JSON Canvas vs Obsidian Markdown

JSON Canvas

By Steph Ango (Kepano / Obsidian)

Create visual knowledge maps, mind maps, and flowcharts for Obsidian without any code.

Obsidian Markdown

By Steph Ango (Kepano / Obsidian)

Write powerful notes in Obsidian with linked pages, embeds, callouts, and rich formatting.

JSON Canvas

• Creates visual canvases with text boxes, images, links, and grouped elements
• Connects ideas with labeled arrows and color-coded relationships
• Generates mind maps, flowcharts, project boards, and research diagrams
• Organizes complex information spatially so you can see the big picture
• Saves files that open directly in Obsidian's canvas view

Obsidian Markdown

• Links notes together automatically so you can build a connected knowledge graph
• Embeds content from other notes, images, PDFs, and files directly into your current note
• Creates highlighted callouts for warnings, tips, questions, and important information
• Organizes notes with tags, properties, and frontmatter for easy searching and filtering
• Formats notes with highlighting, footnotes, math equations, and diagrams

Reach for JSON Canvas when…

• You're brainstorming a new project and want to map out all the moving pieces
• You need to visualize how different ideas or documents connect to each other
• You're planning a workflow or process and want to see it as a flowchart
• You want to turn scattered notes into an organized visual knowledge map

Reach for Obsidian Markdown when…

• You're building a personal knowledge base or second brain in Obsidian
• You need to organize project notes, meeting notes, or research with interconnected links
• You want to create rich documentation with embedded images, PDFs, and cross-references
• You're managing a team wiki or shared knowledge repository