# excalidraw

This skill routes Excalidraw file work to subagents so large JSON diagrams stay out of the main context. Use it for flowcharts and architecture visuals.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code · 342 installs
- Author: davila7
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/davila7/claude-code-templates/tree/HEAD/cli-tool/components/skills/creative-design/excalidraw
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/excalidraw

## What it does

The skill activates for `.excalidraw` and `.excalidraw.json` files, plus requests to explain, create, or revise diagrams, flowcharts, and architecture views. It covers reading a diagram, adding elements, creating a new file, and comparing two diagrams.

A subagent handles the file through the Task tool. It pulls out labels and component relationships, then returns a compact written summary rather than raw element data. For edits and new diagrams, it locates existing elements, writes the required shapes or arrows, and reports the changes.

Excalidraw JSON carries a large amount of visual metadata; one file can run from 4k-22k tokens. Claude Code’s main agent must therefore delegate these operations instead of reading the file itself, or the diagram can consume the working context.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **claude-code-templates**
```bash
npx claude-code-templates@latest --skill creative-design/excalidraw
```

2. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add davila7/claude-code-templates --skill excalidraw -a claude-code
```

3. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/excalidraw/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/excalidraw/

### Codex

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/excalidraw/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/excalidraw/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install davila7/claude-code-templates excalidraw
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/excalidraw/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/davila7/claude-code-templates --path cli-tool/components/skills/creative-design/excalidraw
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/excalidraw/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/davila7/claude-code-templates/tree/HEAD/cli-tool/components/skills/creative-design/excalidraw

## When to use it
- extract components and links from an `.excalidraw.json` file
- create an architecture diagram from a written description
- add a service to an existing Excalidraw diagram
- compare two architecture diagrams
- edit a diagram without loading its full JSON into the main context

## Example prompts
- Explain the architecture in `system.excalidraw.json` and return its components and connections.
- Create a payment flow diagram in `payment-flow.excalidraw.json` from this description.
- Add the `Billing` service to `architecture.excalidraw.json` and connect it to `API Gateway`.

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## Other versions with the same name
- [excalidraw · nousresearch](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/hermes-agent-excalidraw.md) — 412 installs
- [excalidraw · agents365-ai](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/agents365-ai-excalidraw.md) — 4600 installs

From the same set: [davila7/claude-code-templates](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/davila7/claude-code-templates.md) — 495 cards

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md