---
name: orbites-json-canvas
description: Create JSON Canvas files (.canvas) — visual mind maps, flowcharts, and boards for Obsidian. Use when working with .canvas files in OrbitOS.
---
# OrbitOS: JSON Canvas Reference

JSON Canvas is an open format for infinite canvas data (`.canvas` files). [Spec 1.0](https://jsoncanvas.org/spec/1.0/)

## Structure

```json
{
  "nodes": [],
  "edges": []
}
```

## Node Types

### Text
```json
{ "id": "unique-id", "type": "text", "x": 0, "y": 0, "width": 400, "height": 200, "text": "## Title\nMarkdown content" }
```

### File
```json
{ "id": "unique-id", "type": "file", "x": 500, "y": 0, "width": 400, "height": 300, "file": "Notes/Note.md", "subpath": "#Heading" }
```

### Link
```json
{ "id": "unique-id", "type": "link", "x": 1000, "y": 0, "width": 400, "height": 200, "url": "https://example.com" }
```

### Group
```json
{ "id": "unique-id", "type": "group", "x": -50, "y": -50, "width": 1000, "height": 600, "label": "Section", "color": "4" }
```

## Edges

```json
{
  "id": "edge-id",
  "fromNode": "node1-id",
  "fromSide": "right",
  "toNode": "node2-id",
  "toSide": "left",
  "toEnd": "arrow",
  "color": "1",
  "label": "leads to"
}
```

- Sides: `top`, `right`, `bottom`, `left`
- Ends: `none`, `arrow`
- Colors: `"1"`=Red, `"2"`=Orange, `"3"`=Yellow, `"4"`=Green, `"5"`=Cyan, `"6"`=Purple
- Also supports hex colors: `"#FF0000"`

## Z-Index

First node = bottom layer, last node = top layer.