# Obsidian CLI

> Use the Obsidian CLI when a task depends on Obsidian's index or running application state, such as resolved links or properties, Bases, or link-preserving moves. Do not use it for ordinary filesystem inspection, Markdown or YAML editing, Git work, or plugin and theme development that does not need Obsidian runtime semantics.

- Skill: `agentic-tend/obsidian-cli` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add agentic-tend/obsidian-cli`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/agentic-tend/obsidian-cli/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- License: MIT. See LICENSE.txt for complete terms and notices
- Author: agentic-tend (https://skillmd.com/u/agentic-tend)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/agentic-tend/obsidian-cli

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# Obsidian CLI

Use the CLI as an adapter to a running Obsidian application when its index or application state is the relevant source of truth.

## Select the interface

- Use filesystem tools for ordinary file inspection and exact Markdown or YAML edits.
- Use the CLI when Obsidian-resolved links or properties, Bases, or running application state are the relevant source of truth.
- Use `move` or `rename` when an approved operation must update Obsidian-managed internal links.

## Run commands

- Run `obsidian help <command>` before relying on remembered syntax.
- Pass parameters as `key=value`, quote values containing spaces, and pass boolean flags without a value.
- Use `file=<name>` for Obsidian-style name resolution and `path=<vault-relative-path>` for an exact target.
- Put `vault=<name>` first when the intended vault is not unambiguous.
- Resolve mutation targets with read-only commands before changing them.
- Treat `eval` as potentially mutating even when the JavaScript appears observational.

## Verify mutations

- Query the resulting state through Obsidian when indexed behavior matters.
- Inspect the affected files for unexpected filesystem changes.
- Report any application behavior that was not verified in the current environment.