Obsidian Markdown Notes

What is mcp-obsidian?

mcp-obsidian is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) connector designed to integrate Obsidian vaults or any directory containing Markdown notes with MCP clients like Claude Desktop. It enables these clients to access, read, and search through your Markdown notes, effectively extending their knowledge base.

How to use mcp-obsidian?

mcp-obsidian can be installed and used in a few ways:

• Via Smithery: The recommended method for Claude Desktop users. Simply run npx @smithery/cli install mcp-obsidian --client claude in your terminal, then restart Claude Desktop.
• With VS Code (One-Click Install): Use the provided "Install with NPX in VS Code" buttons for quick setup. These buttons will prompt you for the path to your Obsidian vault.
• With VS Code (Manual Installation): Add a specific JSON configuration block to your VS Code User Settings (JSON) file or to a .vscode/mcp.json file within your workspace. This configuration specifies the command to run mcp-obsidian and prompts for the vault path.

Key Features of mcp-obsidian

• Obsidian Vault Integration: Seamlessly connects Claude Desktop and other MCP clients to your Obsidian notes.
• Markdown Note Search: Allows clients to search and retrieve information from your Markdown files.
• Flexible Installation: Supports installation via Smithery for automated setup and manual configuration for advanced users.
• VS Code Compatibility: Provides specific instructions and one-click options for VS Code users.

Use Cases of mcp-obsidian

• Enhanced AI Context: Provide your AI assistant (e.g., Claude Desktop) with access to your personal knowledge base in Obsidian for more informed responses.
• Quick Information Retrieval: Easily search your notes through your MCP client without needing to open Obsidian separately.
• Automated Knowledge Access: Integrate your notes into automated workflows powered by MCP clients.

FAQ about mcp-obsidian

• What is Claude Desktop? Claude Desktop is an MCP client that can leverage connectors like mcp-obsidian to interact with external data sources.
• What is Smithery? Smithery is a platform that simplifies the installation and management of MCP protocols and connectors.
• Can I use this with other Markdown note applications? Yes, mcp-obsidian is designed to work with any directory containing Markdown notes, not just Obsidian vaults.
• Do I need npm installed? Yes, npm is required for installing mcp-obsidian, especially when using npx.
• How do I specify my Obsidian vault path? When installing via Smithery or the VS Code one-click options, you will be prompted for the vault path. For manual VS Code installation, you configure it in the JSON settings.

Obsidian Model Context Protocol

This is a connector to allow Claude Desktop (or any MCP client) to read and search any directory containing Markdown notes (such as an Obsidian vault).

Installation

Make sure Claude Desktop and npm is installed.

Installing via Smithery

To install Obsidian Model Context Protocol for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:

npx @smithery/cli install mcp-obsidian --client claude

Then, restart Claude Desktop and you should see the following MCP tools listed:

Usage with VS Code

For quick installation, use one of the one-click install buttons below:

For manual installation, add the following JSON block to your User Settings (JSON) file in VS Code. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P and typing Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON).

Optionally, you can add it to a file called .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace. This will allow you to share the configuration with others.

Note that the mcp key is not needed in the .vscode/mcp.json file.

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "vaultPath",
        "description": "Path to Obsidian vault"
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "obsidian": {
        "command": "npx",
        "args": ["-y", "mcp-obsidian", "${input:vaultPath}"]
      }
    }
  }
}