Draw.io MCP Server is a Model Context Protocol server that enables large language models to create and open diagrams in the draw.io editor.
The tool solves the problem of integrating diagram creation into AI-assisted workflows. It offers four distinct approaches: an MCP App Server that renders diagrams inline in chat conversations, an MCP Tool Server that opens diagrams in the draw.io editor, assistant plugins for local development workflows, and project instructions for quick setup without installation. The MCP App Server uses the MCP Apps protocol to display interactive diagram previews directly in conversation, while the MCP Tool Server publishes diagrams to the draw.io editor. Both approaches support diagram creation from XML, CSV, and Mermaid formats. The tool includes a shape search capability that queries over ten thousand shapes across draw.io libraries covering AWS, Azure, GCP, electrical, Cisco, Kubernetes, UML, and BPMN domains, supplemented by an icon service for brand logos and general-purpose concept icons.
Developers should choose this tool based on their workflow requirements. The MCP App Server suits those wanting inline diagram previews without leaving the chat interface and requires no installation when using the hosted endpoint. The MCP Tool Server works best for local desktop workflows and supports all three input formats with lightbox and dark mode options. The assistant plugins integrate into local development environments, while project instructions provide the quickest path to getting started without any installation overhead. The choice depends on whether you prioritize inline visualization, direct editor access, or minimal setup friction.
The project maintains both a hosted MCP App Server endpoint and a published npm package for the MCP Tool Server, supporting multiple integration paths. Development activity spans both server implementations and documentation for each integration approach, with particular attention to shape library coverage and format support across XML, CSV, and Mermaid inputs.
