free, cheap or open source UML and Visio-like tool

Question

Hi Guys,

We're looking for free/cheap or open source UML tools. What tools have you used ? It's OK if there are 2 tools, one each for Flow charts and UML.

If a UML tool or Flow Chart tool is cheap(we're a NON-PROFIT), and no open source is good enough, we're open to look at them.

Thanks and BR,
~A

Answer 1

Have a look at Dia

Answer 2

There is for example DIA. Also, Visual Paradigm is a commercial UML editor that has a free community edition.

Answer 3

StarUML is also a nice one

Answer 4

ArgoUML could also be an option or, maybe even better, one of the free modeling tools available for the Eclipse enviroment. See: http://modeling-languages.com/content/uml-tools for pointers to Eclipse and fre/open-source tools

Answer 5

To create flowcharts online, I use gliffy

Answer 6

For BPMN/Workflow I m using Bizagi Process Modeler.

For UML i m using Enterprise architect but it is not free but the priceis ok if you look what you get. Poseidon UML is ok but suffers when you have a lot of diagrams.

Answer 7

VioletUML for UML diagrams.

Answer 8

I use UMLet

Free, AND open source.

Why i like it : all the diagram have a "sourcecode", for exemple a class is "coded" like that.

<<Stereotype>>
Package::FatClass
{Some Properties}
--
-id: Long
-ClassAttribute: Long_
--
#Operation(i: int): int
/+AbstractOperation()/
--
Responsibilities
-- Resp1
-- Resp2

It's handy, and avoid heachache with graphical editor.

Edit : Thanks eric for the precision

Answer 9

Simple and easy to use: JudeUML. There is a free Community Edition.

This software is now released as astah community.

Answer 10

It's online, but I think yUML is the best free tool I've used. I've used Violet for University work but found it clunky and crash-prone.

yUml only supports class diagrams, activity diagrams and use case diagrams though. Here's an example of its output:

Answer 11

I've used BOUML before. It is useful for generating Java code from UML class diagrams, if you're into that sort of thing.

Answer 12

Topcased is integrated to Eclipse and is able to generate code.

Answer 13

For sketching up sequence diagrams this site is excellent: http://websequencediagrams.com/

Answer 14

If you'd like to focus on building you model and not manipulating objects on diagram, you must try Red Koda Community. Check the one minute sequence diagram video, you can see how easy and fast you can use it with the aid of short cut keys.