obsidian-setup

Convert existing note folders into organized Obsidian vaults on macOS.

Updated Jun 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/alectivism/organization-ai-skills --skill obsidian-setup-alectivism
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: obsidian-setup
Source: https://github.com/alectivism/organization-ai-skills/tree/main/org-ops/skills/obsidian-setup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/alectivism/organization-ai-skills --skill obsidian-setup-alectivism

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Setting up Obsidian confuses non-technical users: they do not know what a vault is, where their notes should live, or how to import from Apple Notes, Granola, Notion, and other tools. This Skill walks a user through vault setup as a guided pairing session rather than a manual, with a script that detects their current state and names the exact next step. ## Core Features & Use Cases - State detection and guided setup: vault.py check reports whether Obsidian is installed, whether vaults exist, and whether notes are loose or organized, then prints the single next command. - Import routing by tool: Reference guides cover migrating notes from Apple Notes, Granola, Notion, Otter, Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep, paper notebooks, and more, always into a named subfolder without touching originals. - Safe organization: plan proposes subfolders based on recurring filename words, and organize moves files only with --apply, never overwriting or deleting content. - Use Case: A staff member with notes scattered across Apple Notes and Granola asks for help. The assistant runs check, asks what they use, initializes their existing folder as a vault, imports their notes, and shows them search, the quick switcher, and backlinks. ## Quick Start Help me set up Obsidian by checking what I already have and turning my existing notes folder into a vault.

Frequently Asked Questions about obsidian-setup

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up an Obsidian vault from existing notes?▼

Run vault.py check to see your current state, then vault.py init on the folder containing your notes. This adds a .obsidian directory without moving any files, turning any folder into a vault in place.

How do I import Apple Notes or Notion into Obsidian?▼

Use Obsidian's Importer community plugin, which reads Apple Notes directly on macOS and handles Notion's Markdown & CSV export. Always import into a named subfolder like 'Imported from Apple Notes' so the result is easy to review or undo.

Can Claude and Obsidian use the same folder?▼

Yes. Both programs read files from the same folder on disk, so pointing Claude Cowork at your vault folder requires no connector, MCP, or plugin. Notes written by either tool are visible to the other.

Does the organize script delete or overwrite my notes?▼

No. vault.py organize is a dry run by default and only moves files with --apply. It skips any target where a file of the same name already exists, never touches .obsidian, and Obsidian updates wikilinks to moved notes automatically.

Why does the skill avoid tags, plugins, and the graph view?▼

Research on why people abandon Obsidian shows that imposing structure, plugins, and named methods before content exists is the top failure cause. The skill teaches only search, quick switcher, links, and note creation in the first session.