Obsidian Canvas
Obsidian Canvas provides an open space to research, brainstorm, diagram, and arrange ideas visually.
About Obsidian Canvas
Obsidian Canvas is a visual workspace feature included free with the Obsidian note-taking application, available on web. It provides an infinite, open space for users to research, brainstorm, create diagrams, and arrange ideas visually. Users can add existing notes and media from their Obsidian vault directly to the canvas, and edit those embedded items in place.
The feature supports embedding images, PDFs, videos, audio, and interactive web pages. Canvas views can be embedded in regular Obsidian notes, and canvases can be nested inside other canvases. Canvas files are stored locally in the open JSON Canvas file format, and an API is available for building plugins that extend Canvas functionality. Users can export their full canvas or the current visible view as an image.
Key features
- Infinite visual workspace for idea arrangement and diagramming
- Embed notes, images, PDFs, videos, audio, and web pages
- Nest canvases within other canvases and embed in notes
- Local storage in open JSON Canvas file format
- API support for building custom Canvas plugins
- Export full or partial canvas view to image
Best for: Obsidian users seeking a visual infinite workspace to arrange notes, media, and ideas for research, brainstorming, or diagramming.
Good for
- Included free with Obsidian at no separate cost
- Stores files locally in an open, interoperable JSON format
- Extensible via public API for custom plugin development
Obsidian Canvas at a glance
- Website
- obsidian.md/canvas
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Text Editors
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Text Editors
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Obsidian Canvas FAQ
Is Obsidian Canvas free to use?
Yes, Canvas is included free with Obsidian.
Where are Canvas files stored?
Canvas files are stored locally in the open JSON Canvas file format.
Can Canvas functionality be extended with custom tools?
Yes, Obsidian provides an API to build plugins that add new Canvas capabilities.
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