plantuml
Generate UML diagrams from text descriptions
TLDR
Generate diagram
$ plantuml [diagram.puml]
Output as PNG$ plantuml -tpng [diagram.puml]
Output as SVG$ plantuml -tsvg [diagram.puml]
Output to directory$ plantuml -o [output_dir] [diagram.puml]
Read from stdin$ echo "@startuml\nA -> B\n@enduml" | plantuml -pipe > [diagram.png]
Watch for changes$ plantuml -gui
SYNOPSIS
plantuml [options] files...
DESCRIPTION
plantuml generates UML diagrams from text descriptions. It supports sequence diagrams, class diagrams, activity diagrams, and many other types.
The tool uses a simple text-based syntax that can be version-controlled and integrated into documentation workflows.
PARAMETERS
-t format
Output format (png, svg, eps, pdf, txt).-o dir
Output directory.-charset encoding
Input file encoding.-pipe
Use stdin/stdout.-gui
Launch GUI.-config file
Include config file.-checkversion
Check for updates.-verbose
Verbose output.
DIAGRAM TYPES
Sequence, Class, Activity, Use Case, Component, State, Object, Deployment, Timing, Wireframe, Gantt, Mind Map
CAVEATS
Requires Java. Graphviz needed for some diagrams. Large diagrams may be slow. Complex layouts need tuning.
HISTORY
PlantUML was created by Arnaud Roques starting in 2009. It brought text-based diagramming to UML, integrating with wikis, documentation tools, and IDEs.