---
name: creating-mermaid-diagrams
description: Comprehensive guide for creating software diagrams using Mermaid syntax. Use when users need to create, visualize, or document software through diagrams including class diagrams (domain modeling, object-oriented design), sequence diagrams (application flows, API interactions, code execution), flowcharts (processes, algorithms, user journeys), entity relationship diagrams (database schemas), C4 architecture diagrams (system context, containers, components), state diagrams, git graphs, pie charts, gantt charts, or any other diagram type. Triggers include requests to "diagram", "visualize", "model", "map out", "show the flow", or when explaining system architecture, database design, code structure, or user/application flows.
owner: RStack developed by Richardson Gunde
---

# Mermaid Diagramming

Create professional software diagrams using Mermaid's text-based syntax. Mermaid renders diagrams from simple text definitions, making diagrams version-controllable, easy to update, and maintainable alongside code.

## Core Syntax Structure

All Mermaid diagrams follow this pattern:

```mermaid
diagramType
  definition content
```

**Key principles:**
- First line declares diagram type (e.g., `classDiagram`, `sequenceDiagram`, `flowchart`)
- Use `%%` for comments
- Line breaks and indentation improve readability but aren't required
- Unknown words break diagrams; parameters fail silently

## Diagram Type Selection Guide

**Choose the right diagram type:**

1. **Class Diagrams** - Domain modeling, OOP design, entity relationships
   - Domain-driven design documentation
   - Object-oriented class structures
   - Entity relationships and dependencies

2. **Sequence Diagrams** - Temporal interactions, message flows
   - API request/response flows
   - User authentication flows
   - System component interactions
   - Method call sequences

3. **Flowcharts** - Processes, algorithms, decision trees
   - User journeys and workflows
   - Business processes
   - Algorithm logic
   - Deployment pipelines

4. **Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD)** - Database schemas
   - Table relationships
   - Data modeling
   - Schema design

5. **C4 Diagrams** - Software architecture at multiple levels
   - System Context (systems and users)
   - Container (applications, databases, services)
   - Component (internal structure)
   - Code (class/interface level)

6. **State Diagrams** - State machines, lifecycle states
7. **Git Graphs** - Version control branching strategies
8. **Gantt Charts** - Project timelines, scheduling
9. **Pie/Bar Charts** - Data visualization

## Quick Start Examples

### Class Diagram (Domain Model)
```mermaid
classDiagram
    Title -- Genre
    Title *-- Season
    Title *-- Review
    User --> Review : creates
    
    class Title {
        +string name
        +int releaseYear
        +play()
    }
    
    class Genre {
        +string name
        +getTopTitles()
    }
```

### Sequence Diagram (API Flow)
```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
    participant User
    participant API
    participant Database
    
    User->>API: POST /login
    API->>Database: Query credentials
    Database-->>API: Return user data
    alt Valid credentials
        API-->>User: 200 OK + JWT token
    else Invalid credentials
        API-->>User: 401 Unauthorized
    end
```

### Flowchart (User Journey)
```mermaid
flowchart TD
    Start([User visits site]) --> Auth{Authenticated?}
    Auth -->|No| Login[Show login page]
    Auth -->|Yes| Dashboard[Show dashboard]
    Login --> Creds[Enter credentials]
    Creds --> Validate{Valid?}
    Validate -->|Yes| Dashboard
    Validate -->|No| Error[Show error]
    Error --> Login
```

### ERD (Database Schema)
```mermaid
erDiagram
    USER ||--o{ ORDER : places
    ORDER ||--|{ LINE_ITEM : contains
    PRODUCT ||--o{ LINE_ITEM : includes
    
    USER {
        int id PK
        string email UK
        string name
        datetime created_at
    }
    
    ORDER {
        int id PK
        int user_id FK
        decimal total
        datetime created_at
    }
```

## Detailed References

For in-depth guidance on specific diagram types, see:

- **[references/class-diagrams.md](references/class-diagrams.md)** - Domain modeling, relationships (association, composition, aggregation, inheritance), multiplicity, methods/properties
- **[references/sequence-diagrams.md](references/sequence-diagrams.md)** - Actors, participants, messages (sync/async), activations, loops, alt/opt/par blocks, notes
- **[references/flowcharts.md](references/flowcharts.md)** - Node shapes, connections, decision logic, subgraphs, styling
- **[references/erd-diagrams.md](references/erd-diagrams.md)** - Entities, relationships, cardinality, keys, attributes
- **[references/c4-diagrams.md](references/c4-diagrams.md)** - System context, container, component diagrams, boundaries
- **[references/advanced-features.md](references/advanced-features.md)** - Themes, styling, configuration, layout options

## Best Practices

1. **Start Simple** - Begin with core entities/components, add details incrementally
2. **Use Meaningful Names** - Clear labels make diagrams self-documenting
3. **Comment Extensively** - Use `%%` comments to explain complex relationships
4. **Keep Focused** - One diagram per concept; split large diagrams into multiple focused views
5. **Version Control** - Store `.mmd` files alongside code for easy updates
6. **Add Context** - Include titles and notes to explain diagram purpose
7. **Iterate** - Refine diagrams as understanding evolves

## Configuration and Theming

Configure diagrams using frontmatter:

```mermaid
---
config:
  theme: base
  themeVariables:
    primaryColor: "#ff6b6b"
---
flowchart LR
    A --> B
```

**Available themes:** default, forest, dark, neutral, base

**Layout options:**
- `layout: dagre` (default) - Classic balanced layout
- `layout: elk` - Advanced layout for complex diagrams (requires integration)

**Look options:**
- `look: classic` - Traditional Mermaid style
- `look: handDrawn` - Sketch-like appearance

## Exporting and Rendering

**Native support in:**
- GitHub/GitLab - Automatically renders in Markdown
- VS Code - With Markdown Mermaid extension
- Notion, Obsidian, Confluence - Built-in support

**Export options:**
- [Mermaid Live Editor](https://mermaid.live) - Online editor with PNG/SVG export
- Mermaid CLI - `npm install -g @mermaid-js/mermaid-cli` then `mmdc -i input.mmd -o output.png`
- Docker - `docker run --rm -v $(pwd):/data minlag/mermaid-cli -i /data/input.mmd -o /data/output.png`

## Common Pitfalls

- **Breaking characters** - Avoid `{}` in comments, use proper escape sequences for special characters
- **Syntax errors** - Misspellings break diagrams; validate syntax in Mermaid Live
- **Overcomplexity** - Split complex diagrams into multiple focused views
- **Missing relationships** - Document all important connections between entities

## When to Create Diagrams

**Always diagram when:**
- Starting new projects or features
- Documenting complex systems
- Explaining architecture decisions
- Designing database schemas
- Planning refactoring efforts
- Onboarding new team members

**Use diagrams to:**
- Align stakeholders on technical decisions
- Document domain models collaboratively
- Visualize data flows and system interactions
- Plan before coding
- Create living documentation that evolves with code
