PlantUML vs Structurizr
PlantUML
plantuml.com
Structurizr
structurizr.comSide by side
| Figure | PlantUML | Structurizr |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | £25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 23 |
| Spec score · Diagramming tools | 8.5 (#15) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Spec score · Diagramming Software | 8.0 (#28) | 8.7 (#13) |
| Spec score · Diagram Software | 8.0 (#24) | 8.7 (#7) |
| Diagram types | It supports UML diagrams including sequence, use case, class, object, activity, component, deployment, state, and timing diagrams. | system landscape,system context,container,component,code,dynamic,deployment,custom,filtered,image |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | PlantUML creates diagrams from simple textual descriptions. | Structurizr is a models-as-code tool for creating multiple software architecture diagrams from one C4 model using Structurizr DSL. |
| Self hosting | PlantUML can run as a local server, and the project recommends this for generating diagrams that contain sensitive information. | The server can be built from source for free or run from licensed prebuilt Docker and WAR binaries. |
| Support | The project directs users to its community forum for advice and solutions to common layout issues. | Support for server licenses is available through the GitHub issue tracker. |
Plans
Structurizr
- 1–20 unique users£300 a month
- 21–50 unique users£600 a month
- 51–100 unique users£900 a month
- 101–250 unique users£1,200 a month
- 251–500 unique users£1,500 a month
- 501–1000 unique users£1,800 a month
- 1001+ unique users£2,400 a month
- Open core/build from sourceFree
- Self-hosted server open coreFree
- Self-hosted server, 1–20 unique users£300 a year
In their own words
PlantUML
PlantUML turns textual descriptions into diagrams, covering UML forms such as sequence, use-case, class, object, activity, component, deployment, state, and timing diagrams. It also supports JSON, YAML, EBNF, regex, network, wireframe, Archimate, Gantt, mind map, and WBS diagrams. Outputs include PNG, SVG, LaTeX, EPS, and other listed formats; sequence diagrams can also be rendered as ASCII art. Its browser editor renders diagrams with JavaScript and refreshes them as the text changes. Layout options include Graphviz, Smetana, VizJs, and ELK, though ELK lacks some features. PlantUML offers integrations for tools including GitHub, GitLab, Confluence, WordPress, Slack, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA. It is free, with a plan listed at free, and runs on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API, extension, and self-hosted platforms. Local installation requires Java, with version 11 or later recommended; Graphviz is needed for some diagrams. PlantUML can also run as a local server, which the project recommends for sensitive diagrams.
Structurizr
Structurizr is a models-as-code tool for creating software architecture diagrams from one C4 model written in Structurizr DSL. A model can produce system landscape, system context, container, component, code, dynamic, deployment, custom, filtered and image views. Its C4 diagrams are interactive and animatable, can be embedded, and include an automatically generated key or legend. Users can work in a browser playground, use a local diagram viewer and layout editor, or run a self-hosted server. The CLI exports workspace views to PlantUML, Mermaid or a static HTML site; supported imports include Structurizr DSL and Structurizr JSON. Version history is available. The product has API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows availability. Structurizr offers a free plan and a 14-day trial. Paid server licenses start at £300/mo (annual) for 1–20 unique users per installation; higher user bands cost more. The self-hosted open core is free when built from source, but has no authentication and public workspaces. Structurizr is headquartered in Jersey, Channel Islands. Its cloud service runs in AWS US-East-1 and describes AES encryption and optional client-side encryption for paid workspaces.