Free Online UML Diagram Tools
UML diagram visualizes the software system’s components and sub-components. Instead of looking at lines of thousand codes, you will find a set of diagrams that will help you to easily understand the relationships and hierarchies within a software system. You can also employ UML to model different programming languages and describe complex software systems. With it, developers or programmers will be able to explain a software system to end-users. Here we’ll have a rundown of the best and free UML diagram tools. Find out which one best respond to your needs.
Best 5 Free UML Diagram Tools
- GitMind
- Violet UML Editor
- ConceptDraw Diagram
- Umbrello
- Gliffy
Use GitMind (https://gitmind.com/)
Our first tool on the list is GitMind. This online UML modeling tool comes with editable templates of diverse UML diagrams that are available to use for free. Aside from that, its user-friendly interface makes the creation of diagrams quick and simple. Even users with no prior experience of the program can draw basic and advanced diagrams without any problem. Once you are done, you may choose to share projects with others for brainstorming or further revision. Or export the file as a document, image, or GitMind file.
Use Violet UML Editor (https://sourceforge.net/projects/violet/)
Violet UML Editor is also a great tool you should consider using. You can use this to implement with different diagrams including use-case diagram, class diagram, activity diagram, sequence diagram and so much more. In addition, you can run Violent UML Editor however you want. You can start it as a single application, using Java Web Start, and Eclipse plugin. The best thing about this tool is that it works across platforms like Windows and Linux.
Use ConceptDraw Diagram (https://www.conceptdraw.com/)
Another program that will help you visualize a software system is ConceptDraw Diagram. This program is designed particularly for UML diagrams allowing you to access some features for vector stencils and templates for various project needs. Another thing worth mentioning about this tool is that it lets you create business graphics such as diagrams, infographics, flowcharts, process models, and a lot more. It also comes with import and export options and can be integrated with MS Visio documents.
Use Umbrello (https://umbrello.kde.org/)
Tool used for creating a standardized design of software and other types of systems. Similar to the tools mentioned, it allows you to create various types of UML diagrams. And its working interface looks very familiar as it only composes of three main windows. This includes the Application toolbar placed at the top, Tree View showing classes and objects needed for modeling, and finally Documentation and Command history for a quick preview. For beginners who are accustomed to working with toolbars, this can be a little confusing. But as soon as you get the hang of it, you will see improvement with how fast you work using this program.
Use Gliffy (https://www.gliffy.com/)
Gliffy is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a free and online tool that comes with UML features you need for any project. It’s very easy to use and accessible. Regardless of the type of diagram you intend to make, it will enable you to produce your desired output in no time. All the dedicated symbols for UML are arranged in one folder. Same with other types of diagrams, symbols can only be found in a single folder. This way, you can easily locate the shapes for the diagram you want to create. Not only that, you can also personalize the look and feel of a diagram by exploring through the visual properties.
Conclusion
These are some of the best and free UML diagram creators in case you want to make a comprehensive illustration of a software system. UML diagram is totally helpful when trying to explain a software system or process to an end-user. Meanwhile, finding what’s best for you can be realized by trying each tool yourself. Nevertheless, all tools above are helpful and useful for creating UML diagrams.