Gaphor vs Sparx Enterprise Architect
Gaphor
gaphor.org
Sparx Enterprise Architect
sparxsystems.comSide by side
| Figure | Gaphor | 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 · UML Modeling Software | 7.8 (#13) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Diagram types | It supports diagrams including Class, Interaction, State Machine, Block Definition, and Requirements diagrams, and lets users mix diagram items. | UML Use Case,Activity,State,Interaction Overview,Sequence,Communication,Package,Class,Object,Composite,Component,Deployment; BPMN; SysML |
| Extensibility | Gaphor can be extended with plugins and users can access their own extensions through the GUI or CLI. | The product supports scripting, plug-ins, UML profiles, MDG technologies and model-validation extensions. |
| Modeling standards | Gaphor implements a fully compliant UML 2 data model and the UML, SysML, and RAAML OMG standards, and supports the C4 model. | It supports UML, SysML, BPMN and other open standards to connect specifications with analysis, design, implementation, test and maintenance models. |
| Purpose | Gaphor is a modeling application for UML, SysML, RAAML, and C4 used to visualize and document applications and systems. | Enterprise Architect is a multi-user visual modeling tool for business and IT systems, software and systems engineering, and real-time and embedded development. |
| Support | The project provides community contact through Matrix chat and accepts issue reports through GitHub. | 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
Gaphor
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.
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.