Enhanced Draw.io Diagram Creation with MCP Integration

Create professional diagrams using the next-ai-draw-io MCP server. Generate mxGraphModel XML for real-time browser preview and editing.

MCP Workflow

1. Start Session

Call

start_session

tool first to open browser with real-time preview.

2. Create New Diagram

Use

create_new_diagram

tool with mxGraphModel XML (not full mxfile wrapper):

xml

<mxGraphModel>
  <root>
    <mxCell id="0"/>
    <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
    <!-- shapes here -->
  </root>
</mxGraphModel>

Critical constraints:

Keep elements within x=0-800, y=0-600
Start from x=40, y=40 with tight spacing
Use unique IDs starting from "2"
Set parent="1" for top-level shapes
Specify exitX/exitY/entryX/entryY for edges to avoid overlaps

3. Edit Existing Diagram

For modifications, call

get_diagram

first to see current structure, then use

edit_diagram

with operations array.

4. Get Current State

Use

get_diagram

to retrieve current XML including user's manual edits.

Core Capabilities

1. Standard Diagram Types

Flowcharts: Basic flowcharts, decision trees, process flows
Cross-Functional Flowcharts (CFF): Swimlane diagrams showing processes across departments/roles
BPMN Diagrams: Business Process Model and Notation diagrams
UML Diagrams: Class diagrams, sequence diagrams, use case diagrams
Network Diagrams: Infrastructure, cloud architecture, system design
Org Charts: Organizational hierarchies and team structures
Mind Maps: Conceptual mapping and brainstorming
Entity Relationship Diagrams: Database schemas

2. PMP/PMBOK Project Management Diagrams

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables
Project Network Diagrams: PERT charts, CPM, activity dependencies
Gantt Charts: Timeline-based project schedules
RACI Matrices: Responsibility assignment matrices
Risk Register Diagrams: Risk matrices, heat maps, probability-impact grids
Stakeholder Maps: Power-interest grids, influence diagrams
Resource Histograms: Resource allocation and capacity planning
Communication Plans: Information flow diagrams
Process Group Diagrams: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing
Knowledge Area Maps: Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder Management

3. Visual Asset Libraries Available

Agents can reference and incorporate shapes from extensive custom libraries:

Icon & Symbol Libraries:

Material Design Icons
Font Awesome icons
OSA (Open Security Architecture) Icons
UN-OCHA Humanitarian Icons
Flat Color Icons
Chart & Infographic Icons
Windows 10 Icons
Gesture & Fingerprint Icons

Technology & Infrastructure:

Kubernetes Icons
Cloud Provider Icons (AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean)
Network Device Libraries (Cisco, Arista, Fortinet, Commvault)
DevOps & CI/CD Pipeline Shapes

Business & General Purpose:

Wireframe Components
Avatars & People Icons
Form Elements
Bioicons (Life Sciences)
Genogram Symbols
Templates & Building Blocks

How to Use Custom Libraries: When generating diagrams that would benefit from specific icons, Agents can note which libraries to enable:

To use this diagram optimally, open it with these custom libraries:
https://app.diagrams.net/?clibs=Uhttps://jgraph.github.io/drawio-libs/libs/templates.xml

XML Format for MCP

For MCP tools, output only mxGraphModel (not full mxfile):

xml

<mxGraphModel>
  <root>
    <mxCell id="0"/>
    <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
    <!-- shapes here -->
  </root>
</mxGraphModel>

For standalone files, use full mxfile wrapper:

xml

<mxfile host="app.diagrams.net">
  <diagram id="diagram-1" name="Page-1">
    <mxGraphModel dx="1434" dy="759" grid="1" gridSize="10">
      <root>
        <mxCell id="0"/>
        <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
        <!-- shapes here -->
      </root>
    </mxGraphModel>
  </diagram>
</mxfile>

Core Concepts

1. Cells (mxCell)

Everything in draw.io is a cell - shapes, connectors, containers, and even the root elements.

Basic Shape Cell:

xml

<mxCell id="2" value="Process Step" style="rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#dae8fc;strokeColor=#6c8ebf;" vertex="1" parent="1">
  <mxGeometry x="100" y="100" width="120" height="60" as="geometry"/>
</mxCell>

Connector Cell:

xml

<mxCell id="3" style="edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;orthogonalLoop=1;jettySize=auto;html=1;exitX=1;exitY=0.5;exitDx=0;exitDy=0;entryX=0;entryY=0.5;entryDx=0;entryDy=0;" edge="1" parent="1" source="2" target="4">
  <mxGeometry relative="1" as="geometry"/>
</mxCell>

2. ID Management

Each cell must have a unique ID
Use sequential integers: "2", "3", "4", etc.
IDs "0" and "1" are reserved for the root cells
When referencing shapes in connectors, use the same IDs

3. Geometry (mxGeometry)

```
x
```
,
```
y
```
: Position (top-left corner)
```
width
```
,
```
height
```
: Dimensions
```
relative="1"
```
: For connectors (relative positioning)

4. Styling

Styles are semicolon-separated key-value pairs:

Shape type:
```
rounded=1
```
,
```
ellipse
```
,
```
rhombus
```

Colors:

fillColor=#dae8fc

strokeColor=#6c8ebf

fontColor=#000000

Text:
```
fontSize=12
```
,
```
fontStyle=1
```
(bold=1, italic=2, underline=4)
Alignment:
```
align=center
```
,
```
verticalAlign=middle
```
Spacing:
```
spacingLeft=10
```
,
```
spacingTop=5
```

PMP/PMBOK Specific Shapes & Styles

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

WBS uses hierarchical tree structure with boxes connected by lines.

WBS Package Box:

shape=rectangle;rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;fontStyle=1;fontSize=10;

WBS Levels:

Level 0 (Project): Large box, 200x80, bold, dark green
Level 1 (Deliverables): Medium box, 160x60, medium green
Level 2 (Sub-deliverables): Small box, 140x50, light green
Level 3 (Work Packages): Smallest box, 120x40, lightest green

Project Network Diagram (PERT/CPM)

Activity Node (AON - Activity on Node):

shape=rectangle;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#fff2cc;strokeColor=#d6b656;fontStyle=0;

Node Structure (divided into sections):

┌─────────────────┐
│  Early Start ES │ Duration
├─────────────────┤
│  Activity Name  │
├─────────────────┤
│  Late Start LS  │ Late Finish LF
└─────────────────┘

Critical Path Highlighting:

fillColor=#f8cecc;strokeColor=#b85450;strokeWidth=3;

RACI Matrix

Matrix Container:

swimlane;html=1;startSize=40;fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;fontStyle=1;

RACI Cells:

R (Responsible):
```
fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;
```
A (Accountable):
```
fillColor=#dae8fc;strokeColor=#6c8ebf;
```
C (Consulted):
```
fillColor=#fff2cc;strokeColor=#d6b656;
```
I (Informed):
```
fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;
```

Gantt Chart Elements

Timeline Bar:

rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#60a917;strokeColor=#2D7600;fontColor=#ffffff;

Milestone Diamond:

rhombus;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#fa6800;strokeColor=#C73500;fontColor=#000000;

Dependency Arrow:

edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;html=1;endArrow=block;endFill=1;strokeWidth=2;

Risk Matrix (Probability-Impact Grid)

Risk Matrix Structure:

5x5 grid with:
- X-axis: Impact (Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High)
- Y-axis: Probability (Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High)

Risk Level Colors:

Low Risk:
```
fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;
```
(Green)
Medium Risk:
```
fillColor=#fff2cc;strokeColor=#d6b656;
```
(Yellow)
High Risk:
```
fillColor=#ffe6cc;strokeColor=#d79b00;
```
(Orange)
Critical Risk:
```
fillColor=#f8cecc;strokeColor=#b85450;
```
(Red)

Stakeholder Power-Interest Grid

Quadrant Structure:

┌─────────────────┬─────────────────┐
│   Manage        │    Partner      │
│   Closely       │    Closely      │
│ (High Power,    │ (High Power,    │
│  High Interest) │  High Interest) │
├─────────────────┼─────────────────┤
│   Keep          │    Keep         │
│   Satisfied     │    Informed     │
│ (High Power,    │ (Low Power,     │
│  Low Interest)  │  High Interest) │
└─────────────────┴─────────────────┘

Common Shape Styles

Flowchart Shapes

Process (Rectangle):

rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#dae8fc;strokeColor=#6c8ebf;

Decision (Diamond):

rhombus;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#ffe6cc;strokeColor=#d79b00;

Start/End (Rounded Rectangle):

ellipse;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;

Document:

shape=document;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;

Data (Parallelogram):

shape=parallelogram;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;

Swimlane Shapes

Swimlane Container:

swimlane;html=1;startSize=20;fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;fontStyle=1;align=center;verticalAlign=top;childLayout=stackLayout;horizontal=1;horizontalStack=0;resizeParent=1;resizeParentMax=0;resizeLast=0;collapsible=0;

Vertical Swimlane:

swimlane;html=1;startSize=20;fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;horizontal=0;fontStyle=1;

Creating PMP/PMBOK Diagrams

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Example

xml

<mxfile host="app.diagrams.net">
  <diagram id="WBS-1" name="Project WBS">
    <mxGraphModel dx="1434" dy="759" grid="1" gridSize="10" guides="1">
      <root>
        <mxCell id="0"/>
        <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
        
        <!-- Level 0: Project -->
        <mxCell id="2" value="Project Name" style="rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#1ba1e2;strokeColor=#006EAF;fontColor=#ffffff;fontStyle=1;fontSize=14;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="280" y="40" width="200" height="80" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Level 1: Major Deliverables -->
        <mxCell id="3" value="Deliverable 1" style="rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#60a917;strokeColor=#2D7600;fontColor=#ffffff;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="40" y="160" width="160" height="60" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="4" value="Deliverable 2" style="rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#60a917;strokeColor=#2D7600;fontColor=#ffffff;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="240" y="160" width="160" height="60" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="5" value="Deliverable 3" style="rounded=1;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#60a917;strokeColor=#2D7600;fontColor=#ffffff;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="440" y="160" width="160" height="60" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Connectors -->
        <mxCell id="6" style="edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;orthogonalLoop=1;jettySize=auto;html=1;exitX=0.25;exitY=1;exitDx=0;exitDy=0;entryX=0.5;entryY=0;entryDx=0;entryDy=0;" edge="1" parent="1" source="2" target="3">
          <mxGeometry relative="1" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="7" style="edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;orthogonalLoop=1;jettySize=auto;html=1;exitX=0.5;exitY=1;exitDx=0;exitDy=0;entryX=0.5;entryY=0;entryDx=0;entryDy=0;" edge="1" parent="1" source="2" target="4">
          <mxGeometry relative="1" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="8" style="edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;orthogonalLoop=1;jettySize=auto;html=1;exitX=0.75;exitY=1;exitDx=0;exitDy=0;entryX=0.5;entryY=0;entryDx=0;entryDy=0;" edge="1" parent="1" source="2" target="5">
          <mxGeometry relative="1" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
      </root>
    </mxGraphModel>
  </diagram>
</mxfile>

RACI Matrix Example

xml

<mxfile host="app.diagrams.net">
  <diagram id="RACI-1" name="RACI Matrix">
    <mxGraphModel dx="1434" dy="759" grid="1" gridSize="10" guides="1">
      <root>
        <mxCell id="0"/>
        <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
        
        <!-- Matrix Container -->
        <mxCell id="2" value="RACI Matrix" style="swimlane;html=1;startSize=40;fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;fontStyle=1;fontSize=14;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="40" y="40" width="720" height="400" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Header Row -->
        <mxCell id="3" value="Activities / Tasks" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="10" y="50" width="180" height="40" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="4" value="Role A" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="200" y="50" width="120" height="40" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="5" value="Role B" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="330" y="50" width="120" height="40" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Task Rows with RACI Assignments -->
        <mxCell id="6" value="Task 1: Define Requirements" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;align=left;spacingLeft=10;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="10" y="100" width="180" height="50" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="7" value="R" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;fontStyle=1;fontSize=16;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="200" y="100" width="120" height="50" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="8" value="A" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#dae8fc;strokeColor=#6c8ebf;fontStyle=1;fontSize=16;" vertex="1" parent="2">
          <mxGeometry x="330" y="100" width="120" height="50" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
      </root>
    </mxGraphModel>
  </diagram>
</mxfile>

Stakeholder Power-Interest Grid Example

xml

<mxfile host="app.diagrams.net">
  <diagram id="Stakeholder-1" name="Stakeholder Map">
    <mxGraphModel dx="1434" dy="759" grid="1" gridSize="10" guides="1">
      <root>
        <mxCell id="0"/>
        <mxCell id="1" parent="0"/>
        
        <!-- Grid Background -->
        <!-- High Power, High Interest -->
        <mxCell id="2" value="Manage Closely&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;(Key Players)&lt;/b&gt;" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#f8cecc;strokeColor=#b85450;verticalAlign=top;fontSize=12;fontStyle=0;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="400" y="80" width="320" height="280" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- High Power, Low Interest -->
        <mxCell id="3" value="Keep Satisfied&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;(Keep Informed)&lt;/b&gt;" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#fff2cc;strokeColor=#d6b656;verticalAlign=top;fontSize=12;fontStyle=0;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="400" y="360" width="320" height="280" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Low Power, High Interest -->
        <mxCell id="4" value="Keep Informed&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;(Show Consideration)&lt;/b&gt;" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#ffe6cc;strokeColor=#d79b00;verticalAlign=top;fontSize=12;fontStyle=0;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="80" y="80" width="320" height="280" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Low Power, Low Interest -->
        <mxCell id="5" value="Monitor&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;(Minimal Effort)&lt;/b&gt;" style="rounded=0;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;verticalAlign=top;fontSize=12;fontStyle=0;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="80" y="360" width="320" height="280" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Axis Labels -->
        <mxCell id="6" value="Interest" style="text;html=1;align=center;verticalAlign=middle;fontSize=14;fontStyle=1;rotation=90;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="20" y="320" width="100" height="40" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <mxCell id="7" value="Power / Influence" style="text;html=1;align=center;verticalAlign=middle;fontSize=14;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="350" y="660" width="200" height="40" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
        <!-- Sample Stakeholders -->
        <mxCell id="8" value="CEO" style="ellipse;whiteSpace=wrap;html=1;fillColor=#1ba1e2;strokeColor=#006EAF;fontColor=#ffffff;fontStyle=1;" vertex="1" parent="1">
          <mxGeometry x="520" y="150" width="80" height="60" as="geometry"/>
        </mxCell>
        
      </root>
    </mxGraphModel>
  </diagram>
</mxfile>

Color Schemes

Professional Blue Theme (Default)

Primary:
```
fillColor=#dae8fc;strokeColor=#6c8ebf;
```
Secondary:
```
fillColor=#b1ddf0;strokeColor=#10739e;
```
Accent:
```
fillColor=#f8cecc;strokeColor=#b85450;
```

Green/Natural Theme

Primary:
```
fillColor=#d5e8d4;strokeColor=#82b366;
```
Secondary:
```
fillColor=#fff2cc;strokeColor=#d6b656;
```
Accent:
```
fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;
```

Corporate/Neutral Theme

Primary:
```
fillColor=#f5f5f5;strokeColor=#666666;
```
Secondary:
```
fillColor=#e1d5e7;strokeColor=#9673a6;
```
Highlight:
```
fillColor=#ffe6cc;strokeColor=#d79b00;
```

PMP Risk Matrix Colors

Critical:

fillColor=#8B0000;strokeColor=#600000;fontColor=#ffffff;

(Dark Red)

High:

fillColor=#FF0000;strokeColor=#CC0000;fontColor=#ffffff;

(Red)

Medium:

fillColor=#FFA500;strokeColor=#CC8400;fontColor=#000000;

(Orange)

Low:

fillColor=#FFFF00;strokeColor=#CCCC00;fontColor=#000000;

(Yellow)

Very Low:

fillColor=#90EE90;strokeColor=#66AA66;fontColor=#000000;

(Light Green)

Connector Styles

Basic Connector

edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;orthogonalLoop=1;jettySize=auto;html=1;

Straight Connector

rounded=0;html=1;jettySize=auto;orthogonalLoop=1;

Curved Connector

curved=1;rounded=1;html=1;jettySize=auto;orthogonalLoop=1;

With Arrow

edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;html=1;endArrow=classic;endFill=1;

Dashed Line (for dependencies)

edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;html=1;dashed=1;dashPattern=5 5;

Thick Line (for critical path)

edgeStyle=orthogonalEdgeStyle;rounded=0;html=1;strokeWidth=3;strokeColor=#b85450;

Best Practices

1. Layout Guidelines

Grid alignment: Use x/y coordinates in multiples of 10 for clean alignment
Standard spacing: 20-30px between shapes, 40-50px between rows
Shape sizes:
- Small: 80x40
- Medium: 120x60
- Large: 160x80
- Extra Large (Project boxes): 200x80
Swimlane heights: 120-150px for single row, add 100px per additional row
WBS spacing: 40px vertical, 20px horizontal between levels

2. Naming Conventions

Use sequential IDs: "2", "3", "4"...
Keep shape labels concise (1-5 words)
Use Title Case for important labels
Use sentence case for descriptions
Add ID numbers to WBS packages (e.g., "1.2.3 Task Name")

3. Visual Hierarchy

Start shapes: Use green/light colors
End shapes: Use red/dark colors
Decision points: Use orange/yellow
Regular processes: Use blue/neutral
Important processes: Use bolder colors or thicker borders
Critical path: Use red with thick borders (strokeWidth=3)

4. PMP/PMBOK Specific

WBS Levels: Use progressively lighter shades for deeper levels
RACI Matrix: Consistently use R=Green, A=Blue, C=Yellow, I=Purple
Risk Matrix: Follow standard risk color coding (Green to Red)
Critical Path: Always highlight in red with strokeWidth=3
Milestones: Use diamond shapes with distinct colors

5. Readability

Keep diagrams under 20-25 shapes when possible
Group related processes in the same swimlane
Use consistent shape sizes within the same category
Label all connectors for complex flows
Add whitespace between dense sections
Include legends for symbols/colors in complex diagrams

PMBOK Process Groups & Knowledge Areas Quick Reference

5 Process Groups

Initiating: Green colors (
```
#d5e8d4
```
)
Planning: Blue colors (
```
#dae8fc
```
)
Executing: Orange colors (
```
#ffe6cc
```
)
Monitoring & Controlling: Yellow colors (
```
#fff2cc
```
)
Closing: Purple colors (
```
#e1d5e7
```
)

10 Knowledge Areas

Integration Management: Gray (
```
#f5f5f5
```
)
Scope Management: Blue (
```
#dae8fc
```
)
Schedule Management: Green (
```
#d5e8d4
```
)
Cost Management: Orange (
```
#ffe6cc
```
)
Quality Management: Red (
```
#f8cecc
```
)
Resource Management: Purple (
```
#e1d5e7
```
)
Communications Management: Teal (
```
#b1ddf0
```
)
Risk Management: Yellow (
```
#fff2cc
```
)
Procurement Management: Pink (
```
#f8cecc
```
)
Stakeholder Management: Light Purple (
```
#e1d5e7
```
)

Professional Diagram Templates

Template 1: Cross-Functional Flowchart (Swimlane)

Use Case: Business process across departments Structure: Horizontal swimlanes, one per department Key Features: Clear handoffs, decision points, subprocess indicators

Template 2: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Use Case: Project scope decomposition Structure: Hierarchical tree, 3-4 levels deep Key Features: Numbered packages (1.1, 1.2, etc.), deliverable-oriented

Template 3: Project Network Diagram (PERT/CPM)

Use Case: Activity sequencing and critical path analysis Structure: Activity nodes with duration, early/late start/finish Key Features: Critical path highlighted, float calculations

Template 4: RACI Matrix

Use Case: Role and responsibility assignment Structure: Grid with tasks (rows) and roles (columns) Key Features: R, A, C, I assignments with color coding

Template 5: Risk Register Heat Map

Use Case: Visual risk assessment Structure: 5x5 grid (Probability vs Impact) Key Features: Color-coded zones, risk items plotted on grid

Template 6: Stakeholder Power-Interest Grid

Use Case: Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategy Structure: 2x2 or 3x3 grid Key Features: Quadrant labels, stakeholder names plotted

Template 7: Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS)

Use Case: Project team hierarchy Structure: Hierarchical tree similar to org chart Key Features: Names, roles, reporting relationships

Template 8: Resource Histogram

Use Case: Resource allocation over time Structure: Bar chart with time on X-axis, resources on Y-axis Key Features: Color-coded resource types, over-allocation indicators

Error Prevention

Common Issues

Overlapping shapes: Ensure x/y coordinates don't overlap
Missing parents: Swimlane children must reference parent ID
Invalid IDs: Don't reuse IDs, keep them sequential
Malformed style strings: Always end with semicolon
Incorrect connector references:
```
source
```
and
```
target
```
must match existing shape IDs
WBS numbering: Ensure hierarchical numbering is consistent (1.0, 1.1, 1.1.1)

Validation Checklist

All IDs are unique
Root cells (0, 1) exist
All connectors have valid source/target
Swimlane children have correct parent references
Coordinates are positive numbers
Style strings are properly formatted
XML is well-formed (properly nested tags)
WBS packages have proper hierarchical numbering
RACI matrix has all cells filled (no blanks)
Risk matrix uses standard color coding

Custom Library Integration

When creating diagrams that benefit from specific icon libraries, include instructions like:

markdown

## How to Open with Custom Libraries

To access additional icons and shapes for this diagram, open it with:

https://app.diagrams.net/?clibs=Uhttps://jgraph.github.io/drawio-libs/libs/templates.xml;Uhttps://jgraph.github.io/drawio-libs/libs/un-ocha-icons.xml

Or manually in draw.io:
1. Open the diagram in app.diagrams.net
2. File → Open Library from → URL
3. Enter: https://jgraph.github.io/drawio-libs/libs/[library-name].xml

Output Format

Always output the complete

.drawio

file with:

Proper XML declaration (optional but recommended)
Complete mxfile structure
All necessary root cells
Properly formatted and indented for readability
Save with
```
.drawio
```
or
```
.xml
```
extension
Include usage instructions if custom libraries are beneficial

Tips for Excellence

Ask clarifying questions if the process/project isn't clear
Suggest improvements to workflows if you spot issues
Use appropriate shapes for different process types and PM artifacts
Maintain consistency in sizing, spacing, and color schemes
Consider the audience - executives need less detail than implementers
Test the flow logic - ensure all paths lead somewhere
Add legends if using multiple shape types or colors
Include PMBOK process group identifiers when relevant
Reference custom libraries that would enhance the diagram
Provide opening instructions if special libraries are needed

Professional Templates Library

The following template patterns can be adapted for various use cases:

Agile/Scrum Diagrams: Sprint planning, retrospectives, burndown charts
DevOps Pipelines: CI/CD flows with stages, gates, and tools
Business Model Canvas: 9-box strategic planning tool
Value Stream Mapping: Lean process analysis with cycle times
SIPOC Diagrams: Supplier-Input-Process-Output-Customer
Fishbone/Ishikawa: Root cause analysis
Affinity Diagrams: Idea clustering and organization
Decision Trees: Multi-level decision analysis
Use Case Diagrams: UML user-system interactions
Data Flow Diagrams: Information flow analysis

Resources

Official draw.io documentation: https://www.drawio.com/doc/
Example diagrams: https://www.drawio.com/example-diagrams
Custom libraries repository: https://github.com/jgraph/drawio-libs
Template library: Available in draw.io via Arrange > Insert > Template
Shape libraries: Enable via "More Shapes" in draw.io
PMBOK Guide (6th & 7th Edition): PMI official documentation
Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/

Limitations

Complex custom shapes may require manual adjustment
Some advanced features (layers, pages) may need manual setup
3D shapes and advanced styling might not be fully represented
Custom library icons require internet connection to load
Very large WBS structures may need to be split across pages
Always recommend testing the generated file in draw.io

Remember: The goal is to create diagrams that are immediately usable, professional-looking, accurately represent the user's process or system, and follow PMP/PMBOK best practices when applicable!