mermaid-diagrams

You can generate Mermaid diagrams from plain text by writing text-based syntax that describes architectures, workflows, and data models, which then renders into visual diagrams in Markdown viewers or Mermaid Live. This approach keeps diagrams version-controlled beside your code.

Text-based visualization supports 9 diagram types, including Class, Sequence, Flowchart, ERD, C4, State, Git Graphs, Gantt, and Pie/Bar charts. These cover software architecture, domain models, API flows, database schemas, and deployment pipelines.

Mermaid diagram rendering works natively with GitHub and GitLab Markdown, VS Code, and integrations like Notion, Obsidian, and Confluence. Diagrams can also be exported via Mermaid Live or CLI for external use.

You configure themes and layouts for text-based diagrams using frontmatter-based configuration. This supports setting themes, layouts, and looks to ensure consistent rendering across different environments and documentation platforms.

The best way to document complex workflows and data models alongside code is using lightweight, text-based Mermaid diagrams. They live beside your code in version control, improving clarity and enabling quick visual communication in docs and PRs.

You can export Mermaid diagrams created from plain text using Mermaid Live or the CLI. This allows you to verify visuals in a Markdown viewer and then export the rendered diagrams for use in external documentation or presentations.