Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Structurizr VS Archi

Compare Structurizr VS Archi and see what are their differences

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Structurizr logo Structurizr

Structurizr is a workspace editor that creates software architecture diagrams and documentation based on the C4 model.

Archi logo Archi

A free and open source modelling tool to create ArchiMate models and sketches.
  • Structurizr Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-23
  • Archi Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-16

Structurizr features and specs

  • Expressiveness
    Structurizr allows architects to create detailed and expressive architecture diagrams using a code-based approach. This can lead to clearer and more precisely defined diagrams compared to traditional diagramming tools.
  • Version Control
    Because Structurizr uses a code-based approach to create diagrams, it integrates smoothly with version control systems like Git. This makes tracking changes and collaborating on architecture diagrams easier.
  • Auto Layout
    Structurizr can automatically lay out diagrams, reducing the manual effort required and helping maintain consistent styling and positioning across diagrams.
  • Modularity
    Structurizr enables modularizing diagram definitions, allowing architects to reuse components across different diagrams, improving maintainability and consistency.

Possible disadvantages of Structurizr

  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a learning curve as they need to get familiar with the Structurizr DSL (domain-specific language) or the various libraries available for different programming languages.
  • Less Interactive
    Compared to interactive GUI-based tools, Structurizr can be less intuitive and lacks direct manipulation of elements on diagrams, which might be a drawback for users who prefer a visual approach.
  • Limited Customization
    While Structurizr provides layout features, customization options in terms of visual styling may be limited compared to more traditional diagramming tools.
  • Integration Complexity
    Integrating Structurizr with existing systems and environments might be complex, especially for teams used to GUI-based tools, which could result in additional setup time.

Archi features and specs

  • Open Source
    Archi is open-source software, meaning it’s free to use and its source code is openly available for modifications, ensuring flexibility and customizability.
  • ArchiMate Modeling Language
    It uses the ArchiMate modeling language, which is a standard for enterprise architecture modeling, making it easier to create interoperable models.
  • Cross-Platform
    Archi operates on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to work in their preferred environment.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The tool has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, which diminishes the learning curve for new users.
  • Community Support
    A strong user community provides support, plugins, and extensions, enhancing the tool’s functionality and usability.

Possible disadvantages of Archi

  • Performance Issues
    Archi may experience performance issues when dealing with very large and complex models, which can hinder productivity.
  • Limited Collaboration Features
    The tool has limited built-in features for collaboration, which can be a drawback for teams that need to work simultaneously on the same project.
  • Lacks Integration
    Compared to some commercial tools, Archi lacks seamless integration with other enterprise tools, which can lead to inefficiencies.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the ArchiMate modeling language itself can have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with enterprise architecture modeling.
  • Limited Documentation
    The documentation can be sparse and not as comprehensive as that of commercial counterparts, which can make it challenging to find answers to specific questions.

Analysis of Archi

Overall verdict

  • Archi is a robust and effective tool for enterprise architecture modeling, particularly for those who favor open-source solutions. Its support for the ArchiMate language makes it a solid choice for enterprises seeking to align their business processes with IT systems.

Why this product is good

  • Archi is a popular tool for modeling enterprise architecture using the ArchiMate language. It is widely appreciated for its open-source nature, ease of use, and flexibility in creating, editing, and sharing models. The tool is especially useful for organizations that require a visual representation of architectures to improve understanding and communication among stakeholders. It supports essential features like model consistency, viewpoints management, and importing/exporting models in different formats. Its integration capabilities and plugins further enhance its functionality.

Recommended for

  • Enterprise architects looking for an open-source, cost-effective tool.
  • Organizations adopting the ArchiMate modeling language.
  • Professionals needing a tool with strong community support and regular updates.
  • Teams that require collaborative modeling and sharing features.

Structurizr videos

Simon Brown: C4 Architecture Model and Structurizr

Archi videos

SuperPower Archi 150 Full Review

More videos:

  • Review - Archi Pearl Cream Honest Review | Archi Result | Archi Kesi Hai | Beauty Facts
  • Review - Super Power Archi 150 - Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Structurizr and Archi)
Diagrams
100 100%
0% 0
3D
0 0%
100% 100
Flowcharts
100 100%
0% 0
Architecture
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Structurizr and Archi

Structurizr Reviews

Top 7 diagrams as code tools for software architecture
Structurizr builds upon “diagrams as code”, allowing you to create multiple diagrams from a single model using a number of tools and programming languages.

Archi Reviews

We have no reviews of Archi yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Structurizr should be more popular than Archi. It has been mentiond 8 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Structurizr mentions (8)

  • Could someone give me some feedback on my first 2 diagrams?
    You are welcome! It’s a nice way of breaking down problems. You can go one step further and generate them from code using something like Structurizr (https://structurizr.org/) if you want to get fancy. Source: about 2 years ago
  • System Design How to?
    Regarding documentation, I created the C4 model for visualising software architecture as a way to introduce some structure into architecture diagrams, because even today most of what I see is still ad hoc boxes and arrows, with little thought into what (abstractions) and how (notation) an architecture is described. My own tooling (https://structurizr.org) allows you to create multiple diagrams from a single model,... Source: about 2 years ago
  • D2, a text-to-diagram tool and library written in Go
    Would love to see a comparison to structurizr, which is a higher level dsl that essentially renders to any of the other three you're comparing. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Diagram as Code
    I just watched a goto conference talk by Simon Brown on https://structurizr.org/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Diagrams as Code 2.0
    You can look at https://structurizr.org/ for a free version. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Archi mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Structurizr and Archi, you can also consider the following products

IcePanel - Collaborative modelling and diagramming tool based on the C4 model. Software architecture design made fun! 🧊

CorelDRAW Technical Suite X7 - Discover CorelDRAW Technical Suite 2019 and create technical illustrations with speed, accuracy, and precision. Download the free trial today!

draw.io - Online diagramming application

MagicPlan - The floor plan creation app magicplan lets you create dimensioned floor plans without actively measuring or drawing. With its Augmented Reality.

Terrastruct - A diagramming tool for software architecture

Frank - Frank is a lending and borrowing platform for friends and family.