Mermaid Diagram Types: Examples of Every Chart Type

Mermaid turns plain text into diagrams, so a chart can live in the same file as the code it documents. Every diagram type below comes with a working example you can copy and adapt. Click any diagram to open it fullscreen.

1. Flowchart - Process Flow Visualization

Flowcharts are perfect for visualizing processes, decision trees, and system flows.

The styled nodes below use a single neutral fill (#1e293b) and carry meaning in the stroke color, which keeps a dense diagram readable on a dark background.

2. Sequence Diagram - Interaction Timeline

Perfect for documenting API calls, user interactions, and system communications.

3. Class Diagram - Object-Oriented Structure

Ideal for documenting software architecture and class relationships.

4. State Diagram - State Machine Visualization

Perfect for modeling state machines, lifecycle flows, and status transitions.

5. Entity Relationship Diagram - Database Schema

Essential for database design and relationship documentation.

6. Gantt Chart - Project Timeline

Excellent for project planning and timeline visualization.

7. Pie Chart - Data Distribution

Simple and effective for showing proportions and percentages.

8. Git Graph - Version Control Flow

Visualize Git branching strategies and merge flows.

9. User Journey - Customer Experience Mapping

Map out user experiences and customer journeys.

10. Quadrant Chart - Priority Matrix

Useful for prioritization and decision making.

11. Mind Map - Concept Organization

Great for brainstorming and organizing hierarchical information.

12. Timeline - Historical Events

Document chronological events and milestones.

13. Requirement Diagram - System Requirements

Document system requirements and their relationships.

Tips for Using Mermaid Diagrams

Viewing the Diagrams

• Fullscreen: Click a diagram to open it scaled to fit the viewport
• Keyboard: Tab to a diagram, then press Enter or Space to open it
• Close: Press Esc, use the close button, or click outside the diagram

Best Practices

1. Keep diagrams focused and not too complex
2. Use colors strategically to highlight important elements
3. Add notes and labels for clarity
4. Test on mobile devices for responsiveness
5. Consider breaking large diagrams into smaller ones

When to Use Each Diagram Type

• Flowchart: Process flows, decision trees
• Sequence: API interactions, user flows
• Class: Software architecture, OOP design
• State: State machines, status flows
• ER: Database schemas, data relationships
• Gantt: Project timelines, scheduling
• Pie: Data distribution, percentages
• Git: Version control strategies
• Journey: User experience mapping
• Quadrant: Priority matrices, comparisons
• Mind Map: Brainstorming, concept organization
• Timeline: Historical events, roadmaps
• Requirement: System specifications

References

• Mermaid Official Documentation - Introduction, syntax reference, and diagram types for Mermaid
• Mermaid GitHub Repository - Source code, changelog, and community contributions
• Mermaid Live Editor - Browser-based editor for creating and sharing Mermaid diagrams interactively
• Diagram Syntax Reference - Comprehensive syntax guide covering all supported diagram types
• Mermaid Flowchart Documentation - Detailed guide for flowchart nodes, edges, and styling options