CodePic vs FlowchartAI MCP

CodePic tools 7

• get_shape_docsReturn the full CodePic shape reference — all element types, their fields, data payloads, and JSON examples. Call get_shape_catalog first for concise shape selection and container capabilities; use this tool when you need complete fields or type-specific data (e.g. select options, triangle direction, callout tail). No authentication required.
• get_shape_catalogReturn compact machine-readable shape metadata for planning a diagram: semantic tags, geometry family, container support, recommended padding, default size, and MCP availability. Use this before create_diagram when choosing shapes or containers. Unlike get_shape_docs, this tool is concise and filterable.
• list_templatesList all available CodePic diagram templates. Use this ONLY when the user has explicitly asked to browse, list, or pick from templates (e.g. "show me templates", "列出模板"). Do NOT call this as a preparatory step when the user just described a diagram they want — in that case go straight to `create_diagram`. Discovering slugs here is only meaningful before a user-confirmed `create_from_template` call.
• create_from_templateCreate a new CodePic diagram from a predefined template. Requires API Key authentication. Returns a public view URL and edit URL. **STRICT USAGE RULE — READ BEFORE CALLING:** Only call this tool when the user has **explicitly** asked to use a template. Explicit signals include phrases like: "use a template", "from template", "用模板", "从模板创建", "list templates and pick one", or the user directly naming/selecting a template slug. If the user merely describes a diagram they want (e.g. "draw an A/B test flowchart", "帮我画一个登录流程", "给我做一个系统架构图"), **DO NOT** call this tool. Call `create_diagram` instead and build the diagram from the user's description. Never silently substitute a template for a described diagram — the user will get a generic result that does not match what they asked for. When responding to the user, present the returned URL as a clickable markdown link (e.g. `[Open in CodePic →](URL)`) so the user can click it directly in their AI client (Cursor / Claude / etc.).
• create_diagramCreate a custom CodePic hand-drawn style diagram by specifying nodes and edges. Requires API Key authentication. Returns a public view URL. **THIS IS THE DEFAULT TOOL FOR ANY USER-DESCRIBED DIAGRAM.** Whenever the user describes a diagram they want ("draw an A/B test flowchart", "帮我画一个登录流程", "a system architecture with a load balancer and 3 servers", etc.), build it here from their description. Do NOT fall back to `create_from_template` / `list_templates` unless the user explicitly asked for a template. When responding to the user, present the returned URL as a clickable markdown link (e.g. `[Open in CodePic →](URL)`) so the user can click it directly in their AI client (Cursor / Claude / etc.). **Container nesting (IMPORTANT — use whenever possible):** - Set `parentId` on a node to nest it inside another node. ANY node type can be a container. - The parent automatically becomes draggable-as-a-group and users can keep dropping elements into it. - Call `get_shape_catalog` with tag `container-capable` to choose among native structural containers and adaptive semantic shapes such as rectangles, circles, ellipses, diamonds, cylinders, and hexagons. - Parent bounds are expanded automatically using the selected shape's title and outline safe area. - Use absolute canvas coordinates for all nodes — child coordinates are auto-converted to parent-relative. - Set node `name`, `description`, and `tags` when later MCP/Agent reads need stable business semantics beyond visible text. - **Rule**: whenever 2+ nodes logically belong to the same module / component / region, create a container node first and set `parentId` on each child. **Design tips for beautiful diagrams:** - Use semantic types: `button-primary` for CTA buttons (auto blue), `diamond` for decisions - Pick a color palette and apply it consistently — light fill + darker stroke of the same hue: • Blue: fillColor #e3f2fd / #bbdefb, strokeColor #1565c0, fontColor #1565c0 (or #ffffff on dark fill) • Green: fillColor #e8f5e9 / #c8e6c9, strokeColor #2e7d32, fontColor #1b5e20 • Purple: fillColor #f3e5f5 / #e1bee7, strokeColor #6a1b9a, fontColor #4a148c • Neutral: fillColor #f8fafc / #f1f5f9, strokeColor #475569, fontColor #1e293b - Each semantic group (decisions, processes, I/O) should share a fill color to create visual hierarchy - Dark fill (e.g. #1565c0, #ef4444) → fontColor #ffffff; light fill → fontColor #111827