Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin: Create and Edit Mermaid.js Diagrams in Visual Studio Code

• 5 mins

The Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin is a powerful developer diagramming tool that brings Mermaid.js diagramming directly into your Visual Studio Code environment. Whether you’re visualizing software architecture, documenting API flows, fixing bad documentation, or managing flowcharts and sequence diagrams, this plugin integrates seamlessly into your workflow.

Key Features of the Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin for Diagramming

Edit Mermaid.js Diagrams in VS Code Without an Account

No sign-ups, no interruptions. You can open and edit .mmd files instantly using the built-in Mermaid Chart Editor, no account required. This is ideal for quick diagram updates and low-friction workflows.

Automatic File Recognition and Mermaid.js Syntax Highlighting

The plugin recognizes .mmd files automatically in the VS Code file explorer. You also get native Mermaid.js syntax highlighting, making your diagrams easier to read and edit. Syntax support clarifies flow structure and reduces editing errors.

Real-Time Diagram Rendering with Pan and Zoom

Edit and preview your Mermaid.js diagrams in real time, directly inside VS Code. Interactive pan and zoom features maintain your view state as you work, giving you a smooth, uninterrupted editing experience.

Embedded Mermaid Diagrams in Markdown

Working with Markdown? The plugin auto-detects Mermaid.js diagrams in .md files and provides a link to edit and view them. This makes it easy to integrate visuals into your documentation without switching tools.

Advanced Capabilities for Collaborative Development

When you’re ready to go beyond the basics, logging into Mermaid Chart unlocks more powerful features tailored for team collaboration and large projects.

Cloud Integration and Diagram Linking

Log in to link local .mmd files to your Mermaid Chart projects. Each diagram gets a reference in its code, enabling automatic cloud sync. This allows teams to share diagrams with non-developers via a browser-based editor, removing VS Code dependency for collaboration.

Connect your diagrams in the VS Code plugin

Embed diagrams directly within code. A “View Diagram” button appears inline, giving developers quick access to visuals without leaving the file. Ideal for reviewing code documentation diagrams in context.

Flexible Editing: Local or Visual Editor

You can edit diagrams either:

  • Locally in VS Code
  • In the Mermaid Chart platform via the visual editor, whiteboard, or Mermaid AI assistant

This flexibility supports both visual-first users and those who prefer raw code.

Offline Editing + Git-Based Version Control

With the “Download Connected Diagram” feature, you can work offline while keeping diagrams synced to Mermaid Chart. This is perfect for developers managing diagrams in version-controlled repositories.

Generate diagrams From code using AI

Automatically create diagrams from your source code using AI. Just start a GitHub Copilot Chat and mention @mermaid-chart.

@mermaid-chart
“Generate a class diagram for these files”
“Create a sequence diagram from this API call flow”

Link your relevant files, and the assistant will produce a Mermaid diagram, preview it instantly, and even let you save and edit it later.

*Note: Some features require users to install the GitHub Copilot extension to access the AI participant @mermaid-chart within the Github Copilot Chat view.

Real-World Use Cases: Developer-Centric Diagramming

Here’s how developers are using the Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin in real projects:

1. Diagramming for DevOps

Visualize CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure layers, or container orchestration systems like Kubernetes with clear flowcharts.

2. Visualizing API Flows

Use sequence diagrams to document how services communicate through REST, GraphQL, or gRPC endpoints.

3. Documenting Microservice Architectures

Show system boundaries, dependencies, and service-to-service messaging in a way that’s easy for both tech and non-tech stakeholders to understand.

4. Improving Internal Documentation

Enhance your internal wikis or READMEs with embedded diagrams to make documentation more engaging and readable.

5. Whiteboarding Software Designs

Use the visual editor or whiteboard mode for brainstorming system designs, then transition to raw Mermaid.js code for refinement and versioning.

Getting Started: Install and Use in Minutes

  1. Install the plugin from the VS Code Marketplace.
  2. Open a .mmd or .md file and begin writing Mermaid.js syntax.
  3. Use the real-time preview pane to review diagram changes instantly.
  4. Log in to Mermaid Chart to access advanced features like cloud sync, team collaboration, and the visual editor.

Key Benefits Recap

  • No account needed for basic editing
  • Full syntax highlighting and file recognition
  • Real-time diagram rendering with pan/zoom
  • Markdown integration for embedded diagrams
  • Cloud sync and collaboration options
  • Git-friendly version control workflows

FAQs: Mermaid Chart VS Code Plugin

How do I render a Mermaid.js diagram in VS Code?

Developers can open a .mmd or Markdown file containing Mermaid syntax. The plugin renders diagrams in a preview pane.

Can I use this plugin without a Mermaid Chart account?

Yes. Basic code editing, syntax highlighting, and previews work with no account needed. Advanced features like cloud integration and AI require login.

Does it support flowcharts, Gantt charts, or sequence diagrams?

Yes. Mermaid Chart’s VS Code plugin supports all standard Mermaid.js diagram types, including flowcharts, Gantt, sequence, class diagrams, and more.

Can I collaborate with non-developers?

Yes. When connected to the cloud, diagrams can be shared and accessed via browser-based tools, making it easy for non-developers to view and contribute using the visual editor or whiteboard if they’re unfamiliar with the syntax.

Is it suitable for documenting software architecture?

Absolutely. The plugin is widely used for software architecture visualization with AWS and Azure icons, helping teams map systems and dependencies clearly.

Can diagrams be version-controlled in Git?

Yes. Diagrams saved locally can be tracked in Git, and synced with Mermaid Chart’s cloud features when needed.

Related Resources

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Mermaid Chart
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