Obsidian-MCP-Server

@Trao95

About Obsidian-MCP-Server

Seamlessly integrate Claude AI into your Obsidian vault! This guide provides a straightforward setup for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server on Windows 11, empowering Claude to directly assist your brainstorming, notetaking, and knowledge management within Obsidian.

#obsidian #mcp-server #claude-ai

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "obsidian": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "obsidian-mcp",
        "YOUR_OBSIDIAN_VAULT_PATH_HERE"
      ],
      "env": {
        "OBSIDIAN_API_KEY": "YOUR_ACTUAL_OBSIDIAN_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Tools

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Overview

What is Obsidian-MCP-Server?

Obsidian-MCP-Server is a Model Context Protocol server that acts as a bridge, allowing external AI applications like Claude Desktop to securely read from and write to your Obsidian vault. It is designed for users who want AI‑powered brainstorming, notetaking, and knowledge management directly with their notes.

How to use Obsidian-MCP-Server?

Install Node.js 20 or higher, install the Local REST API plugin in Obsidian, and generate an API key. Then edit Claude Desktop’s claude_desktop_config.json file (located at %APPDATA%\Claude\) to include an entry with the command npx -y obsidian-mcp <vault-path> and the OBSIDIAN_API_KEY environment variable. The server starts automatically when Claude Desktop launches.

Key features of Obsidian-MCP-Server

Read your vault’s content for summarization and analysis.
Create and modify notes based on AI prompts.
Search your vault for relevant information.
Secure access via Obsidian’s Local REST API plugin.
Works with Claude Desktop on Windows 11.

Use cases of Obsidian-MCP-Server

Brainstorming ideas with AI assistance directly in your Obsidian vault.
Summarizing and analyzing existing notes using Claude.
Generating new content and saving it to your vault.
Performing comprehensive searches across your knowledge base.

FAQ from Obsidian-MCP-Server

What prerequisites are needed to run the server?

You need an active Obsidian vault, Node.js version 20 or higher, and Claude Desktop. The Obsidian Local REST API plugin must be installed and configured.

How do I generate the required API key?

In Obsidian, go to Settings → Community plugins → Local REST API and click the “Generate new API key” button. Immediately copy the generated key—it is sensitive and grants access to your vault.

Why is my `claude_desktop_config.json` file not being picked up?

The file must be named exactly claude_desktop_config.json and placed directly in the %APPDATA%\Claude\ folder. Any JSON syntax error (e.g., missing commas or braces) will prevent Claude from reading it. Use a validator like jsonlint.com to check the file.

How can I fix the “Address already in use” error?

The server defaults to port 27123. To use a different port, add "--port", "27124" (or any free port) to the args array in your Claude Desktop configuration, then perform a hard restart of Claude Desktop.

What should I do if the server still does not connect?

End all Claude processes using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and then relaunch Claude Desktop. If the issue persists, consider reinstalling Claude Desktop as a last resort.

Frequently asked questions

What prerequisites are needed to run the server?

You need an active Obsidian vault, Node.js version 20 or higher, and Claude Desktop. The Obsidian Local REST API plugin must be installed and configured.

How do I generate the required API key?

Why is my `claude_desktop_config.json` file not being picked up?

The file must be named exactly `claude_desktop_config.json` and placed directly in the `%APPDATA%\Claude\` folder. Any JSON syntax error (e.g., missing commas or braces) will prevent Claude from reading it. Use a validator like jsonlint.com to check the file.

How can I fix the “Address already in use” error?

The server defaults to port 27123. To use a different port, add `"--port", "27124"` (or any free port) to the `args` array in your Claude Desktop configuration, then perform a hard restart of Claude Desktop.

What should I do if the server still does not connect?

End all Claude processes using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and then relaunch Claude Desktop. If the issue persists, consider reinstalling Claude Desktop as a last resort.

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