How to Visualize a docker-compose File
A docker-compose file already describes your architecture — which services exist, what they depend on, what is exposed and where data lives. It is just hard to see. Here is how to turn it into a diagram you can put in a README or a design review.
Developers · 2026-10-23 · 5 min read
What the diagram shows
| In the YAML | In the diagram |
|---|---|
| services | One box per service |
| image (nginx, postgres, redis, kafka…) | Grouped into Edge, Services, Messaging, Data or Ops tiers with a matching icon |
| ports | An arrow from the client to the exposed services, labelled with the port |
| depends_on / links | Arrows between services |
| named volumes | Storage boxes connected with dashed lines |
Example: A microservices compose file: Traefik gateway, services, Kafka, Postgres, Elasticsearch and Redis.
Steps
- Open the Docker Compose visualizer (no sign-up; the file never leaves your browser).
- Paste or upload your docker-compose.yml.
- Check the Architecture diagram tab, then click Open as editable board to rename, move or restyle anything.
- Export PNG, PDF or PowerPoint, or embed a live view in your README.
Tip: Add a short name to services with a build context (build: ./backend) — "api" reads better than "backend_1" in a diagram.
More stacks to try
- WordPress + MySQL with phpMyAdmin
- MERN (React, Express, MongoDB)
- Prometheus + Grafana monitoring
- GitHub Actions workflows → pipeline flowchart
Frequently asked questions
Can I generate an architecture diagram from docker-compose?
Yes. Paste the file into aiflowchart.io/docker-compose-visualizer and it draws the services, dependencies, ports and volumes as an editable architecture diagram.
Is my docker-compose file uploaded?
No. Parsing and drawing happen in your browser; nothing is sent unless you save the diagram to your account.