In minutes, create a professional software or Architecture diagram. An application Architecture diagram is an essential task for architects and IT project leaders. This could be an application flow, an Architecture diagram, or a software design.
Microsoft Visio is the most used software for creating diagrams. It is expensive, however, so it may not appeal to small businesses or startups. These online tools allow you to create layouts without the need for any software.
Draw.io
Draw.io allows you to create flow charts or other diagrams with many shapes, to accurately visualize your infrastructure.
More than 50 templates are available to help you get started in different categories.
- Draw.io
- Choose the place where you wish to save the diagrams
- Click on “Create a New Diagram”
- Click on the Create button and enter the File Name.
Drag-n-drop the shared links from the left navigation to begin designing your flow. You can search for the shared if you don’t find it.
- After you’re done, click File >> Export to
Choose the file type that you prefer, and you’re done. It’s simple, and the best part is FREE!
Terrastruct
Terrastruct can be used to diagram software architecture.
Terrastruct allows you to express the complexity of your software designs, unlike other diagramming tools which produce static images. Terrastruct allows you to layer your diagram according to the level of abstraction and define scenarios that describe each edge case.
Features
- Multidimensional diagrams
- Autolayout
- Github integration that transforms its README into diagram presentation
- Live collaboration
- Software diagrams: Huge icon collection
- Diagrams protected by password
- Features for teams include shared templates and image uploads.
Gliffy
Gliffy allows you to create many types of diagrams like Venn Diagrams, Org Charts, Venn Diagrams, Wireframe and Mindmaps. It is very similar to Draw.io. The user interface is similar to Draw.io. However, I can see more shapes in colors, which is very useful and attractive.
- Go to gliffy.com
- Click on “START DRAWNING.”
Drag-and-drop the shapes you need from the left navigation. Once you’re done, export the file in PNG, JPG or SVG to your desktop.
Edraw Max
EdrawMax is trusted by companies such as Samsung, Dell, IBM and IBM. It can help you create visual-presentation within minutes. Simply choose a visualization element, then add your data using spreadsheets or the sidebar. After you are done, you can either share your work on social media, or add it to your slides, documents, or website.
There are over 1000 templates available in different areas.
- Flowchart
- Timeline
- Infographic
- Brochure
- Network visualization
- Floor plan
- Engineering plan
It includes all the features you need to convey your message through visuals.
Cacoo
Cacoo allows you to collaborate in real time with grids, drag-n-drop and revision history. You can create 25 sheets and export them in PNG format.
There are many shapes available for nearly all of the objects required to create a wireframe or diagram.
ProcessOn
ProcessOn another online tool that allows you to create UI Mockups and Mind Maps, Flowcharts and UML.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart comes freemium. The free plan has basic functionality, but it’s a good place to start.
Choose from over 100 premade templates within the following categories.
- Network
- Network infrastructure
- Mindmap
- Engineering
- Analyse of business
- Sitemap
- Org chart
- Flowchart
- Wireframe
- And much more…
Creately
With Creately, you can create one project or five diagrams for free. Creately lets you create a flowchart or organizational chart, wireframes, network diagrams, infographics and many other types of graphics.
It is very easy to create an Architecture diagram or flowchart.
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Coggle
Create a flowchart with your team and mind maps using Coggle. These are some of the features.
- Multiple starting points can be added to the diagram
- Upload your own images
- Annotate text and images
- Many shapes and design elements
After you’re satisfied with your diagram, it is possible to download them as image or PDF files. You can also export your diagrams as Visio or.mm files.
Mindmeister
It is a mind mapping tool that is primarily used for its name.
Mindmeister has been used by more than 10,000,000 people for project planning, brainstorming, knowledge management and note taking.
YED
You can choose from a variety of samples to help you kickstart and create a Architecture diagram. yED live is fast and free from distractions.
Features
- Add your branding color palette
- You can add custom data
- Share your knowledge with others
- UML Diagram Editor
- Grouping graph structure
yED can also be downloaded as a desktop edition.
SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a powerful tool that offers thousands of symbols, templates, and tools. There are many elements you can create, such as:
- Flowcharts
- Floor plans
- Diagrams of networks
- Graphs
- Drawings in CAD
- Wireframes
- There’s so much more
It seamlessly integrates with third-party tools such as MS Office, GSuite and Trello. You can also import, export and modify Visio files as well as stencils. It’s both powerful and simple to use.
SmartDraw can be downloaded on your desktop, or you can use it online from any device.
Visual Paradigm
Visual Paradigm has a simple editor and central workspace that make it easy to create and maintain diagrams. It’s great for organizing things and allowing you to achieve more in a shorter time.
Collaborate with your team and create projects together under one roof. You can either start from scratch, or choose from pre-made templates. There are over 2,000 diagrams to help you get ideas and support when you’re stuck.
This tool is free if you use it for non-profit purposes. It costs $4/month/user for you to get started.
Conclusion
These tools will help you visualize and create your flow, process visually. Learning TOGAF is a good option if you’re new to enterprise architecture.