ascii-diagram-creator

Generate terminal-compatible ASCII diagrams with Mermaid export and versioning metadata.

7|3|Updated Oct 19, 2025

Search Tags:#architecture #mermaid #visualization #diagram #ascii-diagram

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cskiro/annex --skill ascii-diagram-creator

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ascii-diagram-creator
Source: https://github.com/cskiro/annex/tree/main/skills/ascii-diagram-creator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cskiro/annex --skill ascii-diagram-creator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires bash, jq, perl.

What problem does it solve?

Generate professional ASCII diagrams for architecture, migration, and data flow directly in the terminal or markdown.

Core Features & Use Cases

5 Diagram Types: Architecture, Before/After, Phased Migration, Data Flow, Relationship
Auto-Discovery & Templates: Detects project type and uses templates
Mermaid Export & Versioning: Convert ASCII to Mermaid and track versions

Quick Start

Describe what you want diagrammed, e.g., "Show data flow from API to DB".

Frequently Asked Questions about ascii-diagram-creator

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I create ASCII diagrams for software architecture in the terminal?▼

ASCII diagrams visualize architecture, data flows, and system relationships directly in terminal-compatible format. This Skill generates precise diagrams with 80-character width, box-drawing characters, and status indicators, then exports them to Mermaid and markdown for documentation and version tracking.

Can I convert ASCII diagrams to Mermaid format?▼

Yes. This Skill exports ASCII diagrams to Mermaid representation automatically, enabling use in tools that support Mermaid syntax while maintaining the original terminal-friendly ASCII output for markdown and documentation.

What diagram types does ASCII diagram creation support?▼

Five core types: Architecture, Before/After, Phased Migration, Data Flow, and Relationship diagrams. Each applies to specific visualization needs—migrations use phased layouts, APIs use data-flow diagrams, and system changes use Before/After comparisons.

Does this work with Git workflows and pull requests?▼

Yes. The Skill includes Git-aware staleness detection, PR template integration, and CLAUDE.md directive setup, enabling diagram versioning and workflow automation for architecture review cycles.

What dependencies do I need to generate ASCII diagrams?▼

ASCII diagram generation requires bash for execution, jq for JSON processing, and perl for text manipulation. These handle template detection, diagram rendering, and metadata output.

Can the Skill auto-detect my project type and suggest diagram templates?▼

Yes. Auto-discovery detects your project structure and applies relevant templates, reducing setup time and ensuring diagrams match your architecture type without manual configuration.