Visual Paradigm for UML (ME) [Mac OS X] - Visual Paradigm for UML is an easy-to-use UML tool that supports reverse engineering, code generation, import Rational Rose, export/import XMI, report generator, shape editor, etc.Visual Paradigm for UML is a professional UML tool that supports.
I'm trying to choose a tool for creating UML diagrams of all flavours. Usability is a major criteria for me, but I'd still take more power with a steeper learning curve and be happy. Free (as in beer) would be nice, but I'd be willing to pay if the tool's worth it. What should I be using?
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50 Answers
Some context: Recently for graduate school I researched UML tools for usability and UML comprehension in general for an independent project. I also model/architect for a living.
The previous posts have too many answers and not enough questions. A common misunderstanding is that UML is about creating diagrams. Sure, diagrams are important, but really you are creating a model. Here are the questions that should be answered as each vendor product/solution does some things better than others. Note: The listed answers are my view as the best even if other products support a given feature or need.
- Are you modeling or drawing? (Drawing - ArgoUML, free implementations, and Visio)
- Will you be modeling in the future? (For basic modeling - Community editions of pay products)
- Do you want to formalize your modeling through profiles or meta-models? OCL? (Sparx, RSM, Visual Paradigm)
- Are you concerned about model portability, XMI support? (GenMyModel, Sparx, Visual Paradigm, Altova)
- Do you have an existing set of documents that you need to work with? (Depends on the documents)
- Would you want to generate code stubs or full functioning code?(GenMyModel, Visual Paradigm, Sparx, Altova)
- Do you need more mature processes such as use case management, pattern creation, asset creation, RUP integration, etc? (RSA/RSM/IBM Rational Products)
Detailed Examples: IBM Rational Software Architect did not implement UML 2.0 all the way when it comes to realizes type relationships when creating a UML profile, but Visual Paradigm and Sparx got it right.
Ok, that was way too detailed, so a simpler example would be ArgoUML, which has no code generation features and focuses on drawing more than the modeling aspect of UML.
Sparx and Visual Paradigm do UML really well and generate code well, however, hooking into project lifecycles and other process is where RSM/RSA is strong.
Watch out for closed or product specific code generation processes or frameworks as you could end up stuck with that product.
This is a straight brain dump so a couple details may not be perfect, however, this should provide a general map to the questions and solutions to looking into.
NEW - Found a good list of many UML tools with descriptions. Wiki UML Tool List
For sequence diagrams, only, try websequencediagrams.com. It's a freemium (free for the basic tasks, paid for advanced features) product, and lets you quickly bang out a diagram without any fussing around with lines and stencils.
For me it's Enterprise Architect from Sparx Systems. A very rounded UML tool for a very reasonable price.
Very strong feature list including: integrated project management, baselining, export/import (including export to html), documentation generation from the model, various templates (Zachman, TOGAF, etc.), IDE plugins, code generation (with IDE plugins available for Visual Studio, Eclipse & others), automation API - the list goes on.
Oh yeah, don't forget support for source control directly from inside the tool (SVN, CVS, TFS & SCC).
I would also stay away from Visio - you only get diagrams, not a model. Rename a class in one place in a UML modelling tool and you rename in all places. This is not the case in Visio!
For my simple & short UML working,I've used this tool:
StarUML - http://staruml.sourceforge.net/en/
Great free software for UML drawing.
Although the original Star UML is no longer maintained, there's now a fork called White Star UML, which is actively developed.
As I usually use UML more as a communication tool rather than a modeling tool I sometimes have the need to flex the language a bit, which makes the strict modeling tools quite unwieldy. Also, they tend to have a large overhead for the occasional drawing. This also means I don't give tools that handle round-trip modeling well any bonus points. With this in mind...
When using Visio, I tend to use these stencils for my UMLing needs (the built in kind of suck). It could be that I have grown used to it as it is the primary diagramming tool at my current assignment.
OmniGraffle also has some UML stencils built in and more are available at Graffletopia, but I wouldn't recommend that as a diagramming tool as it has too many quirks (quirks that are good for many things, but not UML). Free trial though, so by all means... :)
I've been trying out MagicDraw a bit, but while functional, I found the user interface distracting.
Otherwise i find the Topcased an interesting project (or group of projects). Last I used it it still had some bugs, but it worked, and seems to have evolved nicely since. Works great on any Eclipse-enabled platform. Free as in speech and beer :)
As for the diagramming tool Dia, it's quite ugly (interface and resulting drawings), but it does get the job done. An interesting modeling tool free alternative is Umbrello, but I haven't really used it much.
I definitely agree with mashi that whiteboards are great (together with a digital camera or cellphone).
Probably some of the nicest tools I've used belong to the Rational family of tools.
You may be looking for an automated tool that will automatically generate a lot of stuff for you. But here's a free, generally powerful diagramming tool useful not only for UML but for all kinds of diagramming tasks. It accepts as input and outputs to a wide variety of commonly used file formats. It's called yEd, and it's worth a look
I'm very fond of Visual Paradigm for UML It's very powerful and has a free Community Edition and cheap Personal Edition as well.
For Agile modeling there's also Agilian which is a bit more flexible, adds extra features to support smartboards and knows mind-mapping as well.
The thing I like most about their products is the flexibility. I'm using Enterprise Architect at work nowadays but I think it's not smart enough. I want to be able to quick-brainstorm some sequence diagrams and have the application keep my model up-to-date in the background, something VPUML does a very good job at.
In my opinion it's way better than Enterprise Architect, though that is a great tool as well :)
Take a look at BOUML: multiplatform (QT), works pretty well and supports colaborative work.
BOUML is a free UML 2 tool box (under development) allowing you to specify and generate code in C++, Java, Idl, Php and Python.
BOUML runs under Unix/Linux/Solaris, MacOS X(Power PC and Intel) and Windows.
From Wikipedia:
The releases prior to version 4.23 are free software licensed under GPL. BOUML 5 and later is proprietary software.
If you're looking to get out the door and working on UML without having to learn a complex new tool I would check out Violet UML. I've used it to some pretty great success in the past.
PlantUML is an open-source markup-language-to-UML-diagram tool in Java that deserves to be mentioned here. It ranks high on the usability scale because of its intuitive syntax for the various diagrams and diagram components.
Dia is a possible choice. It's definitely not the best tool, but it is functional.
Enterprise Architect from Sparx systems is the best tool I've used. A bit expensive at $199 (professional edition), but IMO it's worth it.
I will add UMLet which I haven't tried yet, but have been selected at my office to start doing diagrams.
Looks simple, diagrams aren't sexy, but it seems quite complete with regard to the kind of diagrams you can do. Seems to have good export capabilities too (important!), is flexible can support custom components) and can be used as Eclipse plugin.
I haven't been able to find a top-notch free UML diagramming tool, but if you're interested in pure diagramming, as opposed to round-trip-engineering, I'd go with Microsoft Visio. If you want full round-trip engineering, Rational Rose.
This list of UML tools on Wikipedia might also come in handy.
Pen and paper. If you can get the scan into a vector format, that may be useful when making minor amendments.
You should try Creately. Runs in your browser and can do team collaboration.
supports sequence diagrams, class, ER, usecase etc. works great and has a free version available.
You can also check out Lucid Chart for uml and other types of diagramming.
In my practice i use Sequence Diagram Editor. it is really fast and helpful tool. the one thing i don't like about it is that it is commercial product, not free.
I like VisualParadigm mentioned before in this thread. It's powerful and easy to use I think it gives most power comparing to other tools.
If you need something simple, quick and easy (and free) there is a great tool called UMLet - I highly recommend this. I've tried many of UML diagramming tools and this the simplest one (and it still allows to do great diagrams). This is my choice:)
Obviously if you are serious about UML in the long run you need to use a software UML tool like the ones suggested in the other answers, but I've found that a whiteboard is one of the best tools for UML diagramming, especially during the design phase, or when you are exploring different alternatives. Nothing beats a whiteboard for speed/flexibility in my mind. They are also great for collaboration assuming you are collocated physically.
I can't believe no one has mentioned NetBeans UML Editor, it's great and satisfied all of my Java based UML requirments.
This after I tested JDeveloper UML, ArgoUML and StarUML.
I recently conducted a poll 'What UML Tools do you use?' in my blog. NetBeans UML was was the top opensource choice and Enterprise Architect was the top commercial choice.
You can create UML class, sequence, component, use case, and activity diagrams in Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate. You can link these diagrams to Team Foundation work items so you can plan and track development and test work. You can also create sequence, dependency graphs, and layer diagrams from code and use Architecture Explorer to browse and explore your solution.
I've posted more links on my profile for more info.
You might want to take a look at MagicDraw or Visual Paradigm for UML. Both offer community editions that, of course, don't span the full feature range, but may well be sufficient if you want to create diagrams only and not generate code or do full round-trip engineering.
Rational and Together/J are best-of-breed products, but expensive.
In my experience, I've enjoyed Eclipse Omondo and Sparx Enterprise Architect. Omondo integrates nicely with Eclipse for code generation, and has a very intuitive feel. However, it is strongly tied to Java. Sparx is a good tool for the price point, but lacks the full range of UML 2.0 diagrams.
Do NOT bother with Poseidon. It is buggy, bloated, and unusuable for all intents and purposes.
For sequence diagrams you can also try Trace Modeler. It's not free but it has a great interface, very friendly and productive. You can use it on any platform.
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged umldiagrammodeling or ask your own question.
As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. And when it comes to explaining the complexity of software development, this is especially true.
UML (Unified Modelling Language) diagrams are an incredibly effective way to communicate the complex ideas and processes that go into developing new software.
This is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page before any coding starts.
To draw sequence diagram mockups quickly and effectively however you need the right software. We’ve taken a look at the best UML tools to help you draw fast UML diagrams including free open source apps.
Many of these apps even work on both Mac & PC so this article will also be of interest to Windows users too.
Why UML Modelling Software Is So Important
UML tools allow you to clearly explain software development ideas before any programming is done.
When combined with some decent project management software this saves a lot of time and wasted resources creating something coherent that everyone understands.
This is especially important when trying to communicate ideas to new members of a programming team or inexperienced developers.
The best UML modelling tools allow you to create product mockups quickly, easily and with maximum impact.
It’s important to understand however that UML software is distinct from general diagram software. At the end of the day, UML tools are more about modelling than drawing diagrams and flowcharts.
While many of the best diagram software for Mac can be used for UML, there’s a whole sub-genre of software dedicated to UML modelling because of this.
Important Considerations When Choosing A UML Tool
Here’s a few questions you should consider before choosing which UML tool for Mac to go for.
- Do you need just a UML model or also to draw and create diagrams? There are some Incredibly easy to use and powerful Cloud diagramming apps featured here that are multi-purpose as they support both UML drawing but also other tasks such as flowcharts and org charts.
- Do you need support for all 13 classes of UML diagram? Most apps that support UML do but currently that includes class, activity, object, use case, sequence, package, state, component, communication, composite structure, interaction overview, timing, and deployment. These are in-turn divided into 2 different types, Structural UML diagrams and Behavioral Structural Diagrams.
- Is it compatible with that latest UML 2.0 standard? Again, you’ll find that most are but some older open source tools may not be.
- Do you need to just create UML diagrams frequently? If not, there are many free sequence diagram apps that are fine to do the odd job. If you’re going to create UML models frequently however, it’s strongly recommended to pay or subscribe to an app.
- Do you need portability? There are many free open source UML tools that use their own text based input language for diagrams but they require learning their own specific language and commands. Bear in mind there there may also be no way to export them to another format such as XML which you can import into another UML program if you change app later down the line.
- Do you need Visio import support? Although Visio isn’t available for Mac, there are some very good alternatives to Visio on Mac which can import Visio UML diagrams in VSDX format.
With these things in mind, here then is our list of the best UML software for Mac in order of ranking.
1. Star UML
Star UML is probably the most popular UML software for Mac or PC on the market and is used by big brands like Amazon, IBM and Apple.
Star UML is a sophisticated software modeller for agile and concise modeling or interface realization and offers both a Mac and Windows desktop client.
There are useful touches such as PDF export for printing, HTML publishing and Quick Edits for fast modelling.
You can also extend it with things such as Python, Java and C++ code generator extensions.
Overall, StarUML is easily the best sequence diagram tool we’ve tried and even better, you can use StarUML for free.
Even better, you only need to upgrade if you intend to use it for commercial use with prices starting at $89 for an individual license.
2. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a powerful but user-friendly online diagramming software that makes it easy to make sequence diagrams.
Lucidchart allows you to drag and drop objects, has an extensive shape library and is one of the best UML tools for Mac when it comes to collaboration in a team.
You can export to PDF or instantly to presentation mode for presentation and you can import Visio files.
Note that it does not export to the latest Visio VSDX format though (for that you need SmartDraw).
You can start using Lucidchart for free now although you’ll need to upgrade to a full plan to use more objects, storage space and other features.
You can find more in our full review of Lucidchart.
3. Visual Paradigm
Visual Paradigm is one of the major competitors to StarUML and is also used by big companies like Adobe, Intel and NASA.
Although its not exclusively for UML design like StarUML, the UML tools are one of it’s strongest features. Visual Paradigm is design object-oriented software idea for Case Diagrams, Class Diagrams and Sequence Diagrams.
There are two versions of Visual Paradigm – the Community Edition which is free and the Commercial Edition. The Community Edition is generous in features and allows unlimited diagrams, project sizes and shapes.
It also includes 13 different types of UML diagram plus ERD diagrams. You can use Visual Paradigm either online or there’s a Mac desktop client too.
4. Astah
Astah is one of the most professional and powerful UML tools out there used by companies ranging from Amazon to Oracle.
Astah is specifically focused on UML software for software development and is extremely popular among IT professionals, consultants and programmers.
Uml Diagram Tool Free Download For Mac
The professional version of Astah not only does UML but also supports flowcharts for workflows, brainstorming and mindmapping.
If you want to map out your software ideas quickly, clearly and improve customer satisfaction, Astah is about as good as it gets for software developers.
5. OmniGraffle
If you prefer desktop apps over cloud based ones, then OmniGraffle might be for you. OmniGraffle is arguably the best desktop diagram software for Mac with powerful UML tools.
OmniGraffle has a huge number of UML templates and mockups and even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you probably will in the many community driven resources for OmniGraffle templates.
OmniGraffle can import Visio files and even if you decide not to upgrade to the full version, you can continue to use it as a free desktop Visio viewer.
Check out our full OmniGraffle review for more.
6. ConceptDraw Diagram
ConceptDraw Diagram (formerly ConceptDraw Pro) is a powerful cross-platform diagramming software which works on both Mac and PC. ConceptDraw Diagram is ideal for project managers as it’s fully integrated with ConceptDraw Project – a powerful alternative to Microsoft Project on Mac. ConceptDraw has all 13 UML stencil libraries with almost 400 vector graphics.
Best Free Uml Tool For Mac
You can see some samples of UML diagrams made with ConceptDraw Diagram here.
You can also check out our full review of ConceptDraw Diagram here.
7. UMLet
UMLet is a free open source UML modelling tool with a very simple user interface that’s easy for beginners to use.
The difference between UMLet and other sequence diagram tools is that it allows you to modify diagrams using a text input tool instead of pop-up dialogs.
You can build sequence and activity diagrams from plain text, export to PDF, EPS, JPG and SVG and create your own custom UML elements.
Note that UMLet requires the Eclipse plugin to work although there is also an online version UMLetino which is a free online UML tool.
You can watch a brief overview of how to use UMLet below:
8. PlantUML
PlantUML is another free open source sequence diagram software that uses text input to build UML charts. PlantUML requires using a specific PlantUML Language to construct sequence charts but once learned it’s very flexible.
PlantUML is partciularly good at drawing Usecase diagrams, Class diagrams and activity diagrams.
PlantUML also has a useful Atlassian plugin which allows you to quickly draw UML models in Confluence Cloud.
PlantUML even supports non UML diagrams such as Wireframes, Archimate diagrams and Gantt charts.
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9. yUML
It really doesn’t get much simpler than yUML. yUML is a basic free UML software ideal for those that need to embed UML diagrams in blogs, wikis, forums or bug trackers.
Although it’s very simple, yUML has been used by companies as big as Twitter, Bose and Lockheed Martin. yUML is not a visual drawing tool – it work via GET and PUT commands.
It’s very quick and easy to learn and once you’re up and running, you can whip-up sequence diagrams very quickly and conveniently.
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We hope we’ve helped you find the right UML tool for your needs.
This top list is by no means an exhaustive look at UML authoring software though. For example, we’ve omitted popular tools such as ArgoUML which require Java because we don’t recommend installing Java on Mac for a number of reasons.
Free Uml Tools
If you have any questions or problems with any of the software featured here, let us know in the comments below.