qmd - Local Document Search
Semantic + full-text search across local markdown docs using local LLMs.
When to Use
Use qmd when the user wants to search their personal notes, documentation, or knowledge base. This includes Obsidian vaults, markdown notes directories, and any indexed collections.
Search Commands
sh
qmd search "query" # BM25 full-text search qmd vsearch "query" # Semantic vector search qmd query "query" # Hybrid search with LLM reranking (best quality)
Search Flags
| Flag | Purpose |
|---|---|
-n <num> | Limit results (default: 5) |
-c, --collection | Restrict to specific collection |
--all | Return all matches |
--min-score <num> | Filter by relevance threshold |
--full | Display complete document content |
--line-numbers | Include line numbers |
Output Formats
| Flag | Format |
|---|---|
--files | CSV: docid, score, filepath, context |
--json | Structured JSON with snippets |
--csv | Comma-separated values |
--md | Markdown formatting |
--xml | XML structure |
Document Retrieval
sh
qmd get "path/to/doc.md" # Get specific document qmd get "#abc123" # Get by document ID qmd multi-get "journals/*.md" # Get multiple docs by glob
Collection Management
sh
qmd collection list # View all collections qmd collection add ~/notes --name notes qmd ls notes # List files in collection qmd status # Index health
Examples
sh
# High-quality search with reranking qmd query -n 10 "API design patterns" # Full document content for LLM context qmd search --md --full "error handling" # Search specific collection qmd search "meeting notes" -c work
Workflow
- •Use
qmd collection listto see available collections - •Use
qmd queryfor best search quality (uses LLM reranking) - •Use
--fullwhen you need complete document content - •Use
qmd getto retrieve specific documents by path or ID
Quick Start for Common Requests
| User says | Run this |
|---|---|
| "search my notes for X" | qmd query "X" |
| "what did I write about X" | qmd query --full "X" |
| "find meeting notes about X" | qmd search -c obsidian "meeting X" |
| "show me my notes on X" | qmd query -n 3 --full "X" |