JSON Canvas is an open file format for infinite canvas data that enables spatial organization and visualization of information across multiple applications.
The format addresses the need for portable, interoperable data in infinite canvas tools—applications that function like digital whiteboards for exploring and organizing information spatially. JSON Canvas solves this by providing a standardized, human-readable specification that allows users to own their data and move it between different tools. The format uses plain JSON with a `.canvas` file extension, designed to be straightforward to parse and implement while supporting extensibility for future needs.
Developers should adopt JSON Canvas if they are building or integrating infinite canvas functionality and want to avoid vendor lock-in. The format suits any application that needs to store or exchange canvas-based spatial data. It works as an import, export, or native storage format, giving teams flexibility in how they integrate it. The project originated within Obsidian but is explicitly designed as a general-purpose standard that any app or tool can implement freely.
The project maintains an open source repository under the MIT license with comprehensive documentation and a dedicated website explaining the specification. Development activity shows ongoing maintenance of the core format specification alongside documentation resources that catalog applications implementing the standard.
