Field note 02 / workshop build

Mermaid Local

A diagram editor for people who want the source text and the picture in the same room.

Local-first PWA. Tauri desktop path for Windows and Linux. The repository is private while the packaging work continues.

flowchart.mmd

flowchart LR
  idea[rough idea]
  idea --> shape{shape it}
  shape -->|keep| build[build]
  shape -->|cut| idea

Why it exists

A diagram is still a text file.

Mermaid Local keeps the editable source visible beside the rendered chart. It is built for notes, architecture sketches, process maps, and the diagrams that change while you are still thinking.

What the current build can do

Write and see

CodeMirror editing, Mermaid rendering, autocomplete, templates, themes, zoom, and a preview pane that stays close to the source.

Work beyond flowcharts

Board mode supports freeform flowchart work. Guided Run turns a Mermaid routine into an interactive decision tree or SOP.

Take the output

Export diagrams as SVG, PNG, or PDF. Keep the source locally, use the command palette, and keep working without a cloud account.

Current boundary

The editor works. Desktop shipping is next.

The PWA is the center of the product. A Tauri desktop shell is in the repository for Windows and Linux packaging. Windows still needs the final MSVC build step and installer pass before this becomes a polished public download.