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How do I connect Obsidian to ChatGPT and Claude?

Claude Desktop can use local MCP; Claude Code can use files or MCP. ChatGPT needs an MCP endpoint reachable over HTTPS or a compatible tunnel. You can also use an API plugin inside Obsidian or upload selected notes to a Project.

By Carlos Moya. Updated November 8, 2026.

Start with a copy and a test note

  1. Choose what to connect

    An Obsidian vault is a folder of Markdown notes, according to its official help. Copy a small folder. Decide whether you want to query notes, edit them or work inside Obsidian.

  2. Set up one of the routes below

    Start with that test folder. If you only need answers, look for a configuration that removes or blocks write operations. Asking “do not edit” in chat does not replace a permission.

  3. Check the source and changes

    Create a fictional note with a recognizable fact. Ask the assistant to find it and cite the file. If you allow editing, change a sentence in that copy and inspect the file in Obsidian.

    “Find the test note. Tell me the fact and which file it comes from. Before proposing a change, show me the text you would edit.”

Claude Desktop: a local MCP server

Anthropic documents desktop extensions: open Settings › Desktop app › Manage next to Extensions and browse for an extension. The older layout uses Settings › Extensions. Configure the allowed folder and inspect the available tools.

For reference, the MCP Filesystem server supports searching, reading and writing files within allowed directories. Its README includes Claude Desktop configuration. This works with files, rather than providing a dedicated connection to Obsidian’s graph.

The server runs on your computer. File location and processing location are separate: check what content the tool hands to the assistant. Restricting the folder does not by itself make the Filesystem server read-only.

Claude Code: direct file access or MCP

You can start Claude Code in the test folder or add it with /add-dir. Its permissions distinguish reading and editing. It also supports local stdio MCP servers. Choose direct access for file work, or MCP when you need a particular server’s tools.

Review shell commands and MCP tools that can write too. You do not need to grant access to the whole disk to test three notes.

ChatGPT: remote MCP or a compatible tunnel

OpenAI’s current help lists Plugins › + › Add custom MCP server. This interface no longer requires enabling Developer Mode. Access and permissions depend on the account and workspace; the help details Business and Enterprise/Edu. Do not assume identical access for every personal account.

You need a public HTTPS MCP URL or a compatible Secure MCP Tunnel, according to the connection documentation. Pasting a local stdio server’s file path into ChatGPT does not connect it. If a tunnel reaches your computer, the computer and server must be available to respond.

Configure authentication, inspect the tools and test reading before allowing changes. If your account still shows Developer Mode, follow the documentation for that interface; there is no single menu path for every account.

Plugins inside Obsidian that call models

The READMEs for Text Generator and Copilot for Obsidian document using models from Obsidian. These are third-party plugins. Copilot supports provider keys or a local model as well as connected agents; these are separate routes.

For the API route, choose a provider, configure its credentials and test a note without personal data. Choose the context to send and review generated text before inserting it. This does not connect the history or memory of the ChatGPT or Claude website.

Copilot’s README says prompts and included context go to the chosen model or service. Keeping files locally does not mean every query is processed locally.

Without a server: upload selected notes to a Project

Both ChatGPT and Claude document Project knowledge files. Select some notes, upload a copy and ask for answers based on them. Limits depend on the plan. This is a copy: when the original note changes, update the Project material yourself.

What changes between the options

RouteWhere access happensReading and writingWhat to check
Local MCP / Claude CodeOn your computerDepends on server and permissionsFolders, commands and content sent to the model.
MCP in ChatGPTHTTPS or compatible tunnelDepends on tools and permissionsAuthentication, account and server availability.
Plugin in ObsidianInside Obsidian; model depends on configurationDepends on plugin featuresProvider, context sent and file changes.
Notes in a ProjectCopy uploaded to the serviceNo direct vault editing through this routeUploaded data and manual updates to the copy.

Where MemoryBrain fits

MemoryBrain is personal memory for ChatGPT and Claude over MCP, with a source for each note. It does not import an Obsidian vault today. Open Brain is the open method: Carlos’s brain uses a vault of around 10,500 notes served over MCP; that is not an importer available in MemoryBrain.

More on how Open Brain works and the same memory in ChatGPT and Claude.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Obsidian plugin for Claude Code?

To work directly with files, you can use Claude Code’s access to the folder. An MCP server or plugin provides another route if you need its tools.

Does local MCP keep all content on my computer?

Local describes where the server runs. Check what content is sent to the assistant and model. Copilot’s README also distinguishes local files from context sent to the provider.

Does MemoryBrain import my Obsidian vault?

No. MemoryBrain does not import an Obsidian vault today. Open Brain documents an open method using a vault and MCP; it is not a product importer.

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