Dia vs Sparx Enterprise Architect
Dia
dia-installer.de
Sparx Enterprise Architect
sparxsystems.comSide by side
| Figure | Dia | Sparx Enterprise Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 18 |
| Spec score · Diagram Software | 7.7 (#27) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Spec score · Diagramming Software | 7.7 (#37) | 8.8 (#8) |
| Spec score · Diagramming tools | 7.2 (#41) | 9.4 (#1) |
| Diagram types | Entity-relationship diagrams; UML diagrams; flowcharts; network diagrams | UML Use Case,Activity,State,Interaction Overview,Sequence,Communication,Package,Class,Object,Composite,Component,Deployment; BPMN; SysML |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Dia is a program for drawing structured diagrams. | Enterprise Architect is a multi-user visual modeling tool for business and IT systems, software and systems engineering, and real-time and embedded development. |
| Release notes | Dia 0.97.2 is described as a bug-fix and maintenance release with 28 fixed bugs and additional SADT colors. | The 17.2 release added Visual Studio 2026 and 2022 visual styles, traceability icon updates, document-generator improvements and Repository API methods including QueryAI. |
| Support | For problems, the site directs users to its FAQ and Dia bug reports. | Sparx Systems lists a user forum, online manual, bug reporting, feature requests and email support. |
Plans
Sparx Enterprise Architect
- Enterprise Architect LiteFree
- Lite EditionFree
- Professional Standard$245, paid once
- Professional — Standard License$245, paid once
- Corporate Standard$320, paid once
- Corporate — Standard License$320, paid once
- Professional Floating$320, paid once
- Professional — Floating License$320, paid once
- Corporate Floating$425, paid once
- Corporate — Floating License$425, paid once
In their own words
Sparx Enterprise Architect
Sparx Enterprise Architect is a visual modeling tool for business and IT systems, software and systems engineering, and real-time and embedded development. It supports UML, SysML, BPMN, and other open standards, linking specifications with analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance models. Diagram coverage includes UML use case, activity, state, sequence, communication, package, class, object, component, and deployment types, plus BPMN and SysML. Requirements management supports hierarchical requirements, links to model elements, reporting, and impact analysis. Teams can simulate behavioral models using triggers, guards, and effects, including JavaScript, and generate or reverse engineer code for languages including C++, C#, Java, PHP, and Python. Built-in version control and deployable cloud-based servers support shared projects. The trial lasts 30 days and permits use of any edition, though printed documents carry a watermark. The product supports Windows, Linux, macOS, self-hosting, and API access.