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name: obsidian-data-importer description: Transform structured external data (CSV/JSON) into Obsidian's linked knowledge system while preserving semantic relationships, optimizing graph structure, and preventing data corruption through systematic validation and YAML-safe template generation.Enables seamless knowledge transfer from databases, spreadsheets, and APIs into personal knowledge management, maintaining referential integrity and facilitating emergence of insights through networked thought.

Obsidian Data Importer

Activation Conditions

This skill activates when:

• User uploads or provides CSV/JSON data files
• User requests Obsidian import assistance
• User mentions "Handlebars", "JSON/CSV Importer", "bulk import", or "data import"
• User wants to create multiple Obsidian notes from structured data

Quick Start (3 Steps)

For immediate use:

1. Provide your data - Upload CSV/JSON file or paste content
2. Confirm mapping - Review proposed field assignments
3. Receive template - Get complete Handlebars template + instructions

→ Simple example: 01-task-list-csv

System Architecture

Copyobsidian-data-importer/
├── core/              → Processing engines (5 phases + 4 modules)
├── knowledge/         → Reference documentation (syntax, types, errors)
├── templates/         → Pattern library (8 templates + partials)
└── examples/          → Complete demonstrations (12 workflows)

Component Diagram

Copy[Data Input]
    ↓
[DataParser] ──→ [FieldAnalyzer] ──→ [TemplateGenerator] ──→ [Validator]
    ↓                ↓                      ↓                    ↓
 Parsed         Field Inventory        Template String      Validation
  Structure                                                   Report
                                           ↓
                                   [InstructionComposer]
                                           ↓
                                    Complete Package

Workflow Overview

The system executes in 5 sequential phases:

Process Flow:

CopyCSV/JSON → Parse → Analyze → Map → Generate → Validate → Deliver

Module Reference

Core Processing Modules

Knowledge Base

Template Library

Base Templates

• base-generic.hbs - Minimal universal structure
• base-full.hbs - Comprehensive with all features
• base-minimal.hbs - Bare essentials only

Domain-Specific Templates

• task-management.hbs - Tasks, projects, status tracking
• reference-material.hbs - Books, articles, sources
• people-contacts.hbs - Networking, relationships
• events-timeline.hbs - Chronological data
• inventory-catalog.hbs - Items, products, assets

Template Composition: All templates use modular partials from templates/partials/ for maximum reusability.

Common Tasks (Quick Recipes)

Examples by Complexity

Simple (Start Here)

• 01-task-list-csv - Basic CSV with 5 fields
• 02-contacts-csv - Special character handling
• 03-books-json - Simple JSON structure

Intermediate

• 04-nested-json-projects - 2-level nesting
• 05-array-handling - Repeated elements
• 06-multi-source-merge - Data combination

Advanced

• 07-deep-nested-json - 3+ level hierarchy
• 08-complex-relationships - Entity linking
• 09-computed-fields - Derived values

Troubleshooting

• 10-special-chars-fix - YAML safety
• 11-empty-values - Conditional handling
• 12-type-mismatches - Type corrections

Integration & Extensions

Complementary Obsidian Plugins

• Templater - Post-import transformations and computed fields
• Dataview - Query and aggregate imported data
• QuickAdd - Manual data entry workflows
• Metadata Menu - Interactive frontmatter management
• Tag Wrangler - Hierarchical tag organization

Extending This Skill

1. Add custom templates - Place in templates/ with metadata
2. Create domain patterns - Model specific industries or use cases
3. Build preprocessors - Transform data before import
4. Develop validators - Add custom validation rules
5. Share examples - Contribute to examples library

Graph Structure Optimization

• Use [[Wikilinks]] for entities that should become nodes
• Create MOCs (Maps of Content) for large imports
• Apply hierarchical tags (e.g., project/alpha/task-001)
• Standardize date formats (ISO 8601)
• Preserve source URLs for traceability

Capabilities & Boundaries

✅ What This Skill Does

• Parse CSV and JSON data structures
• Analyze fields with type inference
• Generate YAML-safe Handlebars templates
• Validate syntax and preview output
• Provide complete usage instructions
• Suggest graph optimization strategies

❌ What This Skill Does NOT Do

• Perform the actual import (requires user + plugin)
• Modify source data files
• Install or configure the plugin
• Post-process notes after import
• Fix corrupted YAML in existing notes
• Real-time data synchronization

User Responsibilities

• Install JSON/CSV Importer plugin in Obsidian
• Save generated template to vault
• Execute import through plugin interface
• Review imported notes for accuracy
• Perform any post-import cleanup

Execution Mode

When data is provided, the system automatically:

1. Detects format (CSV vs JSON)
2. Parses structure and analyzes fields
3. Generates field inventory with recommendations
4. Proposes template pattern based on data characteristics
5. Requests confirmation of field mappings
6. Constructs template with YAML safety
7. Validates syntax and generates preview
8. Delivers package with instructions

Response Format:

Copy## 📊 Data Analysis

[Field inventory table with types and recommendations]

## 🎯 Recommended Approach

Pattern: [Selected template]
Note Names: [Field for filenames]
Target Folder: [Suggested location]

## ⚠️ Warnings

[Special character issues, data quality concerns]

## ✨ Template

[Complete Handlebars template with documentation]

## 👁️ Preview

[Sample output from first data row]

## 📋 Instructions

[Step-by-step import procedure]

## 🔧 Troubleshooting

[Common issues and solutions]

Metadata

Version: 2.0.0 (Modular Architecture) Created: October 2025 Compatibility: Obsidian + JSON/CSV Importer plugin Complexity Level: Intermediate to Advanced Skill Type: Data transformation & template generation

Prerequisites:

• Obsidian (any recent version)
• JSON/CSV Importer plugin by "filing 42"
• Basic understanding of YAML frontmatter
• Familiarity with Markdown

External Resources:

• JSON/CSV Importer Plugin - Official repository
• Handlebars.js Guide - Template syntax reference
• YAML Specification - Format specification
• Obsidian Forum - Community support

Version History

See CHANGELOG.md for detailed version history.

Support & Contribution

For Issues:

• Check examples/troubleshooting/ first
• Review knowledge/error-resolution.md
• Consult knowledge/best-practices.md

To Contribute:

• Add examples to demonstrate new patterns
• Submit custom templates for specific domains
• Report edge cases or issues
• Improve documentation clarity

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Reception & Usage

Skill Activation: Simply provide your CSV or JSON data, and the system will immediately begin analysis and template generation.

No explicit invocation required - the skill recognizes data files and structured content automatically.

For best results: Include complete data samples (not fragments) so field analysis can be accurate.

Ready to import your data into Obsidian? Provide your file or paste your data to begin.