Summary
This server gives Claude direct access to your Excalidraw diagram files through stdio transport. It exposes three core operations: createNode for adding labeled shapes, createEdge for drawing arrows between nodes (referenced by ID or label text), and deleteElement for removing items. You also get getFullDiagramState, which returns a markdown representation of everything in your diagram including frames and colors. Point it at an .excalidraw file via the required diagram flag, and you can have Claude build or modify technical diagrams conversationally instead of clicking around the canvas. Useful when you're sketching architecture or workflows and want to iterate through natural language rather than manual editing.
Keeps your Mac awake while Claude Code, Codex or Cursor works. Lets it sleep when they are done.
Try free for 7 days →
Block distracting apps from your iPhone permanently without a 3rd party app. Free and open source.
Block now (100% free) →
Notes, actions and memory. Without a meeting bot. First month 100% off.
Download for free →
belt cli automatically finds the best tools and skills for your agent. image, video, music, tts...
one prompt install →
Free an open-source skills that make AI coding agents easier to understand, verify, and control.
Download for free →
Connect your Claude agent to live crypto prices and trading routes via 1inch
Get the MCP →Tools
Public tool metadata for what this MCP can expose to an agent.
2 tools
read_meReturns the Excalidraw element format reference with color palettes, examples, and tips. Call this BEFORE using create_view for the first time.
Returns the Excalidraw element format reference with color palettes, examples, and tips. Call this BEFORE using create_view for the first time.
No parameter schema in public metadata yet.
create_viewRenders a hand-drawn diagram using Excalidraw elements. Elements stream in one by one with draw-on animations. Call read_me first to learn the element format.1 params
Renders a hand-drawn diagram using Excalidraw elements. Elements stream in one by one with draw-on animations. Call read_me first to learn the element format.
Parameters* required
elementsstringJSON array string of Excalidraw elements. Must be valid JSON — no comments, no trailing commas. Keep compact. Call read_me first for format reference.
@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp
Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Excalidraw diagrams.
🛠️ Installation
Requirements
- Node.js >= v18.0.0
Install in Cursor
Add to your Cursor MCP config (~/.cursor/mcp.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"excalidraw": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp", "--diagram", "/path/to/diagram.excalidraw"]
}
}
}
Install in Claude Code
claude mcp add excalidraw -- npx -y @cmd8/excalidraw-mcp --diagram /path/to/diagram.excalidraw
Install in Amp
amp mcp add excalidraw -- npx -y @cmd8/excalidraw-mcp --diagram /path/to/diagram.excalidraw
Install in VS Code
Add to your VS Code MCP settings:
{
"mcp": {
"servers": {
"excalidraw": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp", "--diagram", "/path/to/diagram.excalidraw"]
}
}
}
}
Install in Windsurf
Add to your Windsurf MCP config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"excalidraw": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp", "--diagram", "/path/to/diagram.excalidraw"]
}
}
}
Install in Claude Desktop
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"excalidraw": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp", "--diagram", "/path/to/diagram.excalidraw"]
}
}
}
Install in OpenAI Codex
Add to your Codex MCP config:
[mcp_servers.excalidraw]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp", "--diagram", "/path/to/diagram.excalidraw"]
CLI Options
-d, --diagram(required): Path to the Excalidraw diagram file
🔨 Available Tools
createNode
Create a new node (shape with label) in the diagram. Returns the created node ID.
createEdge
Create an arrow connecting two nodes. Nodes can be referenced by ID or by label text.
deleteElement
Delete a node or edge from the diagram by ID or label.
getFullDiagramState
Returns a markdown representation of the complete diagram, including nodes, relationships, labels, frames, and colors.
License
MIT
Featured
Keeps your Mac awake while Claude Code, Codex or Cursor works. Lets it sleep when they are done.
Try free for 7 days →Block distracting apps from your iPhone permanently without a 3rd party app. Free and open source.
Block now (100% free) →Notes, actions and memory. Without a meeting bot. First month 100% off.
Download for free →belt cli automatically finds the best tools and skills for your agent. image, video, music, tts...
one prompt install →Free an open-source skills that make AI coding agents easier to understand, verify, and control.
Download for free →Connect your Claude agent to live crypto prices and trading routes via 1inch
Get the MCP →Categories
Registryactive
Package@cmd8/excalidraw-mcp
TransportSTDIO
UpdatedNov 29, 2025
