PlantUML
PlantUML: A flexible open-source choice for diagrams managed as code. Ranked #13 of 36 in Diagram Software by our editors (8.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for code-driven diagrams integrated with developer tools.
At a glance
- Editor score8.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCode-driven diagrams integrated with developer tools
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2009
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Covers UML plus JSON, YAML, network, wireframe, and Gantt diagrams
- Supports Graphviz, Smetana, VizJs, and ELK layout engines
- Integrates with IDEs, Git, documentation tools, Docker, Java, and Python
Where it doesn't
- Text syntax requires comfort with source-based diagram creation
- Real-time multi-user collaboration is not a core workflow
- Java-based local use requires the plantuml.jar application
Our verdict on PlantUML
PlantUML is an open-source diagram generator for developers, architects, technical writers, and teams that manage diagrams alongside source code or documentation. Users define diagrams with PlantUML syntax and generate sequence, use case, class, activity, component, deployment, state, object, and timing diagrams. It also covers non-UML formats such as network diagrams, wireframes, Gantt charts, mind maps, WBS, JSON, and YAML. The product can run on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, through an API or self-hosted deployment, and locally from plantuml.jar.
Its strongest fit is a code-centered toolchain. PlantUML offers command-line generation, an online HTTP rendering server, and integrations with IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, NetBeans, Git, GitLab, Confluence, Doxygen, Sphinx, AsciiDoc, Docker, Java, Python, Groovy, and Emacs. Multiple layout engines, including Graphviz, Smetana, VizJs, and ELK, give teams options for rendering different diagram structures. Generated PNG files can embed diagram source metadata, which supports traceability when diagrams are shared as generated artifacts. Export options include PNG, SVG, EPS, PDF, VDX, XMI, SCXML, HTML, ATXT, UTXT, and LaTeX/TikZ.
PlantUML is distributed as free, open-source software under multiple licensing options, with no official paid plans or editor limits. That makes it suitable for teams prioritizing reproducible, version-controlled diagrams over a visual-first editing experience. The tradeoff is that text-based authoring places more emphasis on syntax and source management than on real-time, multi-user collaboration. Choose PlantUML when diagrams need to live in repositories, documentation pipelines, or developer environments; choose another diagram tool when shared canvas editing is the main requirement.
Your product? Our editors can test PlantUML in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
PlantUML pricing
PlantUML fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Diagram types | Sequence, use-case, class, object, activity, component, deployment, state, timing, regex, network, wireframe, Archimate, Gantt, mind map, WBS, EBNF, JSON, YAML |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Export formats | PNG, SVG, EPS, PDF, VDX, XMI, SCXML, HTML, ATXT, UTXT, LaTeX, Braille PNG |
| Import formats | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Version history | Yes |
| Maximum editors | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, Git, GitLab, Docker … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | plantuml.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PlantUML integrations
PlantUML lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Eclipse
- Visual Studio Code
- Git
- GitLab
- Docker
- GitHub
Alternatives to PlantUML
- draw.ioA broad, flexible diagramming editor for teams that want free cross-platform coverage.9.4
- Visual ParadigmA broad modeling suite with collaboration, engineering tools, and a free plan.9.2
- LucidchartA broad, collaborative diagramming workspace with a free tier and web-only access.9.0
See all PlantUML alternatives →
Also Ranked In
PlantUML is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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