Download here.

Hey folks,

Just launched a little side tool that I’ve already found surprisingly useful — it’s called Simple Project Tool, and it helps you plan and visualise projects using nothing but plain YAML and Mermaid diagrams.

If you’ve ever wanted a bird’s-eye view of what you’re building — without fiddling around in project management apps or forcing tasks into tools that don’t quite fit — this might be up your alley.

What it does

• You define your project in a YAML file: just stages, dependencies, and a bit of structure.
• The tool spits out a Mermaid diagram: a visual map of your project that works anywhere Mermaid is supported (Markdown files, VS Code preview, etc.).
• It can also suggest an execution order: a helpful starting point if you’re unsure what to tackle first (or next).

That’s it. No web app, no API, no sign-up. Just a local tool for turning structure into visual clarity.

Why I built it

I often sketch out small projects or ideas in text, but they rarely feel clear until I can see them. Drawing diagrams by hand or using GUI tools just felt like extra friction. I wanted something fast and scriptable — a little YAML in, a visual roadmap out.

This fits perfectly into that niche.

Who it’s for

• Solo builders trying to map out ideas quickly
• Indie hackers or devs prototyping features
• Anyone who likes planning in text but groks structure better visually

If it sounds interesting, check it out on GitHub — and let me know if you give it a spin or have ideas to improve it.