Mermaid is a lightweight, text-based diagramming tool. The platform is ideal for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and more using a simple syntax. In this guide, you'll learn how to create an organizational chart using Mermaid. Discover why it's a great option for developers and technical writers.
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You’ll also get to know Wondershare EdrawMax. It’s a powerful drag-and-drop visual tool ideal for larger teams and non-coders. Ready to learn how to use Mermaid and EdrawMax? Keep reading!
Part 1: What Is Mermaid and Why Use It?
Mermaid is an open-source JavaScript-based diagramming library. It allows users to generate diagrams using a plain-text syntax. You can make flowcharts, Gantt charts, sequence diagrams, and organizational charts using plain text. With Mermaid, you don’t need to use a graphic interface; everything is defined in code.
Benefits of Using Mermaid
Mermaid is popular because of its seamless integration with documentation platforms. It integrates well with GitHub, GitLab, Notion, and Obsidian. It even works on static site generators like MkDocs and Docusaurus. Here are some of its benefits:
- Lightweight and fast: No need for bulky design software. Simply write and render.
- Version-controlled: Diagrams live in your codebase and are easily tracked via Git.
- Markdown-compatible: Perfect for technical writing, especially READMEs and wikis.
- Automated updates: Easy to edit text to update visuals instantly.
- No design experience needed: Focus on structure, not layout.
Use Cases
Mermaid is ideal for:
- Developers documenting project architecture or team structures.
- Technical writers embed diagrams directly into documentation.
- DevOps teams mapping deployment pipelines and infrastructure.
- Educators and trainers explaining systems in text-based learning materials.
If you prefer a drag-and-drop interface instead of coding syntax, try Wondershare EdrawMax. It’s a visual org chart maker with powerful templates, formatting tools, and a zero learning curve. EdrawMax is perfect for teams who need fast, polished results.
Part 2: Mermaid Syntax for Org Charts
Creating organizational charts with Mermaid involves using a simple and readable syntax. It should define relationships between roles using directional graph statements. Mermaid supports several diagram types. But for org charts, you'll use either graph TD (top-down) or graph LR (left-to-right) to control the layout direction.
Each node represents a team member or role and is defined with a unique ID and label. Relationships are shown using arrows (-->) to indicate reporting lines. You can customize shapes and styles to a degree, though styling options are minimal.
Here’s a basic Mermaid org chart snippet:
This code creates a simple hierarchy where the CEO oversees both the CTO and CFO and they, in turn, manage their respective departments.
Mermaid org charts are powerful for developers and documentation-heavy environments. However, layouts can get crowded as the hierarchy grows. Still, it’s an effective tool for quick, text-based visualizations that live right alongside your documentation.
Part 3: Creating an Org Chart in Mermaid
Creating an organizational chart with Mermaid is a simple but structured process. It allows you to generate charts from text with minimal setup. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create your org chart using Mermaid syntax:
Step 1Choose Your Environment
You’ll need a Mermaid-compatible environment to write and render your chart. Here are a few options:
- Mermaid Live Editor: A browser-based tool to write, preview, and export Mermaid diagrams instantly.
- Markdown Editors like Obsidian or Typora that support Mermaid.
- Documentation platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Notion (with Mermaid support enabled).
- Static site generators like MkDocs or Docusaurus (for developer documentation).
Step 2Define Roles and Hierarchy
Before writing the syntax, outline the structure of your organization. List job titles, reporting lines, and any departments or subgroups. Keep your naming consistent, as node IDs are used to connect each role. Use example roles such as:
- CEO
- CTO
- CFO
- HR Manager
- Lead Developer
- Accountant
Step 3Structure the Chart With Mermaid Syntax
Start your diagram with the directions:
- graph TD for top-down
- graph LR for left-to-right
Then, define your nodes and relationships:
Step 4
You can add labels, group similar roles, and use subgraphs to improve clarity. For example:
Step 5
After writing your syntax, test the layout and spacing. Use subgraphs for grouping and readability. Add tooltips or style definitions if supported (limited in native Mermaid).
Step 6
Once finalized, export your chart as an image or SVG from the Live Editor. You can also embed it into Markdown files, wikis, or websites that support Mermaid rendering.
Limitations of Mermaid for Org Charts
While Mermaid is efficient for quick, code-driven diagrams, it has some limitations:
- No drag-and-drop interface: You must define everything in text, which can be tedious.
- Limited styling options: Fonts, shapes, and colors are mainly predefined.
- Not ideal for complex organizational structures: Large hierarchies can become hard to maintain.
- Needs syntax familiarity: Non-technical users may find it challenging at first.
For more visual control and ease of use, a graphical tool like EdrawMax can save time and effort. It’s especially useful for larger or more complex org charts.
Part 4: A Visual Alternative – Wondershare EdrawMax
While Mermaid is great for text-based environments, not everyone can write code to build diagrams. That’s where EdrawMax comes in. It’s a professional, no-code, drag-and-drop diagramming tool ideal for creating org charts with ease.
EdrawMax is designed for users who want complete visual control without dealing with syntax. It offers a rich collection of pre-built org chart templates that you can customize instantly. EdrawMax provides the flexibility and visual clarity you need. You can map out a startup team or a multi-division enterprise structure with a few clicks. Below are its key features:
- No coding needed: Easily build charts by dragging shapes and connecting them. There’s no need for Mermaid or Markdown.
- Extensive templates & symbols: Choose from hundreds of templates for HR, business, education, and more.
- Advanced formatting options: Customize colors, fonts, icons, spacing, and hierarchy with a few clicks.
- Cross-platform support: EdrawMax is available on Windows, macOS, and online. You can create and edit from anywhere.
- Export in multiple formats: Export your org charts as PNG, PDF, SVG, Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files.
- Collaboration tools: Share designs and co-edit with team members in real time.
EdrawMax is useful for HR professionals, business managers, educators, and non-technical users. Those who need compelling charts can create one without the learning curve associated with syntax-based tools.
If you’re working on a complex hierarchy or need polished, presentation-ready diagrams, EdrawMax is the ideal alternative. It saves time, boosts clarity, and offers more customization than text-based tools can.
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Conclusion
Creating an org chart with Mermaid is an efficient, code-based approach, making it ideal for developers and writers who thrive in text-heavy environments. However, for those seeking a simpler, more visually intuitive method with greater formatting control, there's EdrawMax.
EdrawMax offers an innovative and user-friendly alternative, allowing you to save time and effort while designing professional org charts. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful features, you can create stunning charts quickly and efficiently.
While both tools provide effective ways to organize and present your team structure, the choice comes down to your preferences. Whether you're comfortable with code or prefer a visual interface, Mermaid and EdrawMax make org chart creation fast and hassle-free.
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