About graphviz
A skill for generating diagrams in Graphviz DOT syntax. It explains directed and undirected graphs, node and edge attributes, layout settings, clusters, and common syntax pitfalls.
Key features
- 01Directed and undirected graph syntax
- 02Node, edge, and cluster attributes
- 03Layout and spacing guidance
- 04Rules for valid DOT output
Use cases
- 01Mapping dependencies with directed edges
- 02Drawing undirected relationship diagrams
- 03Grouping diagram nodes into clusters
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/After installing, type/graphvizin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Bundled filesreferences/syntax.md
Details
From the project READMEGraphviz DOT Diagram Generator
Important: Use
```dotas the code fence identifier, NOT```graphviz.
Quick Start: Choose digraph (directed) or graph (undirected) → Define nodes with attributes (shape, color, label) → Connect with -> or -- → Set layout (rankdir, spacing) → Wrap in ```dot fence. Default: top-to-bottom (rankdir=TB), cluster names must start with cluster_, use semicolons.
Critical Syntax Rules
Rule 1: Cluster Naming
❌ subgraph backend { } → Won't render as box
✅ subgraph cluster_backend { } → Must start with cluster_
Rule 2: Node IDs with Spaces
❌ API Gateway [label="API"]; → Invalid ID
✅ "API Gateway" [label="API"]; → Quote the ID
✅ api_gateway [label="API Gateway"]; → Use underscore ID
Rule 3: Edge Syntax Difference
digraph: A -> B; → Directed arrow
graph: A -- B; → Undirected line
Rule 4: Attribute Syntax
❌ node [shape=box color=red] → Missing comma
✅ node [shape=box, color=red]; → Comma separated
Rule 5: HTML Labels
✅ shape=plaintext for HTML labels
✅ Use < > not " " for HTML content
Common Pitfalls
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Nodes overlapping | Increase nodesep and ranksep |
| Poor layout | Change rankdir or add {rank=same} |
| Edges crossing | Use splines=ortho or adjust node order |
| Cluster not showing | Name must start with cluster_ |
| Label not displaying | Check quote escaping |
Output Format
```dot
digraph G {
[diagram code]
}
```
Related Files
For advanced layout control and complex styling, refer to references below:
- syntax.md — Layout control (rankdir, splines, rank), HTML labels, edge styles, cluster subgraphs, and record-based nodes