How do I install the Convert External Images skill?

Run npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/convert-external-images in your terminal (requires Node.js), paste this page's agent-chat prompt into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-connected agent, or download the SKILL.md file and copy it into your agent's skills directory.

Is Convert External Images safe to use?

This skill has not completed SkillMD's automated safety review yet. Independent scanners report: SkillSpector: PASS, Skill Scanner: PASS. SkillMD never runs a skill's scripts for you; review the SKILL.md before installing.

Which AI agents work with Convert External Images?

This skill is tagged as working with Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex. SKILL.md is an open format, so most agents that read a skills directory can load it too.

Is Convert External Images free to use?

Yes. Installing skills from SkillMD is free, and the skill stays under its author's original license.

Who published Convert External Images?

tomevault-io (@tomevault-io) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.

Convert External Images by tomevault-io

Name: Convert External Images
Author: tomevault-io

Convert External Images

Convert external image files (Obsidian-style ![[image.png]] or standard ![](image.png)) to embedded base64 data URLs in markdown. Uses reference-style syntax for clean main text with base64 data at file end. Supports PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, WEBP. Includes verification and deletion of original files (default). Use when this capability is needed.

tomevault-io Updated Sep 17, 2026

File contents

Convert External Images to Embedded Base64

Convert external image files referenced in markdown to embedded base64 data URLs for portability while maintaining readability.

When to Use

Converting Obsidian vault notes to portable markdown
Removing external image dependencies
Creating self-contained markdown documents
Migrating between note-taking systems

Quick Start

bash scripts/convert_images.sh /path/to/markdown/file.md

Process Overview

Detection - Finds Obsidian-style ![[image.png]] and standard markdown ![](image.png) references
Conversion - Converts images to base64 using reference-style syntax
Placement - Puts base64 definitions at end of file for readability
Verification - Confirms all conversions succeeded
Cleanup - Deletes original image files by default (use --no-delete to skip)

Output Format

In main text (clean and readable):

![Descriptive alt text][embedded-image-1]

At end of file (base64 data):

[embedded-image-1]: <data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo...>

Features

✓ Automatic MIME type detection (png, jpg, jpeg, gif, webp)
✓ Reference-style syntax keeps main text clean
✓ Base64 data at file end for readability
✓ Verification step ensures success
✓ Deletes original files by default (skip with --no-delete)
✓ Handles missing image files gracefully
✓ Obsidian-compatible reference syntax

Script Usage

See scripts/convert_images.sh --help for detailed options.

Benefits Over Inline Base64

Traditional inline:

![image](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAA...)

Makes text unreadable with giant base64 strings.

This approach:

Main text stays clean and readable
All base64 data relegated to file end
Standard markdown reference syntax
Works in Obsidian, VS Code, GitHub, etc.

Technical Details

Python script handles base64 encoding, file I/O, and regex replacements
Uses sequential embedded-image-N reference IDs to avoid collisions
Rewrites markdown content with updated image references and appended data URLs
Cross-platform compatible (Linux/macOS)

Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.

---name: convert-external-imagesdescription: Convert external image files (Obsidian-style ![[image.png]] or standard ![](image.png)) to embedded base64 data URLs in markdown. Uses reference-style syntax for clean main text with base64 data at file end. Supports PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, WEBP. Includes verification and deletion of original files (default). Use when this capability is needed.---# Convert External Images to Embedded Base64Convert external image files referenced in markdown to embedded base64 data URLs for portability while maintaining readability.## When to Use- Converting Obsidian vault notes to portable markdown- Removing external image dependencies- Creating self-contained markdown documents- Migrating between note-taking systems## Quick Start```bashbash scripts/convert_images.sh /path/to/markdown/file.md```## Process Overview1. **Detection** - Finds Obsidian-style `![[image.png]]` and standard markdown `![](image.png)` references2. **Conversion** - Converts images to base64 using reference-style syntax3. **Placement** - Puts base64 definitions at end of file for readability4. **Verification** - Confirms all conversions succeeded5. **Cleanup** - Deletes original image files by default (use --no-delete to skip)## Output Format**In main text** (clean and readable):```markdown![Descriptive alt text][embedded-image-1]```**At end of file** (base64 data):```markdown[embedded-image-1]: <data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo...>```## Features- ✓ Automatic MIME type detection (png, jpg, jpeg, gif, webp)- ✓ Reference-style syntax keeps main text clean- ✓ Base64 data at file end for readability- ✓ Verification step ensures success- ✓ Deletes original files by default (skip with --no-delete)- ✓ Handles missing image files gracefully- ✓ Obsidian-compatible reference syntax## Script UsageSee `scripts/convert_images.sh --help` for detailed options.## Benefits Over Inline Base64**Traditional inline**: ```markdown![image](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAA...)```Makes text unreadable with giant base64 strings.**This approach**:- Main text stays clean and readable- All base64 data relegated to file end- Standard markdown reference syntax- Works in Obsidian, VS Code, GitHub, etc.## Technical Details- Python script handles base64 encoding, file I/O, and regex replacements- Uses sequential `embedded-image-N` reference IDs to avoid collisions- Rewrites markdown content with updated image references and appended data URLs- Cross-platform compatible (Linux/macOS)---> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/ye99) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.

Frequently asked questions