hel-diagram

Overview

hel-diagram is a visual tool for generating, viewing, and managing folder structures. You can build directory trees, export diagrams, and create projects from templates.

Main Window

The main window includes:

• Text Area: Shows the generated tree diagram or template content.
• Status Label: Displays the current folder, template, or export status.
• Filter Dropdown: Choose how to view the folder tree:
  • All: Show both folders and files.
  • Folders Only: Show only directories.
  • Files Only: Show only files.

File Menu

• Open Folder: Select a folder to generate a live tree diagram.
• Open Diagram File: Load a previously saved diagram (.txt or .md).
• Save Diagram: Save the current diagram to a file.
• New Project from Template: Load a pre-defined folder structure template:
  • Python App
  • Web Project
  • Node.js Starter

Build Menu

• Build from Diagram: Create the actual folder/file structure on your disk from a diagram file.

Export Menu

• Export as HTML: Export the tree diagram as an HTML file for sharing or documentation.

Help Menu

• Help: Displays basic instructions for using the app.
• About: Shows the application version and credits.

Templates

Templates are pre-defined folder structures that you can load directly into the text area:

• Python App: Basic Python project structure with main.py and requirements.txt.
• Web Project: HTML, CSS, and JS folders ready to start a web app.
• Node.js Starter: Node project with app.js, package.json, and routes folder.

Live Folder Watching

If watchdog is installed, the app automatically refreshes the tree diagram when files/folders change in the selected directory.

Saving and Exporting

• Use Save Diagram to save your current tree.
• Use Export as HTML to create a shareable HTML version of your diagram.

Building Folder Structure

You can create actual folders and files on your disk by using Build → Build from Diagram. Choose a diagram file and select an output folder.

Filters

The filter dropdown allows you to control which items are visible in the tree:

• All: Shows everything.
• Folders Only: Hides files.
• Files Only: Hides folders.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Notes

• Standard shortcuts apply for file dialogs (Ctrl+O, Ctrl+S, etc.).
• The tree updates automatically when you select a folder.
• Empty diagrams cannot be saved or exported.

Troubleshooting