obsidian-bases
Build structured database views within Obsidian by creating .base files that organize notes through filters, computed formulas, and customizable display formats. Support table, card, list, and map views with optional grouping, limits, and summary calculations across your vault.
Obsidian Bases lets you create database-like views of notes using .base files with filters, formulas, and multiple view types.
AI-generated summary based on this skill's SKILL.md
Install
kepano/obsidian-skills/obsidian-bases
git clone https://github.com/kepano/obsidian-skills
cp -r obsidian-skills/skills/obsidian-bases ~/.claude/skills/obsidian-basesFrequently asked questions
AI-generated answers based on this skill's SKILL.md and metadata
How do I create obsidian bases?
obsidian-bases lets you build database-like views by creating .base files in your vault. Each .base file defines a query over your notes using YAML syntax, specifying which notes to include, how to filter them, what properties to display, and which view format (table, card, list, or map) to render. Start by creating a file with a .base extension, then define your source notes, filters, and display properties in YAML.
What view formats does obsidian-bases support?
obsidian-bases supports four display formats for your structured queries: table view for spreadsheet-like layouts, card view for visual summaries, list view for sequential display, and map view for geographic data using coordinates. Each format is configured within your .base file and renders your filtered notes according to the layout you choose, with custom properties shown for each note.
How do I use filters, formulas, and summaries in obsidian bases?
obsidian-bases lets you define filters to select which notes appear in your view, formulas to compute derived values from note properties, and summaries to aggregate data across groups. Filters use operators to match note fields, formulas support date arithmetic and other calculations, and summaries can group results and compute totals—all configured in your .base file's YAML structure.
What is the obsidian base file syntax and YAML structure?
obsidian-bases .base files use YAML to define your database view. Key sections include the source (which notes to query), filters (conditions to match), properties (fields to display), view type (table/card/list/map), and optional grouping, limits, and summary calculations. Proper YAML quoting and indentation are essential; obsidian-bases validates your configuration and reports errors if syntax is invalid.
Can I create a reading list or task tracker with obsidian bases?
Yes, obsidian-bases is ideal for specialized trackers. Create a reading list base by filtering notes with a 'book' tag, displaying title, author, and status properties in card or table view. For a task tracker, filter notes by task status, use formulas to calculate due dates or duration, and group by priority or assignee. Both examples use .base files with appropriate filters and view configurations.
What should I do if my obsidian base file is not rendering?
obsidian-bases validates YAML syntax and configuration when rendering. Check that your .base file has correct YAML indentation, proper quoting for special characters, valid filter operators, and that referenced note properties exist. Review error messages in Obsidian's console for specific issues. Ensure your source notes match your filter criteria and that the view type is one of the four supported formats.
SKILL.md
rendered from the published skill — quoted content, verbatim
Obsidian Bases Skill
Workflow
- Create the file: Create a
.basefile in the vault with valid YAML content - Define scope: Add
filtersto select which notes appear (by tag, folder, property, or date) - Add formulas (optional): Define computed properties in the
formulassection - Configure views: Add one or more views (
table,cards,list, ormap) withorderspecifying which properties to display - Validate: Verify the file is valid YAML with no syntax errors. Check that all referenced properties and formulas exist. Common issues: unquoted strings containing special YAML characters, mismatched quotes in formula expressions, referencing
formula.Xwithout definingXinformulas - Test in Obsidian: Open the
.basefile in Obsidian to confirm the view renders correctly. If it shows a YAML error, check quoting rules below
(truncated - see the full file via the links below)
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