I’ve recently searched for an open source, freeware software for easy creation of UML diagrams. My objectives were to find a complete solution for creating class, use case and sequence diagrams.
The following summarize, for my opinion, the best value for the above specifications.
Violet UML Editor
- Download from: http://violet.sourceforge.net
- Run with: java -jar [name_of_downloaded_violet_jar]
- Can also be run as an Eclipse plug-in
- Very easy and simple software for creating diagrams
StarUML
- Download from: http://staruml.sourceforge.net
- Robust software with every type of diagram in software engineering field
- Can generate class diagrams from existing code (reverse engineering)
- Can generate initial code from class diagram
ArgoUML
- Download from: http://argouml.tigris.org
- Can also be run as an online tool directly from the site
- Can generate initial code from class diagram
- Export to PNG
Online tools
gliffy.com
- http://www.gliffy.com
- Requires registration
- Diagrams are public after 30 days trial
- Has number of basic templates to start with
- Export to PNG format
lucidchart.com
- http://www.lucidchart.com
- Requires registration
- Has tutorial how to use the site
- Export to JPEG format
