Kp Ripgrep MCP Server

This MCP server enables Claude to search file content using ripgrep - with extra features for Obsidian. It understands Obsidian-specific elements

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Kp Ripgrep MCP MCP server?

If you want an AI assistant working directly with Kp Ripgrep MCP, the kp ripgrep mcp mcp server is the bridge. This MCP server enables Claude to search file content using ripgrep - with extra features for Obsidian. It understands Obsidian-specific elements like wiki links, frontmatter properties, and provides intelligent context about where matches are found.

What Kp Ripgrep MCP does

This MCP server enables Claude to search file content using ripgrep - with extra features for Obsidian. It understands Obsidian-specific elements like wiki links, frontmatter properties, and provides intelligent context about where matches are found.

Tools it exposes

Once connected, the assistant can call these 6 tools directly:

  • rg_search_notes — Search for text content within your notes with flexible scope options. - Search all content, only frontmatter, or only note content - Get smart context showing
  • rg_search_links — Find and analyze links throughout your vault. - Discover wiki links ([[Note Title]]), markdown links, and external URLs - Filter links by URL patterns or title
  • rg_search_backlinks — Find all notes that link to a specific target note. - Identify which notes reference a particular topic or note - Understand the context around each backlink
  • rg_search_recent_notes — Find notes modified within specific date ranges. - Search by modification date using YYYY-MM-DD format - Useful for reviewing recent work or finding notes from
  • rg_search_orphaned_notes — Identify notes that have no incoming or outgoing links. - Find isolated notes that might need better integration - Discover forgotten content that could be
  • Prerequisites — The Prerequisites tool exposed by this server

Installing the kp ripgrep mcp mcp server

Setup follows the standard MCP pattern: clone or install the server, then register it in your client's configuration file and restart the client. The configuration snippets on this page cover Claude Desktop, Claude Code and Cursor.

Configuration

The server reads one environment variable: OBSIDIAN_VAULT_PATH. Keep credentials in your client's env block or a secrets manager rather than committing them.

Requirements

  • Python 3.8 or higher - ripgrep installed and available in PATH - An Obsidian vault

Where it fits

Productivity servers pay off through capture: the tasks and notes that never get filed are the ones where opening the app is more friction than the thought is worth. Kp Ripgrep MCP sits in that group, and the shape of its toolset — rg_search_notes, rg_search_links, rg_search_backlinks among others — tells you what it is really for. Worth comparing against the other productivity servers in this directory before you commit to one, since several overlap in scope but differ sharply in setup cost and permissions.

Practical notes

  • This server runs locally, so it operates with whatever access your machine and its credentials already have. Scope that deliberately rather than by default.
  • Maintained by kpetrovsky, written in Python.
  • MCP clients ask for confirmation before each tool call by default. Keep that on while you learn what the kp ripgrep mcp mcp server actually does with your data.
  • Every entry in this directory is reviewed by hand before it goes live, and details are checked against the project's own documentation.

Available tools

ToolWhat it does
rg_search_notesSearch for text content within your notes with flexible scope options. - Search all content, only frontmatter, or only note content - Get smart context showing which frontmatter property or heading contains each match -
rg_search_linksFind and analyze links throughout your vault. - Discover wiki links ([[Note Title]]), markdown links, and external URLs - Filter links by URL patterns or title patterns - Useful for finding broken links or analyzing your
rg_search_backlinksFind all notes that link to a specific target note. - Identify which notes reference a particular topic or note - Understand the context around each backlink reference - Discover how ideas connect across your vault
rg_search_recent_notesFind notes modified within specific date ranges. - Search by modification date using YYYY-MM-DD format - Useful for reviewing recent work or finding notes from specific time periods - Combine with other searches to find
rg_search_orphaned_notesIdentify notes that have no incoming or outgoing links. - Find isolated notes that might need better integration - Discover forgotten content that could be connected to your knowledge graph - Useful for vault maintenance
PrerequisitesThe Prerequisites tool exposed by this server.

How to install the Kp Ripgrep MCP MCP server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "obsidian-search": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["-m", "rgrep_mcp.server"],
      "env": {
        "OBSIDIAN_VAULT_PATH": "/path/to/your/obsidian/vault"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Configuration

  • Python 3.8 or higher - ripgrep installed and available in PATH - An Obsidian vault
VariableDescriptionRequired
OBSIDIAN_VAULT_PATHFilesystem location the server is allowed to use.Optional

Example prompts to try

  • Use Kp Ripgrep MCP to rg search notes.
  • Use Kp Ripgrep MCP to rg search links.
  • Use Kp Ripgrep MCP to rg search backlinks.

Frequently asked questions

It connects Kp Ripgrep MCP to MCP-compatible AI assistants such as Claude and Cursor, exposing 6 tools (rg_search_notes, rg_search_links, rg_search_backlinks, and more) that the assistant can call on your behalf. Instead of copying data back and forth by hand, the assistant works with Kp Ripgrep MCP directly.