Create a semantic link between two notes to build knowledge connections.
AI agents use zk_create_link to create or update resources in Zettelkasten — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Zettelkasten environment.
This tool creates new data (links/connections) in the knowledge base without deleting, executing code, or moving money. The action is reversible since links can be removed via corresponding tools. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent might create incorrect or spurious connections, but this doesn't corrupt data irreversibly or expose sensitive information.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'zk_create_link' and description 'Create a semantic link between two notes' indicates the tool creates/establishes new connections between existing notes, modifying the link structure reversibly.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access zk_create_link gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Zettelkasten, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for zk_create_link:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"zk_create_link": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "zk_create_link_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}zk_create_link stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Create a semantic link between two notes to build knowledge connections. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zettelkasten MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Zettelkasten MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for zk_create_link: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Zettelkasten. Nothing to install.
zk_create_link is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the zk_create_link rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for zk_create_link. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
zk_create_link is provided by the Zettelkasten MCP server (liam-deacon/zettelkasten-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Zettelkasten, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
14 Zettelkasten tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.