Top 18 UML Diagram Tools: A Complete Overview

UML Diagrams are the blueprints of a software system’s inner workings. Think of them as architectural sketches, capturing the essence of codes in a visual symphony of boxes, arrows and relationships. To paraphrase a famous saying - One picture is worth a thousand codes. 

Developed in the late 1990s, UML has enabled developers to map out complex projects in the evolving landscape of Software Development. This makes UML Diagram Tools the essential arsenal for any Software Developer. This blog decodes the best UML Diagram Tools and explores their unique features in detail. 

Table of Content 

1) What is a UML Diagram? 

2) Best UML Diagram Software & Tools 

a) Astah 

b) Lucidchart 

c) Diagrams.net 

d) Creately 

e) Adobe Express 

f) Cacoo 

g) Visme  

3) Conclusion 

What is a UML Diagram? 

UML Diagrams detail the functioning of any software or hardware system, making it easier to understand, design and manage complex systems. Additionally, UML provides an elegant way to communicate with non-programmers about essential functionalities, requirements, and system processes. 

UML Tools range from free, open-source software to premium commercial products. Beyond merely drawing diagrams, these tools offer advanced capabilities such as: 

a) Generating code from design models. 

b) Implementing design patterns. 

c) Mining requirements. 

d) Reverse engineering existing code. 

e) Assessing impact and complexity.
 

 

Best UML Diagram Software & Tools 

UML equips development teams with a powerful set of tools to create various types of diagrams. These UML Diagram are categorised into two main groups: 

a) Structure diagrams: Structure diagrams illustrate the static, architectural aspects of a system.  

b) Behaviour diagrams: These depict the dynamic aspects, demonstrating how the system responds to inputs. 

Here’s an expert list of the best UML Diagram Tools 

1) Astah 

Astah is an award-winning graphical modelling tool designed to create UML Diagrams for individuals and teams of all sizes. It has over 40 free plugins that enhance functionality, including reverse engineering, code generation, document generation, and diagram embedding into MS documents. 

Features: 

a) Model Reusability: Classes created in Class diagrams can be reused in Sequence diagrams and other diagrams with automatically synced changes. 

b) Supported UML Diagrams: Offers detailed diagrams such as Activity, Sequence, Statemachine, and more. 

c) Integration: Integrates with Miro, PlantUML, Mermaid.js, and more. 

d) Programming Languages: it supports Java, C++, C#, and more. 

e) Other Features: Includes intelligent diagramming, traceability maps, team collaboration, hyperlinks, text notes, drag and drop, print option, merge, exclusive control, and compare diagrams for team collaboration. 

f) Support: Provides customer support via email, chat and contact form. 

g) Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS. 

2) Lucidchart

Lucidchart is an HTML5-based UML Tool renowned for its real-time collaboration capabilities. It enables teams to create anything from simple flowcharts to complex technical diagrams. It supports various file formats for importing and exporting, including CSV, SVG, PNG, JPG, and PDF.
 

Features: 

a) Versatile Diagramming: Lucidchart supports both structural and behavioural diagrams. Allows developers to connect live data with diagrams or import data to automatically build organisational charts. 

b) Types of Templates: Provides pre-built templates for brainstorming, flowchart creation, layout and UI design, business strategy development and more. 

c) Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with Slack, AWS, Salesforce, Azure, Zapier, Quip, and Asana. 

d) Programming Languages: Supports Java, Python and C++. 

e) Other Features: Lucidchart includes enhanced security, real-time collaboration, automated diagramming, and the ability to import from Visio, Gliffy, and Omnigraffle. It also provides multi-file support and drag-and-drop functionality. 

f) Support: Customer support is available through chat and contact forms. 

g) Supported Platforms: Available on Android, Windows, and iOS. 

3) Diagrams.net 

Diagrams.net (previously known as draw.io) provides a straightforward drag-and-drop interface suitable for creating flowcharts, graphs, and UML Diagrams. While it excels in a variety of tasks, some users might find it lacks specialised functions compared to other tools.  

Features:

a) Cost-effective: it’s an affordable, easy-to-use UML solution, and a cost-effective alternative to Lucidchart, maintaining similar usability for general diagramming needs.

b) Input Type: Drag-and-drop

c) Specialisation: Specialises in Case diagrams, Sequence diagrams and Activity diagrams

d) Versatile Interface: An excellent choice for users who need a versatile diagramming tool with an intuitive interface, especially when budget considerations are prioritised.

e) Support Platforms: Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows

f)  Other Features: Customisable diagram templates and vector graphics capable of sustaining image quality over multiple revisions.

4) Creately

Creately helps you create UML modelling, design, and architecture with advanced technology allowing for addition of notes, link models, and centralising design documents. Its free plan offers 100MB of cloud storage. It supports GIF, BMP, ICO SVG, JPEG, PNG and PDF file formats. and comes with AES-256 and TLS 1.2 encryption that guarantees protection.

Features: 

a) Advanced Diagramming: Creately offers advanced features including 70 types of diagramming standards and customisable professional diagrams. It also includes tools like universal full-text search, which helps quickly locate specific nodes and information in large and complex UML Diagrams. 

b) Single Source of Truth: This tool has a single source of truth providing data-driven visuals, helping developers organise information on Kanban boards, grids and timelines, files, attachments and more. 

c) Types of Templates: It offers over 8000 pre-built professional templates for domains such as Operations, Marketing, Strategy, IT & Networking, HR, Product, Education and Engineering. 

d) Integrations: Creately integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, Confluence, Slack, OneDrive, Zapier, and Microsoft Teams. 

e) Other Features: This tool provides visual workspaces, custom databases, multi-player collaboration, task management, wikis and notes. Additionally, it also includes version history, multi-file support, printing options, and drag and drop functionality. 

f) Support: Customer support is available through phone, email and contact forms. 

g) Supported Platforms: Available on Android, Windows, and iOS. 

Your dream of excelling in the world of Software Development is just a click away. Sign up for our Analysis & Design Using UML Course now 

5) Adobe Express 

Adobe Express is a versatile flowchart software designed to help you create customised and streamlined flowcharts as well as save and share your diagrams effortlessly. Adobe Express integrates with Canvas LMS, and the free plan offers 2GB of cloud storage. This tool supports various file formats including MP4, MOV, MPEG, JPEG, and more.
 

Features: 

a) Customisable and Simple: Adobe Express can create flowcharts that can be reformatted for posters, emailers, infographics and more. Its user-friendly interface ensures easy and fast development. 

b) Quick Build: It enables instantly downloading or printing your flowchart designs for home or office use. This tool helps system analysts integrate data flow and business process diagrams. 

c) Types of Templates: This tool provides pre-built templates for birthday cards, business cards, brochures, certificates, educational infographics, calendars, Facebook covers, graphs, flyers and logos. 

d) Programming Languages: Supports languages like JavaScript and C++. 

e) Other Features: Includes Video-to-GIF conversion, image resizing, video cropping, and video trimming and editing. Also offers version history, drag and drop functionality, multi-file support, and printing options. 

f) Support: Offers customer support through a chat channel. 

g) Supported Platforms: Available on Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. 

6) Cacoo 

Cacoo is a user-friendly diagramming tool designed to help you create a variety of diagrams, including flowcharts, wireframes, UML Diagrams, mind maps, network diagrams, sitemaps, database diagrams, and more. 

Features: 

a) Real-time Collaboration: Offers real-time collaborative features such as simultaneous editing, version tracking, and commenting, enhancing teamwork and efficiency. 

b) Support: Supports multiple file formats for exporting, including PNG, SVG, PDF, PS, and PPT. 

c) Input Type: Utilises a drag-and-drop interface for easy diagram creation. 

d) Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Drive, AWS, Microsoft OneDrive, and more, ensuring smooth workflow and data management. 

e)Target Audience: Aimed at a general audience, making it accessible and useful for various users. 

f) Specialisation: Specialises in use case diagrams, sequence diagrams, and activity diagrams. 

g) Compatible: Compatible with macOS and Windows. 

7) Visme 

Visme is a UML Diagram Tool that helps you share visual stories in the form of infographics, flowcharts, graphs, and other visual content. It provides multiple diagram options and offers 2GB of cloud storage as part of its free plan. Visme includes import and export options for Excel, TXT, CSV, MP4, MOV, JPEG, PDF, PNG, and DOC file formats. 

Features: 

a) Diagram Building: Visme enables you to create professional-looking diagrams, allowing collaboration from any web browser. It supports the use of flowcharts and diagrams for real-time data visualisation. 

b) Modelling: This tool provides comprehensive software for professional modelling, making it an effective tool for data, process, and engineering modelling. 

c) Types of Templates: Visme provides pre-built templates for various requirements including calendars, brochures, budgets, cards, certificates, education, decorations, flyers, invitations, health & fitness and letters. 

d) Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with tools such as Splunk, Yammer and Secureworks. 

e) Programming Languages: Supports programming languages like Python, PHP, C#, and ASP.NET. 

f) Other Features: it includes collaboration and sharing capabilities, intelligent diagramming, user-friendly templates, stencils, shapes, and accessibility options. It also offers version history, drag-and-drop functionality, multi-file support and printing options. 

g) Support: Customer support is available through phone and chat. 

h) Supported Platforms: Compatible with Windows and Mac. 

8) Visual Paradigm 

Visual Paradigm is a UML Tool tailored for engine software projects and helps the Software Development team model business information systems and development processes.  

It offers 1GB of cloud storage and supports SVG, TIFF, EMF, JPG, PNG, PDF, TIFF, XML, and DOC file formats. It additionally provides 256-bit SSL encryption for complete security. 

Features: 

a) Types of diagrams: This tool offers use Class Diagrams, Case Diagrams, Sequence Diagram, Activity Diagram, Communication Diagram, State Machine Diagram, and many more. 

b) Types of templates: Visual Paradigm provides pre-built templates for Social Media, Events, Documents, Business, Marketing, School, Infographics, Posters and Gift Card 

c) Integrations: It seamlessly integrates with NetBeans, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio, and Android Studio 

d) Other features: This tool provides Enterprise Architecture, Visual Modelling, Business Analysis & Design, Agile & Scrum Development, Project Management, Spreadsheet Tool, Online Diagram Tool and Team Collaboration. It also has Multi-file support, Print and Drag and Drop option.   

e) Support: Customer support is available through the Contact form.   

f) Supported Platforms: Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux 

9) Gleek.io 

Gleek is a text-to-diagram tool that helps you create diagrams from adequate descriptions. Gleek.io relies on keyboard commands enabling developers to work faster than they do with drag and drop diagramming programs. Additionally, this tool has syntax help available right in the diagramming window in case you get stuck. 

Features: 

a) Version Control: Provides meaningful version control features, avoiding the need to store binary files. 

b) Collaboration: Allows team members to collaborate, plan, conceptualise, and finalise project ideas. 

c) File Management: Diagrams can be saved in various formats and exported or shared within the team. 

d) Templates: It offers a variety of pre-designed templates for common use cases. Additionally enables creation of flowcharts to illustrate step-by-step processes. 

e) Entity-Relationship Diagrams: Helps developers create database designs at the conceptual level. 

f) UML Class Diagrams: Facilitates the creation of UML class diagrams, showcasing classes, attributes, methods and their relationships. 

g) Specialisation: Class diagrams, Sequence diagrams, State diagrams and Object diagrams 

h) Integration: Integrates with Confluence and Azure DevOps 

10) Gliffy 

Gliffy is software for diagramming via an HTML5 cloud-based app used to create UML Diagrams, Venn diagrams, floor plans, flowcharts and various other kinds of diagrams online. These diagrams can be shared with and edited by users in real time. 

It offers multiple diagram options for cloud storage and supports PNG, SVG, JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and VSDX file formats. Gliffy offers TLS 1.2 and AES-256 encryption. 

Features: 

a) Diagram building: Gliffy delivers the power of collaboration and visual communication. Strong support for BPMP process models allows you to draw diagrams with ease.   

b) Types of diagrams: It enables you to create 14 UML Diagram types, including class, use case, state diagram, sequence, activity and others. 

c) Integrations: Seamless integration with Atlassian, Confluence and Jira. 

d) Other features: Features include Collaborate Instantly, Create with Ease, Share With Anyone, and Cloud-Fortified Collaboration. It also offers multi-file support, version history, and drag and drop and print options.   

e) Support: It offers customer support through a contact form 

f) Supported Platforms: Compatible with Windows and MacOS 

Looking towards a future in the world of Software Development? Then consider UML Diagram Tools your closest ally. Learn about them in our UML Training - Sign up now 

11) EdrawMax 

EdrawMax is UML builder software that helps you create diagrams using ready-made symbols and templates. It also allows you to import your drawings into file formats such as Word, PDF, PPT and HTML.  

It Supports PNG, ICO, SVG, PDF, JPG, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Tiff, Visio, and HTML file formats for import and export. EdrawMax is secure software, offering 256-bit SSL encryption. 

Features: 

a) Easy Modelling: The tool facilitates a seamless transition from UML to domainsm-specific modelling. It allows continuous feature enhancements based on user feedback. 

b) Types of Diagrams: This UML software enables you to create Class diagrams, Component Diagrams, and composite structure diagrams. Its good usability also gives it the overall look and feel of a serious programming environment. 

c) Select templates effortlessly: It provides pre-built templates for Operating Models, Marketing, HR and Mind maps. It allows developers to embed generation templates, modelling concept patterns, and other abstractions in traditional code. 

d) Integrations: This tool integrates with Microsoft Visio, Dropbox, and Google Drive.   

e) Programming languages: EdrawMax supports programming languages such as C++ and Java.   

f) Other features: Provides Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbon, Context Pane, Canvas, Gantt view, Symbol Library and Cloud Collaboration. It offers Drag and Drop, Version history and Print options. You can also create a mind map, flowchart, UML, electrical diagrams, network diagrams, etc. 

g) Support: It offers customer support via Email, Chat and Contact form.   

h) Supported Platforms: These are compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, and iOS.   

12) ClickUp 

ClickUp is a versatile tool with impressive features and viewing modes. These outlines let you tackle particular aspects of a project from diverse perspectives. Regarding UML Diagrams, ClickUp is an efficient choice for creating simple and intuitive diagrams with ClickUp Mind Maps. 

Features: 

1) Enables Collaboration: The tool facilitates collaboration in real-time, allowing you to insert drawings, documents, images, videos, website cards, or any other media to get your point across.     

2) Mind Map Modes: Offers choice between two modes:  

a)  Node-based (Purely visual where nodes are shapes, and they represent ideas). 

b) Task-based (Interactive where nodes are tasks, and you can manage them in other Views). 

3)  Integration: Integrates with 1,000+ apps and is available on mobile and web. 

4) Support Platforms: Mac, Windows and Linux. 

5) Other features: Intuitive Mind Map View and Drag-and-drop functionality. 

Elevate your Software Development prospects with our Software Design and Architecture Training – Sign up now! 

13) SmartDraw 

SmartDraw is a diagramming tool that functions as a cost-effective Visio alternative. It allows you to develop over 70 types of diagrams, each with templates for quicker setup.   

The diagram creation process is intuitive, as a result of the intelligent formatting engine enabling you to add, remove, or reposition shapes as you please. This is possible because the rest of the diagram can automatically adapt to any new arrangement.
 

Features: 

a) SmartDraw offers over 70 diagram template types from context diagrams to UML. 

b)  It contains an Intelligent formatting engine. 

c) It provides extensions for automatic diagram creation. 

d) Provides collaboration tools such as sharing, comments and notes with drag-and-drop features. 

e)  It enables native integration with over ten popular suites and programs. 

f) It is supported on platforms such as Mac and Windows. 

14) Miro 

Miro helps enable the creation of stunning diagrams through a user-friendly interface to visualise your workflows and build collaboration and communication. 

With the help of Miro AI, you can create a UML Diagram in seconds based on any text prompt. Additionally, Miro’s Mermaid and PlantUML apps facilitate the code transformation into a UML Diagram. 

Features: 

a) Extremely user-friendly diagramming tool. 

b) Offers ready-made diagram templates. 

c.) It has over 2,000 shapes to choose from. 

d) Facilitates automatic diagram generation from text or code. 

e) Delivers over 100+ integration options. 

f) Miro has a mobile version for software development that is on the go.   

g) Miro offers many other functionalities, such as strategic planning, virtual collaborative workshops, and Scrum Events for Agile teams. 

h)  Miro is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. 

15) Microsoft Visio 

If you’re familiar with Office 365, you will be able to adapt to Microsoft Visio quickly. You can enjoy the familiar UX and also integrate it with any other Office programs you use. Visio provides dozens of pre-built templates, stencils, and thousands of customisable shapes. 

Features:

a) Microsoft Vision enables the creation of Clean and understandable diagrams 

b) It offers diverse accessibility features 

c) It provides dozens of templates and stencils 

d) It facilitates seamless integration with other Microsoft tools 

e) It is available in Web and desktop versions 

f) This tool is available for free across all Microsoft 365 Commercial and Education plans   

g) Supported on platforms like Windows and Mac 

16) Moqups 

Moqups is an online tool designed for the effortless creation of flowcharts and UML Diagrams through a simple drag-and-drop interface. It provides 25MB of cloud storage in its free version. For import and export, it supports various formats, including PNG, PDF,  SVG, HTML, JPEG, GIF and WEB.   

a) Wireframes and Mockups: It enables you to create professional wireframes for applications and websites without the need for installation.  

b) Flexibility: Moqups facilitates easy collaboration, offering numerous shapes, drawing templates, and arrows.  

c) Types of Templates: It provides pre-built templates for wireframes and mockups   

d) Integrations: It seamlessly integrates with Drive, Slack, Jira, Dropbox, Box and Confluence. 

e) Other Features: Includes a graph maker, wireframe tool, flowchart maker, multi-file support, an extensive range of fonts and styling options. 

f) Support: Provides customer support through a contact form. 

g) Supported Platforms: Available on Windows.

17) StarUML 

StarUML is a powerful UML Diagram modelling tool, offering eleven types of diagrams and compatible with UML 2.x versions. It includes pre-built templates for class diagrams and provides multiple options for cloud storage. 

a) SYSML Support: StarUML supports SYSML diagrams, including objects, use cases, deployment, activity, class, sequence, timing diagrams and more. 

b) Diagrams: It supports additional diagrams such as flow charts, data flow diagrams and entity-relationship diagrams (ERD). 

c) Programming Languages: Supports languages like C, C++, C#, Java, and Python. 

d) Other Features: Includes custom UML profile, auto-update, model-driven development, fast modelling, and dark and light themes. 

e) Support: Provides customer support via email. 

f) Supported Platforms: Available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

18) GenMyModel 

GenMyModel began as a UML Tool but has since expanded to include business modelling with Archimate and BPMN support. It offers a centralised model repository for easy collaboration, making it ideal for presentations to management and project stakeholders.
 

Features: 

a) Modelling and Diagramming: GenMyModel combines the power of desktop modelling tools with a modern web solution. Offers pre-built templates and integrates with Jira and Confluence. 

b) Diagramming-Oriented: It enhances model-based projects by making diagramming intuitive, enjoyable, and predictive. 

c)  Additional Features: Includes a modelling toolkit, cloud-native capabilities, collaborative online repository, effortless documentation and support for multiple standards. It provides version history, multi-file support, drag-and-drop functionality, and print options. 

d) Support: Offers customer support through tickets, email, and phone. 

e) Supported Platforms: Compatible with MacOS, Windows, and Linux

Conclusion 

Selecting the right UML Diagram Tool can greatly enhance your software development process by providing clear visual representations and improving team collaboration. Each tool listed in this blog offers distinct features tailored to different needs and preferences. We hope this blog helps you understand UML Tools and expand your Software Development prospects. 

Expand your Software Development skills through our Systems Modelling Techniques - Sign up now!