Today I learned how to generate diagrams from text with AI

The tool I found is called “Napkins AI” and from a simple bullet list or numbered list, or even a paragrapher, it can generate a very nice diagram.

For example, instead of listing the companies I work with, I created this:

Which one is clearer? The bullet list or the visual?

What’s the actual benefit?

As of today, March 2025, I tested it with complete SOPs (standard operating procedures) and tried to reproduce process maps like this one:

And it was not enough. You can see the result in my YouTube video:

BUT! I can see already is two major benefits:

Save time creating visuals

But only onces you have cleaned up your own processes. Currently, the AI is not “cleaning” inconsistencies in your diagrams. It just generate a visual from the text you give it.

Get original ideas of visuals to create

In my video, Napkins AI let you select a bunch of designs and shape your visual in creative ways.

Best use cases of text to diagram

Clear explains the steps to implement your solution:

List down industries you work with

Clarify procedures, for example the onboarding of a student to your courses:

Let’s see, I just learned this today, will continue test it in the future. Probably use it today.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.