MCP Tools for Obsidian
A local MCP server that enables AI applications like Claude Desktop to securely access and work with Obsidian vaults, providing capabilities for reading notes, executing templates, and performing semantic searches.
What is MCP Tools for Obsidian?
MCP Tools for Obsidian is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to local mcp server that enables ai applications like claude desktop to securely access and work with obsidian vaults, providing capabilities for reading notes, executing templates, and performing semant...
A local MCP server that enables AI applications like Claude Desktop to securely access and work with Obsidian vaults, providing capabilities for reading notes, executing templates, and performing semantic searches.
This server falls under the Knowledge & Memory category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A local MCP server that enables AI applications like Claude
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx mcp-tools-for-obsidianConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use MCP Tools for Obsidian
MCP Tools for Obsidian connects AI applications like Claude Desktop to your Obsidian vault through the Model Context Protocol, acting as a secure local bridge between your notes and AI assistants. It enables AI assistants to read your notes, run Templater templates with dynamic parameters, and perform semantic search across your vault using the Smart Connections plugin. Rather than granting AI direct file access, it routes all requests through a signed local server binary that uses the Obsidian Local REST API, keeping your vault secure. This plugin reached 87k installs as the top MCP-related Obsidian plugin before being archived, with several active alternatives now available in the Community Plugins store.
Prerequisites
- Obsidian v1.7.7 or higher installed on your machine
- Claude Desktop (or another MCP-compatible client) installed and configured
- Obsidian Local REST API community plugin installed and configured with an API key
- Optional: Templater plugin for template execution support
- Optional: Smart Connections plugin for semantic search capabilities
Install the Obsidian community plugin
Open Obsidian, navigate to Settings > Community Plugins, disable safe mode if needed, then search for 'MCP Tools for Obsidian' and install it. After installing, enable the plugin in the plugin list.
Install and configure the Local REST API plugin
In Obsidian Community Plugins, install the 'Local REST API' plugin. Enable it, then open its settings to find your generated API key — the MCP server uses this key to authenticate with your vault.
Install the MCP server binary
Open the MCP Tools for Obsidian plugin settings in Obsidian and click the 'Install Server' button. This downloads the signed platform-specific server binary into your vault's plugin directory and automatically configures Claude Desktop to use it.
Verify Claude Desktop configuration
After clicking Install Server, the plugin automatically writes the MCP server entry into your Claude Desktop config. Open the file to confirm the entry was added. The server binary path will be inside your vault's plugin folder.
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.jsonRestart Claude Desktop and test the connection
Quit and relaunch Claude Desktop. The MCP server should start automatically. In a Claude conversation, ask it to search your vault or read a specific note to confirm the connection is working.
MCP Tools for Obsidian Examples
Client configuration
The plugin auto-configures Claude Desktop, but the resulting config entry looks like this (server binary path will match your vault location):
{
"mcpServers": {
"obsidian-mcp-tools": {
"command": "/path/to/vault/.obsidian/plugins/obsidian-mcp-tools/bin/mcp-server",
"args": [],
"env": {
"OBSIDIAN_API_KEY": "your-local-rest-api-key"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Once connected, try these prompts in Claude Desktop to work with your Obsidian vault:
- "Search my Obsidian vault for notes about project planning"
- "Read the note titled 'Weekly Review' from my vault"
- "Find notes related to the concept of deep work in my vault"
- "Run the daily note template in Obsidian for today's date"Troubleshooting MCP Tools for Obsidian
Server won't start or Claude Desktop shows no MCP connection
Ensure Claude Desktop is running before the plugin attempts to connect. Open plugin settings in Obsidian and check that the server shows as installed. Click 'Open Logs' under Resources to view error messages.
Connection errors or permission denied when reading vault
Verify the Local REST API plugin is enabled and its API key is correctly configured. In the MCP Tools plugin settings, confirm Claude Desktop is listed as configured. Try reinstalling the server binary from the plugin settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about MCP Tools for Obsidian
What is MCP Tools for Obsidian?
MCP Tools for Obsidian is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that local mcp server that enables ai applications like claude desktop to securely access and work with obsidian vaults, providing capabilities for reading notes, executing templates, and performing semantic searches. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install MCP Tools for Obsidian?
Follow the installation instructions on the MCP Tools for Obsidian GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with MCP Tools for Obsidian?
MCP Tools for Obsidian works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is MCP Tools for Obsidian free to use?
Yes, MCP Tools for Obsidian is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Browse More Knowledge & Memory MCP Servers
Explore all knowledge & memory servers available in the MCPgee directory. Each server includes setup guides for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
Set Up MCP Tools for Obsidian in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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