d2

Name: d2
Brand: d2

A modern text-to-diagram language for developers and technical writers

softwareDiagramming & Whiteboardsdiagrammingscripting languagetext-to-diagram

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Our Verdict

Best for

Developers needing simple diagrams

Skip if

Advanced 3D visualization users

What is d2?

D2 is a concise scripting language that lets you generate diagrams directly from plain text. It focuses on simplicity and readability, making it easy to embed visualizations in documentation and codebases. Designed for self‑hosted environments, D2 runs in the browser and can be integrated into CI pipelines, providing free, on‑premise diagram generation without vendor lock‑in.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

github stars24,756

api available✅ Yes

support optionsEmail, GitHub Issues

primary languageGo

Key Features of d2

Write diagrams using a clear, markdown‑like syntax that eliminates the need for drag‑and‑drop tools.

Render diagrams instantly in the browser with a live preview that updates as you type.

Export generated diagrams to PNG or SVG for inclusion in documentation, presentations, or code comments.

Use the command‑line interface to integrate diagram generation into build scripts and CI/CD pipelines.

Host the D2 web editor on your own servers for secure, internal documentation workflows.

Leverage built‑in theming to customize colors, fonts, and layout styles without external CSS.

Integrate with GitHub Actions to automatically update diagrams when source files change.

Support for complex graph layouts like flowcharts, mind maps, and entity‑relationship diagrams using simple directives.

Use Cases for d2

Technical Documentation

Embed up‑to‑date diagrams directly in Markdown docs for APIs and system designs.

Architecture Diagrams

Generate infrastructure and software architecture visuals from version‑controlled scripts.

CI/CD Visualization

Automatically produce flowcharts of build pipelines during each CI run.

Educational Content

Create clear, reproducible diagrams for tutorials and training materials.

Pros & Cons of d2

Pros

Zero cost, fully free
Self‑hosted for full data control
Simple, readable syntax reduces learning curve
Integrates easily with CI pipelines and GitHub

Cons

Limited to 2D diagram types
No native desktop application, relies on web UI or CLI
Advanced styling requires manual configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms does D2 run on?

D2 is web‑based and can be accessed through any modern browser; it also offers a CLI for server environments.

Is D2 suitable for non‑technical users?

While designed for developers and technical writers, its plain‑text syntax is straightforward enough for anyone comfortable with basic markup.

How can I integrate D2 with my existing workflow?

Use the CLI in build scripts or GitHub Actions, or embed the web editor in internal documentation portals.

Where can I get support?

Support is available via email and by opening issues on the project's GitHub repository.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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Top Alternatives & Similar Tools

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Mermaid

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Mermaid is a simple markdown-like script language for generating diagrams and flowcharts from text. It can be used to create a variety of diagrams, including flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and Gantt charts. Mermaid is often used in documentation and can be integrated into various tools and platforms.

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