# Create ASCII Diagrams for Complex Ideas

Complex plans and architectures are hard to scan in plain text. This skill turns them into compact ASCII diagrams that work well in terminals, issues, docs, and chat.

## Install

```bash
npx skillstore add ariegoldkin/ascii-visualizer
```

## Metadata

- - Slug: ariegoldkin-ascii-visualizer
- - Version: 1.0.0
- - Author: ArieGoldkin
- - GitHub username: ArieGoldkin
- - License: MIT
- - Repository: https://github.com/ArieGoldkin/devPrepAi/tree/main/.claude/skills/ascii-visualizer
- - Ref: main
- - Supported tools: Claude, Codex, Claude Code
- - Risk level: low
- - Quality score: 77
- - Quality tier: bronze
- - Public page: https://skillstore.pages.dev/skills/ariegoldkin-ascii-visualizer
- - Manifest: https://skillstore.pages.dev/api/skills/ariegoldkin-ascii-visualizer/manifest

## Capabilities

- Creates box diagrams for components, systems, and data flow.
- Formats file trees with labels for folders, files, and responsibilities.
- Builds workflow diagrams that show steps, decisions, and handoffs.
- Creates before-and-after comparisons for plans, metrics, and tradeoffs.
- Adds progress bars and status markers for implementation summaries.
- Uses consistent box-drawing characters for readable terminal output.

## Use Cases

- Explain a System Architecture: Show services, modules, data flow, and ownership boundaries in a text-only diagram.
- Plan an Implementation: Convert a multi-step delivery plan into phases, dependencies, and completion markers.
- Document a Repository Structure: Create a readable file tree that explains folder purpose and important entry points.

## Prompt Templates

### Visualize a Simple Flow

```
Create an ASCII flow diagram for this process: [describe the steps]. Keep labels short and readable.
```

### Map a Repository

```
Create an ASCII file tree for this repository structure: [paste folders]. Add short purpose notes for key directories.
```

### Compare Two Options

```
Create an ASCII comparison between [option A] and [option B]. Include tradeoffs, risks, and expected impact.
```

### Design an Architecture Brief

```
Create a layered ASCII architecture diagram for [system]. Show clients, services, data stores, integrations, and critical data paths.
```

## Limitations

- Does not generate images, SVG files, or interactive diagrams.
- Does not validate architecture claims against a real repository by itself.
- Large diagrams may wrap in narrow chat windows or mobile screens.
- Best results require concise labels and clear relationships.

## Best Practices

- Keep labels short so diagrams fit within common terminal widths.
- Ask for the source structure or process steps before creating detailed diagrams.
- Use one diagram per concept when the system has many layers.

## Anti Patterns

- Do not use ASCII diagrams when a normal paragraph would be clearer.
- Do not present invented architecture details as verified facts.
- Do not build very wide diagrams that require horizontal scrolling.

## Security Audit

- - Safe to publish: true
- - Audited at: 2026-06-28T09:37:05.847\+00:00
- - Summary: Static analysis reported external command, weak cryptography, reconnaissance, and sensitive file patterns, but review found these are false positives in Markdown examples and ASCII diagram text. No executable scripts, network calls, filesystem access, credential handling, or prompt injection attempts were found in the reviewed files. The only minor concern is broad behavioral wording that encourages frequent ASCII use, which is not a security blocker.

## Stats

- - Views: 314
- - Downloads: 8
- - Favorites: 1
- - Popularity score: 0