D2

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Open-source diagrams-as-code
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Text-based syntax supports versionable, repeatable diagram workflows
  • Local CLI, watch mode, multiple layouts, themes, and sketch mode
  • Exports to SVG, PNG, PDF, PPTX, GIF, and ASCII

• Where it doesn't

  • Text-first authoring is less suited to drag-and-drop diagramming
  • Developer-oriented features may not fit general business users
  • Local workflows are not centered on hosted collaborative editing

Our verdict on D2

D2 is an open-source declarative diagramming language for software engineers. Users write diagrams as text files and render them through a local command-line interface, watch mode, or the D2.js browser and Node.js library. It fits teams and individuals creating software architecture diagrams, UML class diagrams, and sequence diagrams who prefer diagrams-as-code, offline editing, and repeatable source files. D2 runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows, with an online playground for browser-based creation and sharing.

Its strongest differentiator is the depth of its text-based workflow. Containers, imports, variables, and globs support structured diagram sources, while Markdown, LaTeX, tables, code snippets, images, and icons add content beyond basic shapes and labels. Interactive tooltips and links can add context to diagrams. Multiple layout engines, themes, and sketch mode provide rendering options without changing the underlying declarative approach. Integrations with Visual Studio Code and Vim fit developer editors, while the language API and D2.js extend diagram generation into browser and Node.js projects.

D2 also covers a wide range of output needs: SVG, PNG, PDF, PPTX, GIF, and ASCII exports support graphical, document, presentation, animated, and text-based use cases. That breadth makes it practical when diagrams need to move beyond a source repository. The tradeoff is focus: D2 is a local developer tool rather than a hosted collaborative editor, and its text-first model is not aimed at users who want a primarily visual, drag-and-drop experience. Choose it for open-source diagrams-as-code, local CLI workflows, and software-focused documentation; choose a different category option if real-time collaborative editing or a desktop GUI is central to the workflow.

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D2 pricing

D2 fact sheet

D2 integrations

D2 lists 4 integrations on its own site.

• Visual Studio Code
• Vim
• D2.js
• Online playground

Alternatives to D2

• draw.ioA broad, free diagramming editor with strong format support and collaboration options.9.4
• LucidchartA broad, collaborative diagramming workspace for business and technical teams.9.3
• Microsoft VisioA mature Microsoft-focused diagramming suite with web, Teams, and desktop options.9.1

See all D2 alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

D2 is listed in our Diagramming Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update