mermaid-cli is a command-line tool that converts Mermaid diagram definitions into SVG, PNG, and PDF output files.
The tool solves the problem of rendering Mermaid diagrams outside of interactive environments by accepting mermaid definition files as input and generating static image files. It also provides basic support for processing mermaid code blocks embedded within Markdown files, transforming the markdown itself to reference the generated diagram files. Users can customize output through options like theme selection, transparent backgrounds, and inline CSS for animations.
The tool suits developers and documentation authors who need to generate diagrams programmatically or as part of build pipelines. It works well for projects that maintain diagram definitions in version control and want to produce rendered outputs automatically. Installation is available through multiple methods including npm, Docker, Podman, and direct Node.js API usage, giving flexibility depending on the deployment environment.
The project shows consistent maintenance with regular updates addressing user-reported issues and feature requests. Development activity includes ongoing refinement of output quality and expansion of supported diagram types. The maintainers actively respond to bug reports and incorporate community feedback into releases. Documentation is kept current with examples covering common use cases like dark themes, animated SVGs, and markdown transformation workflows.
