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StarUML

Software modeler for building concise models across multiple modeling languages.

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StarUML is a desktop modeling tool for creating software design models, supporting multiple modeling languages within a single project. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, stores models as JSON, and offers code generation, HTML doc publishing, PDF export, and a command line interface for generating artifacts.

Features include UML 2, ERD, data flow, flowchart, mindmap, C4, SysML, BPMN, UI wireframe, and AWS, GCP and Azure architecture diagrams. It supports AI integration via MCP server, Mermaid syntax for diagram generation, JavaScript extensions, model validation, markdown documentation, and light and dark themes.

StarUML is packaged as a one-time per-device payment with no recurring fees, in Standard and Professional editions. Standard covers UML and basic modeling languages; Professional adds SysML, BPMN, UI wireframe, and cloud architecture diagrams. Volume discounts apply at higher device counts, and educational discounts are available for students, teachers, universities and schools.

12 alternatives to StarUML

Ranked by how well each tool replaces StarUML: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

  1. PlantUML

    Draw UML diagrams from simple text descriptions.

    Covers 6 of 15 key features and is open source.

    Open source
    68 out of 100 match—

  2. Edraw Software

    Unlock diagram possibilities.

    Covers 3 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    67 out of 100 matchContact sales

  3. MindManager

    Turn ideas into plans, and plans into action

    Covers 4 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    65 out of 100 matchContact sales

  4. draw.io

    Diagram software for flowcharts, org charts, UML, ER, and network diagrams

    Covers 5 of 15 key features, has a free plan and is open source.

    Free planOpen source
    64 out of 100 matchContact sales

  5. Mindmup

    Free online mind mapping tool for creating, sharing, and publishing mind maps.

    Covers 5 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    63 out of 100 match$6/mo

  6. WiseMapping

    Free and open-source mind mapping.

    Covers 2 of 15 key features, has a free plan and is open source.

    Free planOpen source
    63 out of 100 matchContact sales

  7. ProcessOn

    AI-powered online flowchart and mind map tool for real-time collaboration and knowledge

    Covers 3 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    63 out of 100 matchFree

  8. Visual Paradigm

    AI-powered visual modeling platform covering UML, BPMN, enterprise architecture, and agile

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    62 out of 100 matchContact sales

  9. Mindomo

    Collaborative Mind Map Maker

    Covers 3 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    62 out of 100 match$16/mo

  10. PlantText

    The expert's design tool.

    Covers 4 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free plan
    61 out of 100 matchFree

  11. UMLet

    Free UML tools for fast, beautiful diagrams.

    Covers 6 of 15 key features, has a free plan and is open source.

    Free planOpen source
    60 out of 100 matchFree

  12. Modelio

    The Open Source Modeling Environment UML, BPMN, ArchiMate, SysML, Togaf, Model Driver Devé

    Covers 5 of 15 key features, has a free plan and is open source.

    Free planOpen source
    59 out of 100 matchFree