excalidraw-skill

Create, update, and export Excalidraw diagrams via MCP and REST APIs.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cvenwu/AiFlow --skill excalidraw-skill-cvenwu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: excalidraw-skill
Source: https://github.com/cvenwu/AiFlow/tree/main/skills/excalidraw-skill
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cvenwu/AiFlow --skill excalidraw-skill-cvenwu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Programmatic canvas toolkit for creating, editing, and refining Excalidraw diagrams via MCP tools with real-time canvas sync. Use when an agent needs to (1) draw or lay out diagrams on a live canvas, (2) iteratively refine diagrams using describe_scene and get_canvas_screenshot to see its own work, (3) export/import .excalidraw files or PNG/SVG images, (4) save/restore canvas snapshots, (5) convert Mermaid to Excalidraw, or (6) perform element-level CRUD, alignment, distribution, grouping, duplication, and locking. Requires a running canvas server (EXPRESS_SERVER_URL, default http://localhost:3000).

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Programmatic diagram construction and editing on a live Excalidraw canvas via MCP/REST.
  • Diagram import/export, Mermaid conversion, and snapshot management for iterative design.
  • Use Case: An agent designs a network diagram, refines layout with describe_scene/get_canvas_screenshot, saves a snapshot, and exports to PNG for sharing.

Quick Start

Draw a simple diagram on the live Excalidraw canvas.

Frequently Asked Questions about excalidraw-skill

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate Excalidraw diagram creation and editing programmatically?

You can automate Excalidraw diagram creation and editing programmatically through MCP and REST APIs that sync changes to a live canvas server in real time for iterative refinement.

Can I export Excalidraw diagrams to PNG or SVG formats via an API?

Yes, you can export Excalidraw diagrams to PNG, SVG, and native .excalidraw file formats via API commands, enabling automated diagram workflows for sharing and downstream processing.

How do I convert Mermaid diagrams to Excalidraw format?

You can convert Mermaid diagrams to Excalidraw format by sending Mermaid syntax through the MCP tools, which renders the equivalent elements onto the live Excalidraw canvas for further editing.

Do I need a running canvas server to use the Excalidraw MCP tools?

Yes, you need a running canvas server accessible at the EXPRESS_SERVER_URL endpoint, defaulting to http://localhost:3000, to execute MCP commands and synchronize diagram changes in real time.

How does an agent visually refine diagrams on a live Excalidraw canvas?

An agent visually refines diagrams using the describe_scene and get_canvas_screenshot tools to inspect its own work on the live Excalidraw canvas, enabling iterative layout and element adjustments.

What are the limitations of automating Excalidraw workflows via MCP and REST?

Automation is limited by the requirement of a continuously running canvas server at the specified EXPRESS_SERVER_URL endpoint, meaning the APIs cannot execute commands or sync changes in offline or serverless environments.