Vrun-design/openflowkit

100% Free, Open-source local-first AI diagramming for architecture diagrams and flowcharts with animated exports.

What it solves

OpenFlowKit is an open-source diagramming studio designed for developers. It eliminates the trade-offs between freeform whiteboards, code-only tools like Mermaid.js, and cloud-locked enterprise software by providing a local-first, visual canvas that supports bidirectional diagram-as-code and AI-powered generation.

How it works

Users can create diagrams via a visual editor, by pasting Mermaid syntax, or by using AI prompts. The tool uses a semantic classifier and icon matcher to automatically assign branded icons from a library of 1,600+ assets (AWS, Azure, GCP, CNCF) based on node labels. It features a bidirectional sync between the visual canvas and a custom DSL, allowing changes in either to reflect in the other. For AI generation, it connects directly to 10 different providers (including local Ollama) via the browser, ensuring API keys remain on the user's device.

Who it’s for

It is built for software engineers, architects, and builders who need to document technical systems, cloud architectures, and workflows without relying on cloud accounts or proprietary formats.

Highlights

  • AI-Driven Creation: Generate diagrams from plain English, source code, or screenshots using 10 providers, including fully offline local AI via Ollama.
  • Bidirectional Diagram-as-Code: Live sync between a visual canvas and a Mermaid-compatible DSL.
  • Automatic Icon Assignment: Automatically detects technology names and assigns correct branded icons from a library of 1,600+ assets.
  • Cinematic MP4 Export: Hardware-accelerated, browser-based export of animated diagram walkthroughs using WebCodecs.
  • MCP Server: A Model Context Protocol server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf to drive the diagramming process directly.
  • Local-First: Zero server-side storage; data is saved in the browser's IndexedDB.

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