> * Check that referenced documents exist
> * Verify frontmatter title matches link text

> [accordion] Tags not showing up
>
> * Use proper tag syntax: `#tag` or in frontmatter
> * Check tag panel is enabled in Obsidian
> * Ensure tags don't contain spaces (use hyphens)

> [accordion] Canvas files not opening
>
> * Update to latest Obsidian version
> * Enable Canvas core plugin
> * Check file permissions


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