| name | tags-k |
| type | knowledge |
| description | This skill should be used when the user asks to "check tags", "update tags", "audit tags", "change tag", "list tags", "tag this note", "fix frontmatter tags", or needs to manage tags across notes. |
| argument-hint | <filepath | --audit | --list> |
Knowledge skill — Tag vocabulary and rules: the 5-tag system, design principles, lifecycle, valid combinations.
Tag Management
Manage the vault's intent-based tag vocabulary. Tags express the role a note plays in your thinking — orthogonal to PARA (which handles location) and type (which handles what it is).
Tag Vocabulary
5 tags. Each describes the note's role in your knowledge system:
| Tag | Role | When to Use |
|---|
#seed | Raw spark | Early idea, observation, unprocessed thought. Needs development. |
#thread | Developing narrative | Part of a bigger picture, connects to ongoing thinking. Being actively developed. |
#tool | Applicable method | Framework, technique, mental model, methodology. Something to apply. |
#question | Open gap | Unresolved question, gap in understanding, thing to figure out. |
#insight | Crystallized understanding | Key takeaway, "aha" moment, settled understanding. |
Design Principles
- Cross-cutting: A
#seed in math-stats and a #seed in ai-dev-ecosystem both mean "needs development"
- Intent-based: Tags express what you want to DO with the knowledge
- Orthogonal to PARA: Areas handle topics, tags handle knowledge roles
- Not status: Note maturity lives in the
status frontmatter field (draft, refining, or omitted for stable)
Tag Combinations
Tags can combine: [seed, question] (a question that's still raw), [tool, insight] (a framework you've crystallized). Keep to 1-2 tags. If you need 3+, the note probably needs splitting.
Tag Lifecycle
Notes naturally move through tags as understanding develops:
#seed → #thread → #insight (ideas that crystallize)
#seed → #question → #insight (questions that get answered)
#tool stays #tool (methods are stable once captured)
Mode 1: Tag a Note
Trigger: /tags path/to/note.md
- Read the note's content and frontmatter
- Determine the note's role:
- Is it a raw, undeveloped thought? →
#seed
- Is it part of a developing line of thinking? →
#thread
- Is it a framework/method/technique? →
#tool
- Does it pose or explore an unanswered question? →
#question
- Has it crystallized a clear understanding? →
#insight
- Show current tags vs. suggested tags
- On confirmation, edit the frontmatter
tags: field
Mode 2: Audit Tags
Trigger: /tags --audit
Scan all notes and report:
- Invalid tags: Tags outside the 5-tag vocabulary
- Missing tags: Notes with no
tags field (exclude MOCs, project briefs)
- Stale seeds: Notes tagged
#seed older than 30 days — develop or archive
- Open questions: All
#question notes — any answered? Any resolvable?
- Tag distribution: Count per tag across the vault
Exclude _System/, .obsidian/, 04-archive/ from scan.
Mode 3: List by Tag
Trigger: /tags --list
Group all notes by tag:
## #seed (N notes)
- path/to/note.md
## #thread (N notes)
...
## #insight (N notes)
...
## #tool (N notes)
...
## #question (N notes)
...
## Untagged (N notes)
...
