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

5. Apply Layout Algorithm

MindMap Layout Calculations:

Refer to references/layout-algorithms.md for detailed algorithms. Key principles:

• Center root at (0, 0)
• Distribute primary nodes radially
• Space secondary nodes based on sibling count
• Maintain minimum spacing: 320px horizontal, 200px vertical

Freeform Layout Principles:

• Start with logical groupings
• Position groups with clear separation
• Connect across groups with curved edges
• Balance visual weight across canvas

6. Validate and Output

Before outputting:

Validation Checklist:

• All nodes have unique IDs
• No coordinate overlaps (check distance > node dimensions + spacing)
• All edges reference valid node IDs
• Groups (if any) have labels
• Colors use consistent format (hex or preset numbers)
• JSON is properly escaped (Chinese quotes: 『』 for double, 「」 for single)

Output Format:

• Complete, valid JSON Canvas file
• No additional explanation text
• Directly importable into Obsidian

Node Sizing Guidelines

Text Length-Based Sizing:

• Short text (<30 chars): 220 × 100 px
• Medium text (30-60 chars): 260 × 120 px
• Long text (60-100 chars): 320 × 140 px
• Very long text (>100 chars): 320 × 180 px

Color Schemes

Preset Colors (Recommended):

• "1" - Red (warnings, important)
• "2" - Orange (action items)
• "3" - Yellow (questions, notes)
• "4" - Green (positive, completed)
• "5" - Cyan (information, details)
• "6" - Purple (concepts, abstract)

Custom Hex Colors: Use for brand consistency or specific themes. Always use uppercase format: "#4A90E2"

Critical Rules

• Quote Handling:

- Chinese double quotes → 『』 - Chinese single quotes → 「」 - English double quotes → \"

• ID Generation:

- 8-12 character random hex strings - Must be unique across all nodes and edges

• Z-Index Order:

- Output groups first (bottom layer) - Then subgroups - Finally text/link nodes (top layer)

• Spacing Requirements:

- Minimum horizontal: 320px between node centers - Minimum vertical: 200px between node centers - Account for node dimensions when calculating

• JSON Structure:

- Top level contains only nodes and edges arrays - No extra wrapping objects - No comments in output

• No Emoji:

- Do not use any Emoji symbols in node text - Use color coding or text labels for visual distinction instead

Examples

Simple MindMap Request

User: "Create a mind map about solar system planets"

Process:

• Identify center: "Solar System"
• Primary branches: Inner Planets, Outer Planets, Dwarf Planets
• Secondary nodes: Individual planets with key facts
• Apply radial layout
• Generate JSON with proper spacing

Freeform Content Request

User: "Turn this article into a canvas" + [article text]

Process:

• Extract article structure (intro, body sections, conclusion)
• Identify key concepts and relationships
• Group related sections spatially
• Connect with labeled edges
• Apply freeform layout with clear zones

Reference Documents

• Canvas Specification: references/canvas-spec.md - Complete JSON Canvas format specification
• Layout Algorithms: references/layout-algorithms.md - Detailed positioning algorithms for both layout types

Load these references when:

• Need specification details for edge cases
• Implementing complex layout calculations
• Troubleshooting validation errors

Tips for Quality Canvases

• Keep text concise: Each node should be scannable (<2 lines preferred)
• Use hierarchy: Group by importance and relationship
• Balance the canvas: Distribute nodes to avoid clustering
• Strategic colors: Use colors to encode meaning, not just decoration
• Meaningful connections: Only add edges that clarify relationships
• Test in Obsidian: Verify the output opens correctly

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overlapping nodes (always check distances)
• Inconsistent quote escaping (breaks JSON parsing)
• Missing group labels (causes sidebar navigation issues)
• Too much text in nodes (use file nodes for long content)
• Duplicate IDs (each must be unique)
• Unconnected nodes (unless intentional islands)