D2 alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave D2: not rendered natively on GitHub, and smaller ecosystem than Mermaid or PlantUML. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces D2, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Mermaid currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best D2 alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best D2 alternative for most people
MermaidRenders natively on GitHub and GitLab, with a larger ecosystem of integrations.
Best D2 alternative for a free option
PlantUMLBroader UML coverage for formal software documentation.
Best D2 alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
EraserA hosted diagrams-as-code editor with AI and team features.
Best D2 alternative for open source
GraphvizThe long-standing layout engine for very large or generated graphs.
Best D2 alternative for self-hosting
StructurizrModel-based approach for keeping many architecture diagrams consistent.
Best D2 alternative for working in the browser
MermaidRenders natively on GitHub and GitLab, with a larger ecosystem of integrations.
D2 alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to D2?
Mermaid ranks first right now. Renders natively on GitHub and GitLab, with a larger ecosystem of integrations. PlantUML and Graphviz follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to D2?
Yes. Mermaid (open source), PlantUML (open source), Graphviz (open source) and Eraser (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to D2?
Yes: Mermaid, PlantUML, Graphviz and Structurizr. Mermaid, PlantUML and Structurizr can also be self-hosted.
Which D2 alternatives work on Linux?
PlantUML and Graphviz run on Linux.
Why do people switch from D2?
The complaints we hear most: not rendered natively on GitHub; smaller ecosystem than Mermaid or PlantUML; still needs a CLI or plugin to render.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces D2, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.