Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Visio VS UMLGraph

Compare Visio VS UMLGraph and see what are their differences

Visio logo Visio

Simplify and communicate complex information using data-linked diagrams.

UMLGraph logo UMLGraph

UMLGraph is a professional automated drawing tool that allows the designers the declarative specification and drawing of UML class and sequence diagram.
  • Visio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-04
  • UMLGraph Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-25

Visio features and specs

  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Visio integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, making it easier to incorporate diagrams into documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and collaborative spaces.
  • Wide Range of Templates and Shapes
    Visio offers a large variety of templates and pre-made shapes for different kinds of diagrams such as flowcharts, network diagrams, organizational charts, and more, which can save time and make the process of creating diagrams more efficient.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration
    Visio Online allows real-time collaboration where multiple users can work on a diagram simultaneously, share feedback, and make edits, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
  • Robust Data Linking
    Visio supports data linking from external sources like Excel, SQL Server, and SharePoint lists, enabling dynamic diagrams that automatically update based on the data source.
  • Professional-Level Features
    Features such as layering, advanced formatting options, detailed customization, and high-quality visual outputs make Visio suitable for professional use in complex projects.

Possible disadvantages of Visio

  • Cost
    Visio is a premium product that can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users, requiring either a subscription to Microsoft 365 or a standalone purchase.
  • Learning Curve
    The wide range of features and customization options can make Visio overwhelming for new users, requiring a significant investment of time to become proficient.
  • Performance Issues
    With complex and large diagrams, Visio can sometimes become slow or unresponsive, impacting the user experience.
  • Limited Platform Compatibility
    Visio is primarily designed for Windows environments, and while there is a web-based version, it lacks some of the features and functionality of the desktop version, potentially limiting its usability across different operating systems.
  • Requires Internet Connection for Collaboration
    The cloud-based collaboration features require a stable internet connection, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

UMLGraph features and specs

  • Automated Diagrams
    UMLGraph allows for the automatic generation of UML diagrams directly from Java source code, which can save a significant amount of time and reduce the likelihood of errors introduced by manual diagram creation.
  • Integration with Javadoc
    UMLGraph integrates seamlessly with Javadoc, enabling the generation of both class documentation and UML diagrams in a unified process.
  • Text-Based Configuration
    Diagrams are configured using textual annotations in the source code, which makes version control easier and allows developers to maintain diagrams alongside the source code.
  • Extensible and Customizable
    The tool is highly customizable, allowing users to define the appearance and layout of UML diagrams to meet specific project needs.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source tool, UMLGraph is freely available for use and modification, promoting community involvement and continual improvement.

Possible disadvantages of UMLGraph

  • Learning Curve
    There is a learning curve associated with mastering the use of UMLGraph and its annotations, which may create an initial barrier to entry for new users.
  • Java-Centric
    UMLGraph is designed specifically for Java, which limits its utility for projects that are developed in other programming languages.
  • Limited Dynamic Diagram Support
    The tool primarily focuses on static diagrams and may have limited functionality for generating dynamic diagrams such as sequence or activity diagrams.
  • Dependence on Graphviz
    UMLGraph relies on Graphviz for rendering diagrams, which introduces an additional dependency that must be installed and maintained.
  • Manual Configuration for Complex Diagrams
    For complex diagrams, significant manual configuration may be required, which can negate some of the time-saving benefits.

Analysis of UMLGraph

Overall verdict

  • UMLGraph is generally considered a good tool for generating UML diagrams, especially for those who are comfortable with using Javadoc and prefer a textual approach to diagram specification over a graphical one. It excels in environments where automated documentation is a priority and where integration with Java projects is necessary.

Why this product is good

  • UMLGraph is a tool that allows the declarative specification and drawing of UML class and sequence diagrams. It is highly regarded for its ability to generate diagrams from Java source code using Javadoc comments, which is particularly useful for developers who want to maintain up-to-date documentation within their codebase. Its integration with Javadoc and automated nature makes it efficient for projects that require regular documentation updates.

Recommended for

  • Java developers looking for an integrated solution to generate UML diagrams from source code.
  • Teams that prefer declarative documentation methods and want to keep their diagrams in sync with their codebase.
  • Projects that require frequent updates to documentation as part of their development lifecycle.

Visio videos

Microsoft Visio 2019 - Full Tutorial for Beginners [+General Overview]

More videos:

  • Review - 9 Alternatives to Microsoft Visio
  • Review - Updates to Microsoft Visio

UMLGraph videos

No UMLGraph videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Visio and UMLGraph)
Diagrams
66 66%
34% 34
Flowcharts
74 74%
26% 26
Wireframing
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
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 Visio and UMLGraph

Visio Reviews

10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
If you are looking for Microsoft Visio alternatives then you are at the right place. We are not gonna lie Microsoft Visio is one of the best Visio alternatives itself. Being so powerful application with so many amazing flowchart-related features and options Microsoft Visio is one of the best flowchart tools industry can possess.
Compare The 10 Best Mind Mapping Software of 2021
Overall, Lucidchart is some of the best mind map software for those who want something easy to roll out and learn to use. It’s positioned similarly to SmartDraw as a more affordable and intuitive alternative to Microsoft Visio, and it delivers. It’s the most affordable of the three solutions, it supplies an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and its pre-built integrations...
9 Best UML Software For Mac & PC
However, we strongly recommend taking a look at SmartDraw which is the best alternative to Microsoft Visio on Mac and is the only tool which can accurately import the latest Visio VSDX file format.
Source: machow2.com
20 Free Open Source BPM Software for Businesses in 2021
Visio is a one-stop BPM solution which simplifies and helps users to convey large or intricate information with the help of visual medium such as charts and diagrams, seamlessly. With the help of diagrams that are data-linked users can communicate important information to the other members in just a few clicks with the help of this business process modelling software.
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
Visio is a one-stop diagramming solution to simplify and communicate complex information. Visio helps the user work visually and produce diagram effortlessly.Visio simplify and communicate complex information with data-linked diagrams that you can create in just a few clicks. It does simplify and communicate complex information with data-linked diagrams that create in just a...

UMLGraph Reviews

We have no reviews of UMLGraph yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Visio and UMLGraph, you can also consider the following products

LucidChart - LucidChart is the missing link in online productivity suites. LucidChart allows users to create, collaborate on, and publish attractive flowcharts and other diagrams from a web browser.

draw.io - Online diagramming application

Dia - Dia is a GTK+ based diagram creation program for GNU/Linux, MacOS X, Unix, and Windows, and is released under the GPL license.

yEd - yEd is a free desktop application to quickly create, import, edit, and automatically arrange diagrams. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix/Linux.

PlantUML - PlantUML is an open-source tool that uses simple textual descriptions to draw UML diagrams.

Gliffy - Gliffy is a powerful HTML5 online diagram maker. Create a flow chart, network diagram, UML diagram, organizational chart or wireframe with ease.