Mermaid Sankey diagram: usage and export guide

What is a Mermaid Sankey diagram?

A Mermaid Sankey diagram is a text-based diagram that belongs in Mermaid documentation. It uses sankey-beta style syntax so the source can live beside markdown, code examples, requirements, and architecture notes.

This diagram type is best for showing how quantities move between stages or categories. Because the source is text, it works well with AI assistants, version control, documentation reviews, and repeatable export workflows.

Common Mermaid Sankey diagram use cases

Mermaid Sankey diagram pages are useful when teams need a visual that stays editable. Common uses include flow volume, cost movement, traffic distribution.

In Markdownyi, you can write or paste the diagram source, preview the rendered output, and include the visual in a Word or PDF deliverable when the diagram belongs with a larger document.

• flow volume: document the concept with concise labels and supporting prose
• cost movement: document the concept with concise labels and supporting prose
• traffic distribution: document the concept with concise labels and supporting prose

How to create a Mermaid Sankey diagram

Start by opening the Mermaid editor or adding a fenced mermaid block in markdown. Use sankey-beta as the starting syntax and keep the diagram focused on one purpose.

Preview early, then refine names, grouping, direction, and labels. A diagram that looks good in a browser preview is much more likely to export cleanly into a Word document or PDF.

Export and documentation tips

Use clear units and avoid mixing unrelated quantities in the same diagram. For formal documents, place a short paragraph before the diagram to explain what the reader should notice, then add a short paragraph after it to capture decisions, assumptions, or next steps.

Use Word export when reviewers need comments or edits. Use SVG, PNG, or PDF exports when the diagram is a standalone asset for slides, tickets, wikis, or architecture records.