ArgoUML vs Gaphor

ArgoUML is a free, open-source UML modeling tool for creating standard UML 1.4 diagrams. It supports all nine diagram types in that standard and follows the OMG UML 1.4 specification. The application is written entirely in Java and is intended to run on platforms with Java 5 or Java 6; the project offers installation through Java Web Start. Models use a JMI-based repository and XMI for saving: ArgoUML imports XMI 1.1 and 1.2 and writes XMI 1.2. Diagram output can be saved as GIF, PNG, PostScript, Encapsulated PostScript, PGML, or SVG. It can generate code for Java, C++, C#, PHP4, and PHP5, and its reverse-engineering framework supports Java source, JARs, and class files. Other capabilities include UML profiles, OCL constraint modeling with syntax and type checking, and background design critics that add suggestions to a to-do list. The interface is available in ten listed languages. ArgoUML is distributed under the Eclipse Public License 1.0 and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux through a Java runtime.

Gaphor is a desktop modeling application for visualizing and documenting applications and systems with UML, SysML, RAAML, and C4. It implements a UML 2 data model and the UML, SysML, and RAAML OMG standards, and supports the C4 model. Its diagram options include Class, Interaction, State Machine, Block Definition, and Requirements diagrams, with diagram items that can be mixed and styled through a built-in engine. Diagrams export to SVG, PNG, PDF, or EPS, including batch export for every diagram in a model. Gaphor can also create a static, interactive, read-only HTML model report that needs no server or backend. As a Python library, it can inspect, generate, or update models through scripts or Jupyter notebooks; a Sphinx extension embeds diagrams in reStructuredText or Markdown documentation. The software is free under the Apache 2 license for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Windows users have installer, portable, and Winget options; macOS requires version 10.15 or newer.