kUML
kUML: A developer-first modeling tool for typed, versionable architecture workflows. Ranked #17 of 26 in UML Modeling Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for developer-centric typed modeling.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDeveloper-centric typed modeling
- Paid fromFree
- UML diagram typesClass, Object, Package, Component, Composite Structure, Deployment, Profile, Use Case, Activity, State Machine, Sequence, Communication, Timing, Interaction Overview
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Type-safe Kotlin DSL covers UML, SysML, C4, BPMN, and ERM
- Compile-time validation, code generation, and reverse engineering
- Git diffs, web editing, IDE integrations, and MCP support
Where it doesn't
- Kotlin DSL may be less accessible to diagram-only teams
- Collaboration centers on Git rather than a shared model workspace
- The workflow may be broader than teams needing only basic UML diagrams
Our verdict on kUML
kUML is an open-source modeling tool for developers and architects who want architecture models expressed as code. Its type-safe Kotlin DSL supports UML 2.x, SysML 2, C4, BPMN 2.0, and ERM models, with coverage for diagrams including class, component, deployment, activity, state machine, sequence, and use case. Models can be rendered to SVG, PNG, or LaTeX and used across web, Windows, macOS, and Linux workflows.
The strongest fit is for teams that want modeling to participate in a software development lifecycle. Compile-time validation and typed expressions provide structural checks, while code generation and model-to-model transformations connect models with implementation artifacts. Reverse engineering from Java, Kotlin, and SQL supports teams bringing existing systems into a modeling workflow. Git-versionable models with line-level diffs also make model changes easier to review alongside code. Integrations include Gradle, IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio Code, Obsidian, Asciidoctor, Structurizr, and MCP, while the IntelliJ and Visual Studio Code integrations keep the workflow close to development tools.
kUML’s breadth comes with a clear audience trade-off. The product combines CLI, desktop, web, IDE, MCP, and documentation integrations, plus a web editor with live diagram preview and an MCP server for rendering, validation, introspection, and code generation. AI features are included, but the published details do not define their scope. The Kotlin DSL and developer-oriented workflow may require more technical involvement than a visual-only UML application. Choose kUML for typed, Git-based architecture work connected to code; choose a simpler diagramming tool if visual modeling without a programming-oriented workflow is the priority.
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kUML pricing
kUML fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| UML diagram types | Class, Object, Package, Component, Composite Structure, Deployment, Profile, Use Case, Activity, State Machine, Sequence, Communication, Timing, Interaction Overview |
| Code generation | Yes |
| Reverse engineering | Yes |
| Team collaboration | Not verified |
| Deployment | Both |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, web browser |
| Model repository | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: Git, Gradle, IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio Code, Obsidian, Asciidoctor … |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | kuml.dev |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
kUML integrations
kUML lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- Git
- Gradle
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Visual Studio Code
- Obsidian
- Asciidoctor
- Structurizr
- MCP
Alternatives to kUML
- IBM Engineering RhapsodyA broad engineering suite for teams connecting models, code, requirements, and verification.9.3
- Sparx Enterprise ArchitectA broad enterprise modeling suite with deep repositories, engineering and versioning features.8.9
- IBM Rational Software Architect DesignerA broad enterprise modeling platform for teams that need traceability and transformation workflows.8.9
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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