visual-flow-gif

name	visual-flow-gif
description	Create animated flow diagrams from articles, workflow notes, architecture sketches, or process descriptions using a JSON specification and a local Python/Pillow renderer. Use when the user wants to turn source material into a static PNG + animated GIF diagram.
user_invocable	true

Visual Flow GIF

Use this skill when a user wants to turn source material into a clear animated flow diagram.

The output should include:

• A static PNG diagram.
• An animated GIF with visible motion.
• The JSON spec used to render the diagram when useful for later edits.

Workflow

1. Read the source material and identify the system.

   • Inputs, outputs, actors, modules, tools, stores, and feedback loops.
   • Main steps, decision points, shared artifacts, and arrow direction.
   • Any visual constraints from a reference image.

2. Create a JSON spec.

   • Start from ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/visual-flow-gif/assets/default-spec.json for the default light theme.
   • Start from ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/visual-flow-gif/assets/dark-spec.json only when the user asks for a dark version.
   • Use short English labels unless the user asks for another language.
   • Use explicit x, y, w, and h values for predictable layout.
   • Use custom multi-point paths for routed arrows. Corners are rounded by default.
   • Add important modules to animation.pulses; pulse highlights are strong by default.
   • See ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/visual-flow-gif/references/spec-format.md for field details.

3. Render the diagram.

   Requires Python 3.10+ and Pillow 10+. If Pillow is missing, install it first: python3 -m pip install -r ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/visual-flow-gif/requirements.txt

python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/visual-flow-gif/scripts/render_animated_gif.py \
  --spec /path/to/spec.json \
  --outdir /path/to/output \
  --basename diagram \
  --verify \
  --check

4. Inspect the PNG and GIF before delivery.
   • Text is readable and not clipped.
   • Labels and arrows do not overlap important content.
   • Arrow directions match the source material.
   • The GIF has visible motion.
   • Pulse highlights are clearly visible in both light and dark modes.
   • The full system fits inside the frame.

Style Guide

• Prefer a clean technical diagram with a lightweight editorial feel.
• Use the light theme by default.
• Use the dark theme only when the user asks for a dark version.
• Prefer Excalifont when available; the renderer falls back automatically.
• Keep important labels bold enough to scan quickly.
• Use rounded routed arrows instead of hard right-angle turns.
• Use color to separate roles:
  • Blue for core process areas.
  • Green for active loops, tools, memory, or operational panels.
  • Purple for shared layers, archives, or internal systems.
  • Red for friction, risk, warnings, or signals.
• Keep node labels short and concrete.
• Do not invent structure, metrics, claims, or arrow direction that is not present in the source.

Quality Bar

Always run with --verify --check before delivery.

--verify prints sampled frame differences so the GIF animation can be confirmed.

--check validates that:

• PNG and GIF files exist.
• Output dimensions match the spec.
• GIF frame count matches the spec.
• Sampled frames contain visible motion.