d2

name	d2
description	Generate diagrams using D2 (Terrastruct) -- a modern, clean diagram scripting language with excellent auto-layout. Use when the diagram-router selects D2, or when the user wants clean architecture diagrams, nested containers, or prefers D2's aesthetic. Requires the d2 CLI binary.

D2 Diagram Skill

Generate diagrams using D2's declarative syntax. D2 produces clean, modern-looking diagrams with excellent auto-layout, nested containers, and multiple layout engines.

When to use D2:

• Architecture diagrams with nested components (D2's container nesting is excellent)
• Clean, modern aesthetic without manual positioning
• User has d2 installed or prefers it
• Network/infrastructure diagrams
• Deployment diagrams with hierarchical grouping

When another format is better:

• Maximum visual customization (SVG)
• Diagrams in GitHub/GitLab markdown (Mermaid -- D2 doesn't render natively)
• Whiteboard/sketch aesthetic (Excalidraw)
• ER diagrams, Gantt charts (Mermaid has better support)

Consult the design-system skill for color, composition, and quality rules.

Syntax Quick Reference

Basic Connections

server -> database: query
database -> server: results
client -> server: HTTPS

Arrow types:

• -> directed (default)
• <-> bidirectional
• -- undirected

Shapes and Labels

# Named with label
api: API Gateway

# Shapes
db: Database {
  shape: cylinder
}
user: User {
  shape: person
}
decision: Route? {
  shape: diamond
}
queue: Messages {
  shape: queue
}

Available shapes: rectangle (default), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .