Markdown Pikchr diagram maker

Pikchr (PIC) syntax

Pikchr is a small text language from the SQLite and Fossil project. A diagram is a sequence of statements, one per line. Each statement draws an object, and by default each new object starts where the last one ended, so a list of statements flows across the page.

The statement list

This editor works on that list directly. In the visual view the properties panel shows every statement in order; click one to edit its exact PIC line, reorder it, or delete it. The quick-add buttons append common statements. The Source tab gives you the whole language as plain text.

Objects and arrows

Name an object, give it a quoted label, and add fit so the box sizes to its text. Put an arrow or line between objects to join them.

box "Start" fit
arrow right
circle "Work" fit
arrow right
box "Done" fit

Directions

Add a direction — right, left, up or down — to say which way the next object goes. Change the direction part way through to turn the drawing.

box "One" fit
arrow down
box "Two" fit
arrow right
box "Three" fit

More shapes

Pikchr has many objects. A few common ones are shown here.

cylinder "Store" fit
arrow right
file "Report" fit
arrow right
oval "Send" fit

Cheat sheet