Alternatives to PlantUML
Generates UML and architecture diagrams from text descriptions. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
PlantUML
Generates UML and architecture diagrams from text descriptions.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as PlantUML.
Mermaid
Generates diagrams from Markdown-like text.
Mermaid generates diagrams from Markdown-like text without needing Java or Graphviz, and GitHub and GitLab render it natively, though it covers fewer diagram types.
Gaphor
Modelling tool for UML, SysML, C4 and RAAML diagrams.
Gaphor is a graphical modelling tool with a real UML 2 data model for UML, SysML, C4 and RAAML, instead of text descriptions turned into diagrams.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
MkDocs
Static site generator that builds documentation sites from Markdown.
Docusaurus
React-based static site generator built for documentation sites.
Slidev
An open-source presentation tool that builds slide decks from Markdown, aimed at developers.
