Violet UML Editor
Violet UML Editor is a free, open-source program for drawing simple UML diagrams.
What Violet UML Editor is
Violet UML Editor is a free, open-source program for drawing simple UML diagrams. It supports class, activity, object, sequence, state, and use case diagrams. The project describes it as easy to learn and use, and says it creates diagrams with a pleasing appearance. Violet is intended for developers, students, teachers, and authors who need simple UML diagrams quickly. It is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2) and written in Java; the listed interface options are Java Swing and Java SWT. The project names Linux, Mac, and Windows as supported operating systems, while its platform listing also includes web. The repository directs users to SourceForge for downloads. Building from source requires Java Development Kit 17 or newer and Maven 3 or newer; the repository specifies `mvn clean package` from the root directory to compile and package the project. The maintainer invites contributors to submit pull requests for review.
Good
- Free and open source under GPLv2
- Supports six UML diagram types
- Linux, Mac, and Windows are listed
- Maintainer invites pull requests
Watch out
- Building from source requires JDK 17 or newer
- Building from source requires Maven 3 or newer
- Downloads are directed to SourceForge
Who it suits
Violet suits developers, students, teachers, and authors who need straightforward UML diagrams. It may also interest contributors who want to submit changes to an open-source project.
Verdict
Violet focuses on simple UML drawing, with six diagram types and a free GPLv2 license. Check its listed platforms and build requirements if you plan to obtain or compile it.
Plans and prices
From Violet UML Editor's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Violet UML Editor | Free | Completely free · cross-platform UML editor |
The facts
Each one read from Violet UML Editor's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audience
- Violet is intended for developers, students, teachers, and authors who need simple UML diagrams quickly.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Build process
- The repository says to run `mvn clean package` from the root directory to compile and package the project.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The repository says building from source requires Java Development Kit 17 or greater and Maven 3 or greater.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Contributions
- The maintainer invites contributors to submit pull requests and says they will examine the request and contact the contributor.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Download source
- The source code repository directs users to SourceForge to download and use the software.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Ease of use
- The project describes Violet as easy to learn and use.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Interface
- The project lists Java Swing and Java SWT as user interfaces.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2).checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The project lists Linux, Mac, and Windows as supported operating systems.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Programming language
- The project lists Java as its programming language.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Violet is a UML editor for drawing simple diagrams quickly.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Diagram appearance
- The project says Violet draws nice-looking diagrams.checked 4 Oct 2026
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