CherryTree Import helps you move CherryTree XML into linked notes

Name: CherryTree Import
Author: theluckystrike

Import unencrypted CherryTree XML, links and PNGs.

Install in Obsidian

Directory page Source on GitHub

MIT · no telemetry · core features free

Seven nodes in the import preview. — Open larger

version: 1.1.1
released: 2026-10-22
downloads: 54
review: Passed
health: Excellent
license: MIT
listed for: Desktop, Mobile
obsidian: 1.13.4 or later

Physical Android and iOS devices were not tested. Automated Pro checks use a local sponsorship reply.

Directory facts fetched 2026-10-23 07:28 UTC from community.obsidian.md/users/theluckystrike.

About CherryTree Import

You want to move CherryTree XML into linked notes in your vault.

Select your local .ctd file and preview its node tree before writing notes. CherryTree Import creates nested folders with supported formatting and PNG images. Keep your original document while you check the result.

Preview a CherryTree document and open its imported notes.

Free features

Preview the node tree

Check node names, note counts, PNG counts and warnings before selecting Import notes. Selecting the file prepares the preview without writing notes.

Notes in nested folders

Each source node becomes a note, and a parent supplies a folder for its children. Duplicate sibling names receive numbered suffixes.

The Obsidian window shows an imported child note with a table. — Open larger

Rich text, code boxes and tables

Supported emphasis becomes Markdown, and underline uses HTML. Code boxes become fenced blocks, while the last table row becomes the header.

Headings, inline styles and shell code after conversion. — Open larger

Node, web and local file links

Node links point to the imported paths. Web links use Markdown, and decoded local paths become file links without reading their targets.

An imported note with a node link and web link. — Open larger

Embedded PNG images

Valid PNG objects become local attachments embedded in the note. LaTeX source becomes a code block, and other attachment types produce warnings.

The Obsidian window shows four imported PNG embeds in one note. — Open larger

Pro features

Pro costs $5 a month or $15 one time through GitHub Sponsors. One sponsorship turns on Pro in every plugin that has it.

Tags and creation dates Pro

Pro can add source tags and accepted creation timestamps as properties. Creation dates use UTC, and nodes without these values get no empty property block.

Source tags and creation date in an imported note. — Open larger

Parent index notes Pro

Pro adds an index inside each imported parent folder. Its links point to immediate child notes, while the parent keeps its own note.

An index note links to the child notes. — Open larger

Selected subtree Pro

Pro imports your chosen node and its descendants. Their paths retain source ancestors even when those ancestor notes are excluded.

The Obsidian window shows a selected branch in the import preview. — Open larger

See how Pro works

Set up CherryTree Import

needs

Obsidian 1.13.4 or later

steps

Export your CherryTree document as unencrypted XML and keep the source copy.
Run Import CherryTree XML from the command palette.
Select the .ctd file and enter a new destination folder.
Check the tree and warnings, then select Import notes.
Open the imported notes and inspect their links and images.

If the app can't find a new plugin yet, try again later. Obsidian says a plugin that passes the review shows in the app within 24 hours.

How to import CherryTree into Obsidian

Known limits of CherryTree Import

SQLite and encrypted documents need an unencrypted XML export before import.
Input is limited to 25 MiB, 10,000 nodes and 100 tree levels.
Colors, fonts, alignment, icons and bookmarks are outside the conversion scope.
Only PNG attachments are saved; LaTeX source becomes a code block.
An import needs a new folder, and write failures can leave partial files.

Questions about CherryTree Import

Can I select a SQLite document?

Export your .ctb document to unencrypted .ctd first. The importer accepts XML, not SQLite or encrypted documents.

Can I import into an existing folder?

Use a new destination folder. An import refuses an existing destination and doesn't merge into edited notes.

What formatting needs review?

Colors, fonts and alignment are not reproduced. Anchors are not kept, so a supported anchor link opens its containing note.

What happens after a write error?

Files already created can remain in the destination. Inspect that partial folder before retrying with a new name.

Network use

After you select Sign in with GitHub, the plugin sends its client ID, read:user scope and device-flow requests to github.com. Due checks and Refresh send your token to api.github.com to read your sponsorship tier and total payment. No note text, filenames or other vault data goes to either host.

Read the full network disclosure

Questions or ideas?

Tell me what is broken in CherryTree Import, or what it should do next.

Send feedback

CherryTree Import 1.1.1, MIT license