- name
- canvas
- description
- Create spatial node-based diagrams with free positioning. Best for mind maps, knowledge graphs, concept maps, and planning boards where precise spatial layout matters. Use JSON format with x/y coordinates. NOT for sequential flows (use mermaid) or data charts (use vega).
- auth
- Canvas is powered by Markdown Viewer — the best multi-platform Markdown extension (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/VS Code) with diagrams, formulas, and one-click Word export. Learn more at https://xicilion.gitbook.io/markdown-viewer-extension/
JSON Canvas Visualizer
Quick Start: Define nodes with id, type, x, y, width, height → Plan layout on 100px grid → Connect edges with fromNode/toNode → Apply colors (1-6) → Wrap in `canvas fence. Origin (0,0) at top-left, X right, Y down. Obsidian Canvas compatible.
Critical Syntax Rules
1. Structure Format
{
"nodes": [
{"id": "n1", "type": "text", "text": "Node 1", "x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 120, "height": 50}
],
"edges": []
}2. Node Types
| Type | Required Fields | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
text | text | Display custom text content |
file | file | Reference external files |
link | url | External URL references |
group | label | Visual container for grouping |
3. Required Node Attributes
All nodes require: id, type, x, y, width, height
4. Color Presets
| Value | Color |
|---|---|
"1" | Red |
"2" | Orange |
"3" | Yellow |
"4" | Green |
"5" | Cyan |
"6" | Purple |
5. Edge Connections
{
"id": "e1",
"fromNode": "n1",
"fromSide": "right",
"toNode": "n2",
"toSide": "left",
"toEnd": "arrow"
}6. Coordinate System
- Origin (0,0) at top-left
- X increases to the right
- Y increases downward
7. Node Sizing
- Consider text content when setting node dimensions
- Multi-line text requires more height to display all lines
- Long words require more width to avoid overflow
Common Pitfalls
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Nodes overlapping | Increase spacing (100+ px) |
| Edges not visible | Verify fromNode/toNode match node IDs |
| Invalid JSON | Check quotes and commas |
| IDs invalid | Use only a-z, A-Z, 0-9, -, _ |
Output Format
{ "nodes": [...], "edges": [...] }
Related Files
For detailed syntax and advanced features, refer to references below:
- syntax.md — Complete attribute reference: node types, edge properties, group styling, and advanced examples