If you are running a business, it is likely that you will know what UML or Unified Modelling Language is. It is one of the most popular business process modelling approaches that helps provide a better way to document a software. When we are talking about the UML diagram, it denotes the process by which we put forth our ideals into a visual format.
The initiation of UML was done back in the 1990s when there was a lot of chaos surrounding the process of software development and documentation. The business officials were find one way that could help sort out that issue for good without further causing confusion.
This was when a unified approach was adapted and later in 1994-96, three software engineers came together to finally release the first copy of UML. This proposed copy was later accepted as a standard language later in 1997. It has gained a few updates along the year but the basic of the same has been the same ever since.
Our UML diagram tool facilitates the design and documentation processes but also improves how you collect, review, and implement feedback from stakeholders or potential users. Lucidchart is built for real-time collaboration, helping you refine your UML diagrams online with colleagues, whether they use Mac, PC, or Linux.
UML Diagram Types
With the basic discussion out of the way, it is common for people to want to know what kinds of types are present when it comes to UML diagram. To be honest, there are quite a few that you need to look through.
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Some of the best ones include:
- Behavioural UML diagram
- Structural UML diagram
- Timing diagram
- Use Case diagram
- Interaction Overview diagram
- Activity diagram
- State Machine UML diagram
- Communication UML diagram
- Sequence UML diagram
- Object diagram
- Deployment diagram
- Composite Structure diagram
- Component diagram
- Package diagram
- Profile diagram
The reason why knowing these different sub types is important is because it helps you draw the diagram better. What we mean is that it helps you leverage the salient tool that is targeted for that specific type of diagram. This is one of the reasons why majority of the businessprofessionals first tally the type of UML diagram they need and choose the tool for the same accordingly.
Best UML diagram tools 2020
With the basic intro and understanding out of the way, let us focus on some of the best UML diagramming tools that you can look into.
1. Visual Paradigm
Visual Paradigm is considered one of the best visual diagramming tools. If you want a platform that comes with a very basic, interactive and easy to use tool set for your UML diagramming needs, Visual Paradigm is most definitely one of the best options out there.
The platform consists of several features for making the process of UML diagramming a lot easier. It has been integrated with on the fly UML syntax check along with the basic tools. Not just that, it also supports almost every type of UML diagram that you need access to, further easing the process of diagramming.
It provides with inline editing options of the class members and even comes integrated with the sequence diagram editor which is not just interactive but extremely easy to use. If required, you can even design your own shapes according to your needs.
It does come with a trial version following which there are paid versions that you can check out.
2. Lucidchart
When it comes to online diagramming tools, it goes without saying that Lucidchartis one of the most versatile options.
The platform is so interactive and versatile that majority of the developers and business professionals leverage their sources to get the UML diagrams sorted.
It helps create any of the types of UML diagram according to your needs without any kind of hassle.
One of the best things about this platform is the UML sequence markup that makes this a very credible platform. It helps in streamlining the process even when there is coding involved. It helps with the easy customization of the process as well, ensuring better outcomes and helps overcome the complexities too.
The UML shape libraries on this platform further helps standardize your diagramsand doesn’t put a constraint to your ideas. It also allows collaboration on the file, which again is an added bonus on this platform.
3. Gliffy
Finding an easy to us UML diagramming software can be a hassle but with Gliffy, it helps make it a lot easier for you to manage through. It helps in easier and faster diagramming without any kinds of glitches as such.
It helps in better visualization of the software in the graphical format. It allows you to collaborate with your team before the process of coding for the software starts.
The best thing about this platform is the fact that it allows you to streamline majority of the diagrams based around a number of business models including system behaviour, application structures and a lot more.
This platform also does come with a very intuitive interface along with a plethora of templates and themes that you can further check out as per your needs. You can also share the finished diagram or even provide access to the other team members to collaborate for better understanding of things.
4. Creately
Just as the name of the platform suggests, Creately lets you create without any inhibition. If you have been looking for a platform that aids simplified diagramming of the UML along with the collaboration option, this is the one.
The platform is used by over 3 million people across the world, so that itself is enough for you to understand how good it is.
The platform comes with the easy drag and drop method which allows easy drawing of the UML diagram without any issues. Not just that, you also do get direct access to some of the best expert made shape libraries that can further help in making your diagram a lot more interactive.
There are hundreds of templates available on the platform that you can check out without thinking further. It also allows you to collaborate in real time, making it a lot easier for you to keep your team members in the loop before the final software is started. All the available templates are free, so you are in for a ride.
5. SmartDraw
Yet another one of the amazing platforms for UML diagramming that you need to know of is SmartDraw.
It comes in two different editions – the online edition that you can access from anywhere across the world or the Windows desktop edition that you can download and use on your own device.
For the most part, it is the online edition that majority of the software developers prefer using. It does come with a plethora of templates and extensions that you can integrated into your diagram for easy access of things. Not just that, it does come with a very interactive user interface which is key when it comes to the UML diagramming.
The one downside to this is that you need to sign up even when you are trying to get a glimpse into the features and the functions on the platform. Since not many prefer signing up without being sure, this can be a little downer for a few.
Best Free Uml Diagram Tool Online
6. Edraw Max
If one talks about an underrated platform for UML diagramming, Edraw Max is one of them. It provides with one of the best features and functions but at the same time, not many know of this or use it.
You do get a free download option for the Windows desktop version, if that entices you. For access to all the features, you do need to avail the subscriptions.
The platform comes integrated with a plethora of options when it comes to UML diagram, from the amazing range of templates to the easy user interface to get the job done.
While the platform didn’t have an online version back then, things have changed and they do have an online version of the same now. This allows you to easily share and collaborate with the other team members for easier understanding of the process. If you have been looking for a way to visualize your ideals, this is most definitely the one platform you can’t forego.
7. Draw.io
For the users who like to do things from scratch and don’t necessarily want to rely on templates and such, Draw.io is the best platform to get your UML diagram done.
It is a completely free platform, so you don’t have to pay anything for access or even need to register for getting the job done.
It comes with all the necessary shapes and functions that you will need to get your job done. It is for those who don’t have a lot of data to work with and just want a simple platform to get their vision of the UML diagram into action.
Not just that, it comes with varying sub-types when it comes to the diagramming needs. So, you can either choose a blank option to then proceed accordingly or you can even opt for the standardized options to cut down on your time to get the results even faster.
8. Cacoo
As weird as the name of the platform is, Cacoo is one of the best available options when it comes to UML diagramming. It does allow you to have a very sophisticated and sleek approach to the process with the in-built templates and accessory functions.
The best thing about this platform is the real time collaboration. This is actually amazing in helping get a better vision on board and eliminate the possible roadblocks that could be causing a chaos all along. Apart from the templates, you also get direct access to the shapes and notations, making the process a lot easier.
It also provides with better file management, ensuring better and easier access to things without any further confusion as such. The software can also be used by anyone, even with the basic knowledge of UML diagramming.
9. yUML
To create and share simple and wide class of UML diagrams effortlessly and in a matter of minutes, yUML, an online tool can be considered a one stop solution for authors, architects and developers to depict a better understanding of their work marking it as the best UML diagram tool in 2020.
Companies like AWS, Twitter, and a few, are in awe of yUML, as the UML diagrams can be created with ease and can be incorporated in trackers, forums, blogs and wikis to make them visually attractive to the viewers.
As the UML diagrams are textual, they can be generated with the help of scripts or a few lines of code. They can be easily managed by the registered users within a custom namespace, and they can be named and shared in the form of links, which makes it easy to modify the diagrams without having to keep renaming them.
10. Microsoft Visio
Last but not the least on the list is Microsoft Visio which is a staple when we are talking about online diagramming, especially that of the UML.
There are two versions to it, the standard version and the professional version. It all comes down to your requirements and the level of expertise and you can pick one accordingly.
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Both of them are paid versions, so you do need to plan accordingly. They are desktop based software applications, so it doesn’t allow easy collaboration or real time working with the team members.
Aside from that, the platform does come integrated with all the necessary needs and requirements when it comes to UML diagramming. You don’t necessarily need anything extra with this because everything is included with the same.
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What is the significance of UML?
Nobody likes to do anything without knowing its significance. For the most part, the use of UML is integrated in the general purpose modelling language. While it was generally used in the beginning, the same has now been integrated with the documentation process, making it an even better option.
Using UML helps in getting a better outlook at things. Not just that, the use of UML diagram also helps provide with a more standardized way of modelling the workflows for enhanced readability and efficiency unlike anything else.
If you want to put forth a better understanding of the existing language, opting for UML diagramming is possibly the best way to go around with things.
Final Words
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If you have been planning to opt for an interactive and easy to use UML diagramming platform, these are some of the best available options you can look into. Just ensure that you do keep an eye out on the features and avail the ones that fit well with your needs.
The last thing that you want is to end up purchasing a subscription of a platform that doesn’t support one of the types of UML diagram that you need to get done. We would suggest you do your research, avail any trial version, if there’s any and then pick one suitable for your needs.