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azure-resource-visualizer

microsoft/azure-skills

Generate Mermaid architecture diagrams from Azure resource groups showing all resource relationships

What is azure-resource-visualizer?

Azure Resource Visualizer analyzes Azure resource groups and produces detailed Mermaid architecture diagrams embedded in markdown documentation. It discovers all resources in a group, maps their relationships (network, data flow, identity, configuration), and outputs a structured markdown file with a resource inventory table, diagram, and relationship explanations. The skill operates read-only and never modifies Azure resources.

  • Lists available Azure resource groups when none is specified and waits for user selection
  • Queries all resources in a resource group using Azure MCP tools or Azure CLI
  • Analyzes each resource for type, SKU, network settings, identity, and configuration
  • Maps relationships including VNet connections, data flows, managed identities, and Key Vault references
  • Generates a valid Mermaid graph diagram with subgraphs, labeled connections, and configuration details in node labels
  • Creates a markdown file named [resource-group-name]-architecture.md with header, summary, resource inventory table, diagram, and notes

How to install azure-resource-visualizer

npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/azure-skills --skill azure-resource-visualizer
Prerequisites
  • Azure CLI (`az`) installed and authenticated, or Azure MCP tools configured
  • Read access (RBAC) to the target Azure subscription and resource groups
  • A coding agent that supports SKILL.md packages (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor)
  • Skill installed via: npx skills add https://github.com/microsoft/azure-skills --skill azure-resource-visualizer
Claude Code
Cursor
Windsurf
Cline

How to use azure-resource-visualizer

  1. 1.Install the skill using the provided npx command
  2. 2.Ask the agent to create an architecture diagram or visualize your Azure resources
  3. 3.If no resource group is specified, the agent lists available groups — select one by number or name
  4. 4.Wait while the agent queries all resources and their configurations
  5. 5.Review the generated Mermaid diagram and resource inventory in the agent's response
  6. 6.Find the output markdown file (e.g., `my-rg-architecture.md`) in the workspace root or `docs/` folder
  7. 7.Check the Relationship Details and Notes sections for observations or potential issues
  8. 8.If the resource group has 50+ resources, request separate diagrams by layer if needed

Use cases

Good for
  • Documenting an existing Azure environment for onboarding or handoff
  • Auditing resource relationships and dependencies before a migration
  • Creating architecture diagrams for compliance or review without manual diagramming
  • Understanding how resources in an unfamiliar resource group connect to each other
  • Generating topology maps for troubleshooting network or data flow issues
Who it's for
  • Cloud architects who need to document Azure environments quickly
  • DevOps and platform engineers auditing or handing off infrastructure
  • Developers trying to understand an existing Azure resource group they did not build
  • Security reviewers mapping resource access and identity relationships
  • Technical writers producing architecture documentation

azure-resource-visualizer FAQ

Will this skill modify or delete any Azure resources?

No. The skill is strictly read-only. It only queries resource metadata and configurations; it never creates, modifies, or deletes Azure resources.

What happens if I have secrets or connection strings in my resource configurations?

The skill uses placeholder names to represent secret values in the diagram. Actual secret values, keys, or connection strings are never included in the output.

What if the skill cannot find any resources in the resource group?

The agent will inform you and ask you to verify the resource group name. It will also flag permission issues and suggest checking your RBAC role assignments.

Can it handle large resource groups with many resources?

Yes, but for architectures with 50 or more resources the skill may suggest creating multiple diagrams organized by layer (e.g., Network, Compute, Data) for clarity.

Can it discover resources across multiple subscriptions?

The skill references Azure Resource Graph queries for cross-subscription inventory, but the primary workflow focuses on a single resource group at a time.

Full instructions (SKILL.md)

Source of truth, from microsoft/azure-skills.


name: azure-resource-visualizer description: "Analyze Azure resource groups and generate detailed Mermaid architecture diagrams showing the relationships between individual resources. WHEN: create architecture diagram, visualize Azure resources, show resource relationships, generate Mermaid diagram, analyze resource group, diagram my resources, architecture visualization, resource topology, map Azure infrastructure." license: MIT metadata: author: Microsoft version: "1.1.2"

Azure Resource Visualizer - Architecture Diagram Generator

A user may ask for help understanding how individual resources fit together, or to create a diagram showing their relationships. Your mission is to examine Azure resource groups, understand their structure and relationships, and generate comprehensive Mermaid diagrams that clearly illustrate the architecture.

Core Responsibilities

  1. Resource Group Discovery: List available resource groups when not specified
  2. Deep Resource Analysis: Examine all resources, their configurations, and interdependencies
  3. Relationship Mapping: Identify and document all connections between resources
  4. Diagram Generation: Create detailed, accurate Mermaid diagrams
  5. Documentation Creation: Produce clear markdown files with embedded diagrams

Workflow Process

Step 1: Resource Group Selection

If the user hasn't specified a resource group:

  1. Use your tools to query available resource groups. If you do not have a tool for this, use az.
  2. Present a numbered list of resource groups with their locations
  3. Ask the user to select one by number or name
  4. Wait for user response before proceeding

If a resource group is specified, validate it exists and proceed.

Step 2: Resource Discovery & Analysis

For bulk resource discovery across subscriptions, use Azure Resource Graph queries. See Azure Resource Graph Queries for cross-subscription inventory and relationship discovery patterns.

Once you have the resource group:

  1. Query all resources in the resource group using Azure MCP tools or az.

  2. Analyze each resource type and capture:

    • Resource name and type
    • SKU/tier information
    • Location/region
    • Key configuration properties
    • Network settings (VNets, subnets, private endpoints)
    • Identity and access (Managed Identity, RBAC)
    • Dependencies and connections
  3. Map relationships by identifying:

    • Network connections: VNet peering, subnet assignments, NSG rules, private endpoints
    • Data flow: Apps → Databases, Functions → Storage, API Management → Backends
    • Identity: Managed identities connecting to resources
    • Configuration: App Settings pointing to Key Vaults, connection strings
    • Dependencies: Parent-child relationships, required resources

Important: You must only use placeholder names to represent secret values, such as keys, connection strings, Key Vault secrets, etc. Use meaningful placeholder names to represent each secret in the diagram. Never put secret values in the resource diagram.

Step 3: Diagram Construction

Create a detailed Mermaid diagram using the graph TB (top-to-bottom) or graph LR (left-to-right) format.

See example-diagram.md for a complete sample architecture diagram.

Key Diagram Requirements:

  • Group by layer or purpose: Network, Compute, Data, Security, Monitoring
  • Include details: SKUs, tiers, important settings in node labels (use <br/> for line breaks)
  • Label all connections: Describe what flows between resources (data, identity, network)
  • Use meaningful node IDs: Abbreviations that make sense (APP, FUNC, SQL, KV)
  • Visual hierarchy: Subgraphs for logical grouping
  • Connection types:
    • --> for data flow or dependencies
    • -.-> for optional/conditional connections
    • ==> for critical/primary paths

Resource Type Examples:

  • App Service: Include plan tier (B1, S1, P1v2)
  • Functions: Include runtime (.NET, Python, Node)
  • Databases: Include tier (Basic, Standard, Premium)
  • Storage: Include redundancy (LRS, GRS, ZRS)
  • VNets: Include address space
  • Subnets: Include address range

Step 4: File Creation

Use template-architecture.md as a template and create a markdown file named [resource-group-name]-architecture.md with:

  1. Header: Resource group name, subscription, region
  2. Summary: Brief overview of the architecture (2-3 paragraphs)
  3. Resource Inventory: Table listing all resources with types and key properties
  4. Architecture Diagram: The complete Mermaid diagram
  5. Relationship Details: Explanation of key connections and data flows
  6. Notes: Any important observations, potential issues, or recommendations

Operating Guidelines

Quality Standards

  • Accuracy: Verify all resource details before including in diagram
  • Completeness: Don't omit resources; include everything in the resource group
  • Clarity: Use clear, descriptive labels and logical grouping
  • Detail Level: Include configuration details that matter for architecture understanding
  • Relationships: Show ALL significant connections, not just obvious ones

Tool Usage Patterns

  1. Azure MCP Search:

    • Use intent="list resource groups" to discover resource groups
    • Use intent="list resources in group" with group name to get all resources
    • Use intent="get resource details" for individual resource analysis
    • Use command parameter when you need specific Azure operations
  2. File Creation:

    • Always create in workspace root or a docs/ folder if it exists
    • Use clear, descriptive filenames: [rg-name]-architecture.md
    • Ensure Mermaid syntax is valid (test syntax mentally before output)
  3. Terminal (when needed):

    • Use Azure CLI for complex queries not available via MCP
    • Example: az resource list --resource-group <name> --output json
    • Example: az network vnet show --resource-group <name> --name <vnet-name>

Constraints & Boundaries

Always Do:

  • ✅ List resource groups if not specified
  • ✅ Wait for user selection before proceeding
  • ✅ Analyze ALL resources in the group
  • ✅ Create detailed, accurate diagrams
  • ✅ Include configuration details in node labels
  • ✅ Group resources logically with subgraphs
  • ✅ Label all connections descriptively
  • ✅ Create a complete markdown file with diagram

Never Do:

  • ❌ Skip resources because they seem unimportant
  • ❌ Make assumptions about resource relationships without verification
  • ❌ Create incomplete or placeholder diagrams
  • ❌ Omit configuration details that affect architecture
  • ❌ Proceed without confirming resource group selection
  • ❌ Generate invalid Mermaid syntax
  • ❌ Modify or delete Azure resources (read-only analysis)

Edge Cases & Error Handling

  • No resources found: Inform user and verify resource group name
  • Permission issues: Explain what's missing and suggest checking RBAC
  • Complex architectures (50+ resources): Consider creating multiple diagrams by layer
  • Cross-resource-group dependencies: Note external dependencies in diagram notes
  • Resources without clear relationships: Group in "Other Resources" section

Output Format Specifications

Mermaid Diagram Syntax

  • Use graph TB (top-to-bottom) for vertical layouts
  • Use graph LR (left-to-right) for horizontal layouts (better for wide architectures)
  • Subgraph syntax: subgraph "Descriptive Name"
  • Node syntax: ID["Display Name<br/>Details"]
  • Connection syntax: SOURCE -->|"Label"| TARGET

Markdown Structure

  • Use H1 for main title
  • Use H2 for major sections
  • Use H3 for subsections
  • Use tables for resource inventories
  • Use bullet lists for notes and recommendations
  • Use code blocks with mermaid language tag for diagrams

Success Criteria

A successful analysis includes:

  • ✅ Valid resource group identified
  • ✅ All resources discovered and analyzed
  • ✅ All significant relationships mapped
  • ✅ Detailed Mermaid diagram with proper grouping
  • ✅ Complete markdown file created
  • ✅ Clear, actionable documentation
  • ✅ Valid Mermaid syntax that renders correctly
  • ✅ Professional, architect-level output

Your goal is to provide clarity and insight into Azure architectures, making complex resource relationships easy to understand through excellent visualization.

azure-resource-visualizer — AI Skill | PluginBench