Does VS Code render Mermaid without extensions?

Yes. VS Code's built-in markdown preview renders Mermaid diagrams natively since version 1.72 (August 2022). Extensions add syntax highlighting, validation, and better editing features.

What's the best Mermaid VS Code extension?

For syntax highlighting: 'Mermaid Markdown Syntax Highlighting'. For live preview and editing: 'Mermaid Chart' (official). For export: use mermaid-cli in your terminal or our web editor.

Can I use Mermaid in Cursor IDE?

Yes. Cursor is based on VS Code and supports the same Mermaid rendering in markdown preview and all VS Code Mermaid extensions.

Mermaid Diagrams in VS Code

VS Code's built-in markdown preview renders Mermaid diagrams natively. For an even better experience, extensions like Mermaid Markdown Syntax Highlighting and Mermaid Chart add live editing, syntax highlighting, and export capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide

Use the built-in markdown preview

VS Code renders Mermaid code blocks in markdown preview out of the box. Create a .md file, add a mermaid code block, and open the preview panel (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+V).

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[Write Code] --> B[Preview]
    B --> C[Ship]
```

Install Mermaid syntax highlighting

Install the 'Mermaid Markdown Syntax Highlighting' extension for proper syntax coloring in .mmd files and mermaid code blocks. This makes complex diagrams much easier to read and edit.

Install the Mermaid Chart extension (optional)

The official 'Mermaid Chart' VS Code extension by the Mermaid team adds: live preview panel, syntax validation, and cloud sync with mermaidchart.com. It's free for basic use.

Export diagrams

For quick exports, design in our editor with full theming and export controls. For CI/CD, use mermaid-cli (mmdc) to generate PNGs and SVGs from .mmd files in your build pipeline.

Tips

•Use .mmd file extension for standalone Mermaid files — extensions recognize this
•VS Code's markdown preview uses a slightly different renderer than GitHub — test in both
•For large diagrams, split-panel view (editor + preview side by side) is the most productive
•Mermaid code blocks get syntax highlighting in the markdown source with the right extension

Design Your Diagram First

Use our editor with live preview, autocomplete, and theming — then copy-paste into VS Code.

Open Editor

Frequently Asked Questions

More Integrations

GitHub

GitHub natively renders Mermaid diagrams in markdown files, issues, pull requests, discussions, and wikis. No plugins or extensions needed — just wrap your Mermaid code in a fenced code block with the 'mermaid' language identifier.

Notion

Notion supports Mermaid diagrams natively through code blocks. Type /code to create a code block, select 'Mermaid' as the language, and your diagram renders inline. No extensions needed.

Confluence

Confluence doesn't render Mermaid natively, but several marketplace apps add support. The most popular is the 'Mermaid Diagrams for Confluence' app. Alternatively, export diagrams as SVG/PNG from our editor and embed them.

Obsidian

Obsidian renders Mermaid diagrams natively in reading view and live preview. No plugins needed. Just add a mermaid code block to any note and switch to reading mode to see the rendered diagram.

Markdown

Mermaid integrates with markdown through fenced code blocks. The syntax is universal: wrap Mermaid code in triple backticks with 'mermaid' as the language identifier. Many platforms render these blocks natively, and those that don't can use build-time plugins.