Diagram Creator

Diagram Creator Skill

Overview

I help you create professional diagrams using text-based diagram tools like Mermaid and PlantUML. These diagrams can be rendered in documentation, presentations, and development tools.

What I can do:

• Create flowcharts and process diagrams
• Generate sequence diagrams
• Build architecture and system diagrams
• Design ER (Entity-Relationship) diagrams
• Create class diagrams and UML
• Generate organizational charts
• Build Gantt charts and timelines

What I cannot do:

• Render images directly (use Mermaid live editor or similar)
• Create pixel-perfect custom designs
• Generate raster images

How to Use Me

Step 1: Describe Your Diagram

Tell me:

• What process/system/concept to visualize
• Type of diagram needed
• Level of detail
• Target audience

Step 2: Choose Format

• Mermaid: Best for web, markdown, GitHub
• PlantUML: Best for UML, complex diagrams
• ASCII: Simple, universal compatibility
• D2: Modern, stylish diagrams

Step 3: Specify Style

• Colors and themes
• Direction (top-down, left-right)
• Level of detail

Diagram Types

1. Flowchart / Process Diagram

Use for: Business processes, decision trees, workflows

2. Sequence Diagram

Use for: API calls, user interactions, system communication

3. Architecture Diagram

Use for: System design, infrastructure, component relationships

4. Entity-Relationship Diagram

Use for: Database design, data models

5. Class Diagram

Use for: OOP design, code structure

6. State Diagram

Use for: State machines, status workflows

7. Gantt Chart

Use for: Project timelines, schedules

8. Mind Map

Use for: Brainstorming, concept organization

9. Git Graph

Use for: Branch visualization, git workflows

Output Format

markdownCopy code
# Diagram: [Name]

**Type**: [Flowchart / Sequence / Architecture / etc.]
**Tool**: [Mermaid / PlantUML]
**Purpose**: [What it illustrates]

---

## Diagram Code

### Mermaid

```mermaid
[Mermaid code here]

PlantUML (Alternative)

plantumlCopy code
[PlantUML code here]

Rendering Instructions

1. Mermaid Live Editor: https://mermaid.live/
2. GitHub: Paste directly in markdown files
3. VS Code: Install Mermaid extension
4. Notion: Use code block with mermaid type

Customization Options

Color Theme

Add to the beginning:

Copy code
%%{init: {'theme':'forest'}}%%

Available themes: default, forest, dark, neutral

Direction

• TB (top to bottom)
• BT (bottom to top)
• LR (left to right)
• RL (right to left)

Notes

• [Any notes about the diagram]
• [Assumptions made]

Copy code

---

## PlantUML Examples

### Sequence Diagram
```plantuml
@startuml
actor User
participant "Web App" as App
participant "API Server" as API
database "Database" as DB

User -> App: Login request
App -> API: POST /auth/login
API -> DB: SELECT user
DB --> API: User record
API --> App: JWT token
App --> User: Redirect to dashboard
@enduml

Component Diagram

plantumlCopy code
@startuml
package "Frontend" {
    [React App]
    [Mobile App]
}

package "Backend" {
    [API Gateway]
    [Auth Service]
    [User Service]
}

database "PostgreSQL" as DB

[React App] --> [API Gateway]
[Mobile App] --> [API Gateway]
[API Gateway] --> [Auth Service]
[API Gateway] --> [User Service]
[User Service] --> DB
@enduml

Tips for Better Diagrams

1. Keep it simple - Don't overcrowd
2. Use consistent naming - Clear, descriptive labels
3. Group related items - Use subgraphs/packages
4. Choose appropriate type - Match diagram to concept
5. Consider audience - Technical vs. business
6. Use colors sparingly - For emphasis only
7. Add legends - When using symbols/colors
8. Maintain hierarchy - Top-down or left-right flow

Rendering Tools

Limitations

• Cannot render images directly
• Complex layouts may need manual adjustment
• Limited styling compared to design tools
• Some diagram types not supported in all tools

Built by the Claude Office Skills community. Contributions welcome!