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yanxue06

obsidian-mcp

by yanxue06

Create or update a note

upsert_note

Create a note in Obsidian vault if missing, or fully replace its body and frontmatter if it exists. Supports merging frontmatter. Provides idempotent write operation.

Instructions

Create a note if missing, replace it if it exists. Body is always fully replaced. Frontmatter is replaced by default; pass merge_frontmatter: true to keep existing frontmatter keys not specified in this call. Use this when you want an idempotent write — neither create_note (errors on existence) nor update_note (errors when missing) handle that on their own.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYesVault-relative path. '.md' is appended if missing.
contentNoMarkdown body.
frontmatterNoYAML frontmatter as a JSON object.
linksNoOptional list of note titles to render as `[[wiki-links]]` at the end.
merge_frontmatterNoIf true and the note already exists, merge new frontmatter keys on top of existing ones instead of replacing the block wholesale. Body is always replaced.
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, but description fully discloses replacement behavior: body always replaced, frontmatter replaced by default with merge option. Also mentions idempotency. This compensates for lack of annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with core functionality. No wasted words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 5 parameters (one required) and no output schema, the description covers essential behavior, idempotency, and differentiation from siblings. No gaps identified.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Input schema has 100% coverage with descriptions for each parameter. Description adds context for merge_frontmatter behavior (merging vs replacing), which adds value beyond schema. However, schema already provides adequate descriptions, so a slight deduction is warranted.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clearly states 'Create a note if missing, replace it if it exists.' Uses specific verb (upsert) and resource (note). Distinguishes from sibling tools by contrasting with create_note and update_note.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly tells the agent to use this for idempotent writes, and states that create_note and update_note do not handle that case. Provides clear when-to-use and alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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