GoKawiilTerrastruct open-sources TALA autolayout algorithm under MPL-2.0
Terrastruct has released TALA, its custom autolayout algorithm for D2 diagrams, as open-source software under the same MPL-2.0 license used for D2 itself. TALA is an orthogonal layout engine tuned for software architecture diagrams, optimizing for symmetry, flow, clustering and other aesthetic qualities, and it uniquely allows users to lock specific node coordinates while letting the engine handle the rest.
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Making TALA open-source gives developers a free alternative to closed diagramming layout engines and lets them inspect or modify the underlying algorithm rather than depend on a proprietary black box. Its ability to mix fixed coordinates with automated layout is particularly useful for AI-assisted diagram generation, where models can suggest rough 2D placement but still struggle with clean routing.
- TALA, Terrastruct's diagram autolayout algorithm, is now open-source under MPL-2.0, matching D2's license.
- It's an orthogonal layout engine built for architecture diagrams, distinct from Dagre and ELK, and supports locking node positions—useful for AI-generated layouts.
- The algorithm relies on random seeds, so small input changes can produce noticeably different diagram layouts.
Amazon Basics Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard — TALA aims to produce orthogonal layouts that look like the architecture diagrams people actually sketch on whiteboards etic dry erase board keeps that workflow alive at your desk. Rough out the boxes and arrows by hand, then codify the final version in D2 and let TALA place everything.
See Amazon Basics Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: d2lang.com — Alexander Wang, 2026-09-07
Published there as: “TALA Is Open-Source”
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