summarize

name	summarize
description	This skill should be used when the user asks to "summarize a note", "summarize this article", "replace #summarize-later", "add a summary to a note", "generate takeaways", or mentions summarizing Obsidian notes. Replaces the #summarize-later tag with a high-level summary and actionable takeaways.

Summarize Note

Summarize an Obsidian note by replacing the #summarize-later tag with a structured summary and actionable takeaways. The only other change permitted is ensuring a read-summary tag is in the frontmatter (replacing read-later if present) — everything else (status, finished, other tags, etc.) remains untouched.

Workflow

1. Find the note — Search the vault using Grep or Glob to locate the note by title.
2. Read the full content — Load the entire note to understand its argument, evidence, and conclusions.
3. Replace #summarize-later — Swap the tag with the summary block described below.
4. Add the read-summary frontmatter tag — Ensure the note carries a read-summary tag so it can be found as summarized-but-not-yet-read. If a read-later tag is present, replace it with read-summary; otherwise add read-summary to the existing tags.

Summary Format

Replace #summarize-later with a single paragraph (3-6 sentences) that:

• Captures the core argument or thesis, not just the topic
• Includes key findings, numbers, or outcomes if present
• Is written in plain prose, not bullet points
• Matches the tone of a knowledgeable peer explaining what the article is about

Actionable Takeaways

Immediately below the summary paragraph, add:

### Actionable Takeaways

List 2-5 concrete actions the reader can take based on the content. Each takeaway:

• Starts with a verb (e.g. "Try", "Start", "Replace", "Ask", "Schedule")
• Is specific enough to act on today, not vague advice
• Connects directly to something discussed in the note
• Is relevant to someone in a knowledge work or software engineering context when possible

Constraints

• Do not modify any other part of the note — the only permitted changes are replacing #summarize-later with the summary block and ensuring the read-summary frontmatter tag is present (replacing read-later if it exists). No restructuring of existing content.
• Only replace the #summarize-later tag. If the tag is not found, report that to the user rather than guessing where to insert.
• Always ensure read-summary is in the frontmatter tags after summarizing, even when no read-later tag was present. If read-summary is already there, leave it as-is rather than duplicating it.