PlantUML
7.4#19 in diagramming toolsFree planFree planWebAPIExtensionLinux
VisitPlantUML vs SmartDraw
What both publish
| Fact | PlantUML | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Diagram types | It supports UML diagrams including sequence, use case, class, object, activity, component, deployment, state, and timing diagrams. | Templates and tools cover flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams, UML, ERD, timelines, mind maps, Gantt charts, cause-and-effect diagrams and technical drawings. |
| Founded | 2009 | 1994 |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Integrations | The project lists integrations with tools including GitHub, GitLab, Confluence, WordPress, Slack, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA. | Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Teams, Confluence, Jira, Trello, SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, AWS, Azure, GitHub, Entra ID, ChatGPT and Claude. |
| Notable limitation | PlantUML functions as a drawing generator rather than a modeling tool and does not prevent inconsistent diagrams. | SmartDraw runs in a browser and requires an internet connection; its desktop launcher opens the web app. |
PlantUML plans
- PlantUMLFree
SmartDraw plans
- Individual$9.95 a month
- Team$8.95 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
Pick PlantUML if…
PlantUML suits people who want to produce diagrams from text, including users working with UML and other structured diagram types. Local hosting is an option for sensitive diagrams, while the browser editor supports editing in a browser.
Pick SmartDraw if…
SmartDraw suits building and facility managers, construction and public safety professionals, investigators, and estimators needing specialized plans. It also fits IT, HR, software, and product teams creating collaborative diagrams and documentation.