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Guide · Agent skill

How to use the Draw.io Diagram Studio agent skill (drawio-skill)

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

drawio-skill is an agent skill that lets an AI agent create and edit draw.io (diagrams.net) diagrams as editable .drawio files instead of flat images. This guide explains what a skill is, how to install this one, how to ask for diagrams in plain language, and what it needs and risks before you run it. By the end you will be able to install it, request a diagram, and know when a simpler text format is the better choice.

Draw.io Diagram StudioAgents365-ai/drawio-skill · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Confirm Python 3 is available. Most core workflows need Python 3. Check that python3 runs on your machine before you start.
  2. 2Download and unzip the skill. Download the drawio-skill ZIP from this page and unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ or a project's .claude/skills/ folder.
  3. 3Or upload it in the Claude apps. In the Claude apps, open Settings → Capabilities → Skills and upload the skill.
  4. 4Make a natural request. Ask for a draw.io or diagrams.net diagram, describing the content, the audience and the output you want.
  5. 5Review the draft. Look at the draft PNG and the proposed changes, and ask for targeted edits before final export.
  6. 6Install optional tools if needed. Install the draw.io desktop app for native PNG or PDF export, and Graphviz for automatic layout of large graphs.

What a skill is and what drawio-skill makes the agent do

An agent skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file and supporting scripts and references. When it is installed, the agent can read that file and use the tools it describes when a request matches the skill's description.

With drawio-skill installed, the agent can draw architecture, UML, ERD, sequence, BPMN, network and swimlane diagrams from a plain-language description. It can also build diagrams from code, Terraform, Kubernetes, SQL or API schemas, update existing diagrams, run rule checks, export PNG or other formats, and convert screenshots into editable diagrams.

  • Output is a .drawio file you can keep editing in draw.io.
  • Core workflows need Python 3; native PNG and PDF export need the draw.io desktop app.
  • The skill itself recommends Mermaid or PlantUML when diagrams-as-code is enough.

Install drawio-skill from the ZIP or the Claude apps

Download the ZIP for the skill from this page and unzip it. Put the resulting folder in your user skills directory, ~/.claude/skills/, or in a project's .claude/skills/ folder if you want it limited to one project.

If you use the Claude apps instead, open Settings, go to Capabilities, and upload the skill under Skills.

  • Personal install: ~/.claude/skills/ (available across projects).
  • Project install: .claude/skills/ inside the project folder.
  • Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills, then upload.

Ask for a diagram in natural language

The skill is triggered when you ask for draw.io, diagrams.net or an editable diagram. Name the format explicitly so the agent picks the right route. Say what the diagram should show, who it is for and what output you want.

If you give a code or infrastructure source, say so. The skill can build the diagram from that source instead of from your description.

  • "Make an editable draw.io architecture diagram of this Terraform folder."
  • "Create a draw.io sequence diagram of the login flow from these API notes."
  • "Turn this screenshot of a whiteboard into an editable .drawio file."
  • "Update architecture.drawio with the new Kafka topic, keeping my manual layout."

Review the output and run the checks

The skill's workflow generates the .drawio file, runs structural validation, and exports a draft PNG for visual inspection. It asks you to review the draft before final formats are created. Each automatic visual repair pass is limited to two rounds.

For infrastructure or architecture policy work, the skill can run semantic tests and reviews against the diagram. Treat its inferred findings as checks to verify, not as confirmed facts about your running systems.

  • Preferred entrypoint: scripts/diagramctl.py, with commands such as build, sync, views, test, review and export-related transforms.
  • Large graphs with more than roughly 15 nodes are better handled by automatic layout (Graphviz) than by hand placement.
  • Final output reports both the editable .drawio source and export paths.
python3 scripts/validate.py diagram.drawio --score

What people use it for

  • Generate an architecture diagram from a Terraform folder and keep it editable in draw.io.
  • Draw a UML, ERD or sequence diagram from a plain-language description.
  • Convert a screenshot, whiteboard photo or legacy PNG into an editable .drawio file.
  • Update an existing diagram after a system change without losing manual layout, using sync.
  • Enforce architecture rules or compare diagrams in a CI pipeline using the provided gate actions.

Frequently asked questions

Is drawio-skill free to use?

The skill is published under the MIT licence, as stated in its source. The optional draw.io desktop app and Graphviz are separate tools, each installed and licensed on its own.

What do I need to run drawio-skill?

Python 3 is required for core workflows. The draw.io desktop app is optional and needed for native PNG and PDF export. Graphviz is optional and used for automatic layout of large graphs.

How do I install a Claude skill from a ZIP?

Unzip the downloaded folder into ~/.claude/skills/ for personal use, or into a project's .claude/skills/ folder. In the Claude apps you can instead upload it under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.

Does drawio-skill send my data to the internet?

The skill uses network access and runs scripts. If you point it at live clusters or cloud state and send that to a network-enabled workflow, internal details may be exposed. Use declared config files rather than live state where possible, and read the security reference in the skill before using it on sensitive infrastructure.

When should I use Mermaid or PlantUML instead?

Use Mermaid or PlantUML when a text diagram is enough. The skill's own guidance says to prefer them when diagrams-as-code is sufficient, because draw.io files are harder to diff and version control.

Why does my diagram export fail or the agent cannot find draw.io?

Export needs the draw.io desktop app. If it is not installed or the binary is not found, native export will not run. Install draw.io and check the troubleshooting reference in the skill for export and platform problems.

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Our verdict

Use drawio-skill if you need diagrams that stay editable in draw.io and can be generated from code, Terraform, SQL or API schemas, and you can install Python 3 and run local scripts. Pick Mermaid or PlantUML for simple flowcharts, and avoid this skill for sensitive live infrastructure or environments where scripts and network access are not allowed.

Download the skill