Relay lets you collaborate with people and agents in real time on Obsidian Canvas files. You can edit text cards, arrange ideas, and connect cards while your collaborators work on the same Canvas at the same time.
Canvas collaboration is enabled by default and available on all plans, including Free. Images and other attachments require storage to sync.
If you already share a folder with your collaborator:
.canvas file into it using Obsidian’s file explorer.Everyone syncing that folder receives the Canvas automatically. Open it together and start editing; you don't need a separate invitation for the Canvas.
Each person needs Obsidian with Relay installed and access to the same Shared Folder. For installation, creating a Relay Server, and sharing a local folder, follow the Relay quick start.
Invite your collaborator, then have them join the server and add the Shared Folder to their vault. Joining the server alone does not add its folders.
Create a Canvas inside the Shared Folder, or move an existing Canvas into it.
Ask your collaborator to open the Canvas from their copy of the Shared Folder. Look for your avatars on the right of the Canvas to see who is there.
To add a text card, double-click an empty area of the Canvas and type. To connect two cards, hover over a card's edge and drag its connector circle to the other card. For more Canvas controls, see Obsidian’s Canvas guide.
To share a note through a Canvas, keep the note inside the Shared Folder too. Referencing a file from the Canvas does not share a file elsewhere in your vault.
To sync images or other attachments, put them inside the Shared Folder and make sure the folder has storage available. For attachment-location settings, see Save attachments next to your notes.
If your collaborator cannot find the Canvas, check that the .canvas file is inside the Shared Folder and that both people have added that folder to their vaults.
If a referenced note or attachment is missing, check that the referenced file is also inside the Shared Folder. For images and attachments, check that the folder has storage available.
If changes still do not appear, contact Relay support on Discord. Include your Relay and Obsidian versions and describe which change failed to appear on the other device.