Mermaid
Diagramming tool that builds flowcharts and system diagrams from prompts, documents or Mermaid code.
Mermaid is a diagramming tool from the team behind the open-source Mermaid.js library. Mermaid builds flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts and other diagrams from a text prompt, an uploaded document or hand-written Mermaid syntax. Mermaid is used in the browser, with live co-editing, and can be driven from AI tools through its MCP server.
Best for Developers, architects and product teams who want diagrams that can be generated by AI yet stay editable as text.
- Platforms
- Web, API, Plugin, MCP
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Yes
- API
- Yes
- Made by
- Mermaid Chart
- Added
Last verified: . Information taken from mermaid.ai.
What is Mermaid?
Mermaid is a diagramming product from Mermaid Chart, the team behind the open-source Mermaid.js library. A diagram can be started in three ways: by describing it in a prompt, by uploading a document or transcript, or by writing Mermaid syntax directly. The AI keeps the context of the conversation, so a chart can be extended step by step, and it proposes a suitable diagram type for the content. Code and canvas stay linked, meaning a click on a node jumps to its line and vice versa. Supported types include flowcharts, sequence, class, state and ER diagrams, Gantt charts, timelines, mind maps and org charts. Teams can co-edit live, share a link that needs no login and present from the same workspace. Integrations cover VS Code, GitHub Copilot and Confluence, and an MCP server lets Claude and Cursor generate and render diagrams.
Key Features
AI Diagram Generation
Creates a first draft from a typed description, an uploaded document or a pasted transcript, and refines it through follow-up prompts.
Code Editor
Renders Mermaid syntax as you type and links each node on the canvas to its place in the code.
Visual Editing
Adjusts layouts by clicking, aligns nodes and reattaches edges without rewriting syntax.
Live Collaboration
Allows several people to edit at once and share a view link that does not require an account.
MCP Server and Integrations
Generates, validates and renders diagrams from Claude, VS Code and Cursor, and works inside GitHub Copilot and Confluence.
Presentation Mode
Walks an audience through a diagram without exporting it to another tool.
Screenshots
Use Cases
- Documenting System Architecture
- Map services, gateways and data stores and keep the diagram under version control as text.
- Explaining an API Flow
- Draw a sequence diagram of how components call each other.
- Planning a Project
- Lay out phases and dependencies as a Gantt chart or timeline.
- Designing a Database
- Sketch tables and relations as an ER diagram before writing the schema.
- Turning Meeting Notes into a Chart
- Paste a transcript and get a flowchart of the decisions discussed.
Things to know
- AI use is limited by credits
- The comparison table gives each tier an AI credit allowance, small on Basic and larger on Plus and Premium.
- Paid tiers are shown with annual billing
- The per-user monthly figures on the pricing page carry a billed-annually label.
- Security features
- The site lists access controls, encryption, SOC 2 compliance and single sign-on.
FAQs
What is Mermaid?
Mermaid is a diagramming tool that turns prompts, documents or Mermaid code into flowcharts, sequence diagrams and other charts, with live collaboration.
What is the difference between Mermaid and Mermaid.js?
Mermaid.js is the open-source diagram syntax and library. Mermaid is the hosted product from the same team, Mermaid Chart, which adds AI, a visual editor and collaboration.
Is Mermaid free?
Yes, Mermaid has a free Basic plan with a limited number of diagrams, limited diagram size and limited AI.
How much does Mermaid cost?
Mermaid: a free plan is available. Paid plan rates are published on mermaid.ai. Check the official pricing page for current amounts.
Can I use Mermaid without writing code?
Yes. Mermaid can generate a diagram from a plain-language description or an uploaded file, and writing Mermaid syntax is optional.
Does Mermaid work with Claude and other AI tools?
Yes. Mermaid provides an MCP server that connects to Claude, VS Code and Cursor, and it also works inside GitHub Copilot.
Which diagram types does Mermaid support?
Mermaid supports flowcharts, sequence, class, state and ER diagrams, Gantt charts, timelines, mind maps, org charts, user journeys, Git graphs, pie and quadrant charts, and more.
Who it's for
- Developers
- System architects
- Product managers
- Technical writers
- Analysts
Used in these workflows
- AI tools for automating business workflows, from process map to monitoringStage 1: Mapping the process
- The slides come last: AI tools for researching, building and rehearsing a presentationStage 4: Diagrams and charts
- Keeping a project on track: AI tools from the first plan to the weekly status reportStage 5: Diagrams and timelines
Each guide lists the stages of one job and the tools that help at each stage. All guides
Comments
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Listed in the same categories as Mermaid. A starting price appears only where we checked it on the maker’s pricing page; a dash means not checked or not published. All Presentations & Diagrams tools