Today we volition examine the best UML tools bachelor. But beginning, permit's define and talk over UML.

What is UML and Is it still relevant in 2022?

UML stands for Unified Modeling Language. Developers created UML in the late 1990s to better map out complex projects. Software development has become more complicated. UML retains an of import identify in whatever software evolution project. UML gives teams a valuable tool for mapping complex software projects.  UML is a flexible, universal visual modeling language. UML creates a standard form to visualize systems.

Gleek is perfect for UML class and sequence diagrams.

UML gives evolution teams a powerful set of tools to create many types of diagrams. These autumn into two major groups: structure diagrams and beliefs diagrams. Construction diagrams show the static, architectural parts of a system. Behavioral diagrams evidence the dynamic parts of a system, or how the system reacts to input. Inside the two categories we accept many types of diagrams:

Structural diagrams Behavioral diagrams
Form diagrams Action diagrams
Component diagrams State automobile diagrams
Object diagrams Interaction diagrams
Composite structure diagrams Use case diagrams
Deployment diagrams Communications diagrams
Package diagrams Interaction overview diagrams
Profile diagrams Sequence diagrams

As yous see, UML provides developers with many  types of diagrams to map out their projects. UML works perfectly to nautical chart out large enterprise applications. UML allows teams to visualize projects that scale easily. Good architecture will never go out of manner, this is why UML is still relevant nearly 25 years after its inception.

What is the best software for UML diagrams?

1. Lucidchart

Lucidchart

Many programmer'south become-to diagramming tool, Lucidchart provides a suite of simple tools. Lucidchart works in existent time beyond many platforms thanks to its code beingness HTML 5-based. Lucidchart integrates with Confluence, and also with MS Squad, Slack and G Suite. Lucidchart handles anything from complex arrangement diagrams to mind maps. Lucidchart has fans among less-technical development team members because of its easy drag-and-driblet user interface. Check out our Draw.io vs. Lucidchart article to get a more in-depth look at the app's functionality.

Lucidchart input blazon:

  • Elevate-and-driblet

UML diagram types where lucidchart shines:

  • Class diagrams
  • Sequence diagrams
  • Activity diagrams

2. Gleek.io

Gleek UML tool

Gleek.io creates several types of UML diagrams: sequence diagrams, class diagrams, and object diagrams. Teams as well use Gleek.io to create org charts, flowcharts, listen maps and many other diagrams. As power users and developers know, using the keyboard proves much faster than using a mouse. Because Gleek.io relies on keyboard commands, developers piece of work faster than they do with drag and driblet diagramming programs. And Gleek.io has syntax aid available right in the diagramming window should y'all get stuck.

Gleek input type:

  • Keyboard, not drag-and-drop

UML diagram Gleek.io does best:

  • sequence diagrams
  •  class diagrams
  • object diagrams

3. Diagrams.net

Diagrams.net

Diagrams.internet (formerlydepict.io) offers a simple drag-and-drib interface for flowcharts and graphs, but also works for UML every bit well. Diagrams.net works well for a wide variety of tasks, merely may not have plenty specialized functions for some users. If you seek a drag-and-driblet UML solution, draw.io costs a bit less than Lucidchart and offers the aforementioned ease-of-employ for general users.

Input type:

  • Drag-and-drop

UML diagram types that diagrams.internet specializes in:

  • Instance diagrams
  • Sequence diagrams
  • Action diagrams

four. Cacoo

Cacoo

Cacoo gives a groovy diagramming experience to a broad variety of users. Most people volition be able to start diagramming very apace with Cacoo's intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Cacoo too offers real-time collaboration, then teams can find problems together quickly. You practise non need to know everything about UML to use Cacoo. Cacoo might not see the needs of every developer. It'due south a elevate-and-drop solution aimed at a full general audience of users.

Input type:

  • Elevate-and-drop

UML diagram types that Cacoo does well:

  • Apply case diagrams
  • Sequence diagrams
  • Activeness diagrams

5. Gliffy

Gliffy

Gliffy provides themes and templates to draw many UML diagrams. Gliffy employs a elevate-and-drop interface. Gliffy besides works well to create other types of charts and diagrams. Gliffy offers a infinite to create just about anything y'all would write on a whiteboard, simply in virtual space. This might not be platonic for users looking for a paw-core UML solution. Gliffy works well for teams that have members who are less fluent in UML and diagramming. Read more nearly the tool in the detailed comparison of Lucidchart and Gliffy.

Input blazon:

  • Drag-and-driblet

UML diagram types that Gliffy does well:

  • Bundle diagrams
  • Blended structure diagrams
  • component diagrams

6. EdrawMax

EdrawMax

EdrawMax will please users familiar with Microsoft products. EdrawMax's  user interface looks like Microsoft Give-and-take. Many users turn to EdrawMax when they need to export UMLs to other formats. EdrawMax exports to many file formats, including PDF, HTML, PPT and Microsoft Word. EdrawMax comes with many templates and prepare-made symbols. The final UML diagrams lack some of the sophistication of some competitors. (Gleek and Lucidchart have much more than eye-pleasing diagrams).

Input type:

  • Drag-and-drop

UML diagram types that EdrawMax does well:

  • Interaction overview diagrams
  • bundle diagrams
  • component diagrams
Gleek is perfect for UML class and sequence diagrams.

7. Microsoft Visio Pro

Microsoft Visio Pro

Microsoft Visio Pro provides Office users with bones UML tools. Companies can add Visio Pro to their Microsoft Office Pro subscription. Organizations choose Visio Pro when they desire to create their UMLs within the Microsoft Office ecosystem.  Microsoft Visio Pro might not have as many features as some of the in a higher place tools. For big organizations who desire seamless integration of UMLs within their corporate Office environment, Visio Pro works very well.

Input type:

  • Drag-and-driblet

UML diagram types that Microsoft Visio Pro does well:

  • State diagrams
  • Use case diagrams
  • Activity diagrams