# Mermaid

> Create flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and other visualizations in your documentation using Mermaid syntax with automatic rendering.

[Mermaid](https://mermaid.js.org/) lets you build flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts, and other diagrams using text and code.

For a complete list of supported diagram types and syntax, see the [Mermaid documentation](https://mermaid.js.org/intro/).

```mermaid placement="top-right" theme={null}
  flowchart LR
    subgraph subgraph1
        direction TB
        top1[top] --> bottom1[bottom]
    end
    subgraph subgraph2
        direction TB
        top2[top] --> bottom2[bottom]
    end
    %% ^ These subgraphs are identical, except for the links to them:

    %% Link *to* subgraph1: subgraph1 direction is maintained
    outside --> subgraph1
    %% Link *within* subgraph2:
    %% subgraph2 inherits the direction of the top-level graph (LR)
    outside ---> top2
```

````mdx Mermaid flowchart example theme={null}
```mermaid placement="top-right"
  flowchart LR
    subgraph subgraph1
        direction TB
        top1[top] --> bottom1[bottom]
    end
    subgraph subgraph2
        direction TB
        top2[top] --> bottom2[bottom]
    end
    %% ^ These subgraphs are identical, except for the links to them:

    %% Link *to* subgraph1: subgraph1 direction is maintained
    outside --> subgraph1
    %% Link *within* subgraph2:
    %% subgraph2 inherits the direction of the top-level graph (LR)
    outside ---> top2
```
````

## ELK layout support

Mintlify supports the [ELK (Eclipse Layout Kernel)](https://www.eclipse.org/elk/) layout engine for Mermaid diagrams. ELK optimizes arrangement to reduce overlapping and improve readability, which is useful for large or complex diagrams.

To use ELK layout in your Mermaid diagrams, add the `%%{init: {'flowchart': {'defaultRenderer': 'elk'}}}%%` directive at the beginning of your diagram:

````mdx ELK layout example theme={null}
```mermaid
%%{init: {'flowchart': {'defaultRenderer': 'elk'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A[Start] --> B[Process 1]
    B --> C[Process 2]
    B --> D[Process 3]
    C --> E[End]
    D --> E
```
````

## Interactive controls

All Mermaid diagrams include interactive zoom and pan controls. By default, controls appear when the diagram height exceeds 120px.

- **Zoom in/out**: Use the zoom buttons to increase or decrease the diagram scale.
- **Pan**: Use the directional arrows to move around the diagram.
- **Reset view**: Click the reset button to return to the original view.

The controls are especially useful for large or complex diagrams that don't fit entirely in the viewport.

## Properties

- `actions` (boolean) — Show or hide the interactive controls. When set, this overrides the default behavior (controls shown when diagram height exceeds 120px).

- `placement` (string) — Position of the interactive controls. Options: `top-left`, `top-right`, `bottom-left`, `bottom-right`.

- `className` (string) — Additional CSS classes to apply to the diagram container.

### Examples

Hide controls on a diagram:

````mdx theme={null}
```mermaid actions={false}
flowchart LR
    A --> B
```
````

Show controls in the top-left corner:

````mdx theme={null}
```mermaid placement="top-left"
flowchart LR
    A --> B
```
````

Combine both properties:

````mdx theme={null}
```mermaid placement="top-left" actions={true}
flowchart LR
    A --> B
```
````

## Syntax

To create a Mermaid diagram, write your diagram definition inside a Mermaid code block.

````mdx theme={null}
```mermaid
// Your mermaid diagram code here
```
````

## Related topics

- [Components overview](/docs/components/index.md)
- [Custom scripts](/guides/manage-your-site-customize-custom-scripts)

## Related pages

- [Accordions](./create-content-components-accordions.md)
- [Badge](./create-content-components-badge.md)
- [Banner](./create-content-components-banner.md)
- [Callouts](./create-content-components-callouts.md)
- [Cards](./create-content-components-cards.md)
- [Code groups](./create-content-components-code-groups.md)
- [Color](./create-content-components-color.md)
- [Columns](./create-content-components-columns.md)
- [Examples](./create-content-components-examples.md)
- [Expandables](./create-content-components-expandables.md)

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