Manim visualizer for Obsidian (integration instructions)

This adds a Manim-backed visualizer to Obsidian. It works by sending Manim code blocks from notes to a small local rendering service that runs the Manim CLI and returns the rendered asset.

1. Install Manim and requirements

   • Follow Manim Community installation docs: https://docs.manim.community/
   • Ensure you have Python 3.8+, ffmpeg, cairo and (optionally) LaTeX installed.

2. Install Python dependencies for the local server

   • pip install flask manim

3. (optional) Run the server

   • python manim-server.py --port 8000
   • The server listens on localhost by default.

4. Usage in notes

   • Create a code fence labelled manim with optional info flags as a comment:

     #scene=MyScene format=mp4 quality=medium
     from manim import *
     class MyScene(Scene):
         def construct(self):
             self.play(Write(Text("Hello Manim")))
     

   • When the note is previewed, the plugin will send the code to the server and display the returned video/image inline.

5. Plugin configuration

   • Configure the server URL (default http://localhost:8000), default format (mp4), and quality via plugin settings (if you add UI).

Security note:

• The server executes given Python code with Manim. Only render code from trusted sources. Don't expose the server to networks beyond localhost.

Troubleshooting:

• If render fails, check manim-server.py logs, the manim CLI output, and obsidian devtools (the server returns stdout/stderr on failure).
• Ensure ffmpeg and other native deps are installed.