About Mermaid
Mermaid is a JavaScript tool that renders diagrams from short text definitions. It is open source under the MIT license and is widely used in software documentation.
What it does
You describe a diagram in a Markdown-like syntax, and Mermaid draws it. It covers flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts and other diagram types. A live editor lets you preview changes as you type, so you can adjust the text until the diagram reads clearly.
Key features
- Flowcharts and sequence diagrams
- Gantt charts for project timelines
- Live editor with instant preview
- Works with many apps and documentation tools
- Diagrams stored as plain text
Who it's for
Mermaid suits developers and technical writers who want diagrams kept in version control next to their docs. It also suits anyone who would rather type a diagram than drag shapes around a canvas, especially when diagrams need to be updated often.
Pricing and good to know
Mermaid is free and open source under the MIT license. The live editor runs in the browser, and the library can be added to web projects. The project also offers a separate advanced editor with paid features, so the free tools cover most everyday diagram work.
Highlights
- Flowcharts and sequence diagrams
- Gantt charts for project timelines
- Live editor with instant preview
- Diagrams written as plain text
- Works with many documentation tools
