A source-bound SOP for the 115-command desktop CLI, standalone Headless Sync and Publish, and Obsidian URI.
This is an unofficial, first-party-source-aligned operating guide. The desktop catalog is the precise operational contract. Obsidian Headless is limited here to the documented Sync and Publish surfaces.
Desktop obsidian -> Control Obsidian desktop; first command launches it if needed
Obsidian Headless -> Standalone `ob` runs Sync and Publish without the desktop app
Obsidian URI -> Trigger actions from any app via obsidian:// links# Open today's daily note
obsidian daily
# Add a task to your daily note
obsidian daily:append content="- [ ] Buy groceries"
# Search your vault
obsidian search query="meeting notes"
# List all tasks in the vault
obsidian tasks
# Create a note from a template
obsidian create name="Trip to Paris" template=Travel| Section | What is in it |
|---|---|
| Choose a tool | Desktop obsidian, Headless ob, and URI decision boundary |
| Install | Enable Obsidian CLI, register PATH, fix Windows/macOS/Linux issues |
| Getting started | Single commands vs the TUI, autocomplete, command history |
| How to | Parameters and flags, targeting a vault, targeting a file, copying output |
| Commands | Every command grouped by Obsidian feature |
| Keyboard shortcuts | TUI navigation, editing, autocomplete, history |
| Troubleshooting | Windows, macOS, Linux registration issues |
| Obsidian Headless | Open beta server client for Sync and Publish |
| Obsidian URI | obsidian:// protocol actions and parameters |
| Workflows | End-to-end automation and agentic patterns |
| Sources | Dated first-party source ledger, audit hash, and uncertainties |
| POWD | Provider-bound implementation receipt and downstream verifier status |