How do I install the smart mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `VAULT_PATH` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Smart MCP Server

MCP server for Obsidian Smart Connections. Semantic search using your vault's embeddings.

Local serverstdioTypeScript

What is the Smart MCP Server?

MCP server for Obsidian Smart Connections. Semantic search using your vault's embeddings.

What it actually does

A security-first MCP server for Smart Connections. Read-only. Path-validated. Auditable.

No path validation — - User input passed directly to file operations
Write access — - Some expose mutation tools we don't need
Heavy dependencies — - PyTorch/transformers for what's essentially vector math
Minimal dependencies — - MCP SDK + Transformers.js (for text search)
Fail-closed security — - path validation with realpath, symlink detection
Auditable — - small TypeScript codebase you can actually read

Configuration

Node.js 18+ - Obsidian with Smart Connections plugin installed - Embeddings built (open vault in Obsidian, let Smart Connections index)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
search_by_text	Search using freeform text (computes embedding locally)
search_similar	Find notes semantically similar to a given note
search_by_embedding	Search using a raw embedding vector
get_note	Get content of a specific note (path validated)
get_model_info	Get embedding model configuration
list_indexed	List all indexed notes

Configuration

Node.js 18+ - Obsidian with Smart Connections plugin installed - Embeddings built (open vault in Obsidian, let Smart Connections index)

Variable	Description	Required
VAULT_PATH	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional

Example prompts to try

“Use Smart to search by text.”
“Use Smart to search similar.”
“Use Smart to search by embedding.”

Frequently asked questions

MCP server for Obsidian Smart Connections. Semantic search using your vault's embeddings. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.