ArgoUML

ArgoUML is a free, open-source desktop application for creating UML models, built around the UML 1.4 standard. Its feature list covers all nine UML 1.4 diagram types, and the tool uses a JMI-based model repository. It is written in Java and intended for systems with Java 5 or Java 6; the project provides installation through Java Web Start. Models can be saved using XMI: ArgoUML imports versions 1.1 and 1.2 and writes version 1.2. Diagram exports include GIF, PNG, PostScript, Encapsulated PostScript, PGML, and SVG. The tool supports code generation for Java, C++, C#, PHP4, and PHP5, plus reverse engineering from Java source, JAR files, and class files. Users can create and distribute UML profiles, and OCL constraint modeling includes syntax and type checking through the Dresden OCL toolkit. Background design critics can add suggestions to a to-do list. ArgoUML runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux through a Java runtime, and is distributed under the Eclipse Public License 1.0.

ArgoUML brings modeling, export, code-generation, and reverse-engineering features together in a free desktop package. Its stated Java 5 or 6 target is an important compatibility consideration.

ArgoUML suits people who need a free desktop tool for UML 1.4 modeling, code generation, or supported Java reverse engineering. It may also fit users who need XMI exchange, diagram exports, or OCL constraint modeling.

ArgoUML is a Java desktop application for building UML models and working with the code around them. It is best suited to users whose projects target UML 1.4 and who value a free, open-source tool over a newer standard or a web-first workflow. Its supporting tools extend beyond drawing, though its Java runtime requirement makes compatibility worth checking first.

Overview

ArgoUML conforms to the OMG UML 1.4 standard and keeps models in a JMI-based repository. That focus is useful when a project is organized around UML 1.4; it is a poor fit for teams that need a different UML version.

Models use XMI for saving: ArgoUML imports XMI 1.1 and 1.2 and writes XMI 1.2. Diagrams can also be exported as GIF, PNG, PostScript, Encapsulated PostScript, PGML, or SVG. Together, those options support model exchange as well as producing image and vector files for other documents.

Key features

Modeling and design support

ArgoUML supports all nine UML 1.4 diagram types. The named types include class, statechart, activity, use case, collaboration, deployment, and sequence diagrams. Design critics review models in the background and place suggestions on a to-do list, giving designers a source of feedback without interrupting their work.

Users can create and distribute UML profiles, and Java, C++, and UML 1.4 profiles are included. OCL constraint modeling adds syntax and type checking through the Dresden OCL toolkit. Those capabilities make ArgoUML more relevant to users managing model rules and reusable profiles than to someone who only needs to sketch a diagram.

Code generation and reverse engineering

Code generation covers Java, C++, C#, PHP4, and PHP5. The reverse-engineering framework supports Java source and includes modules for importing Java JAR and class files. This two-way relationship between models and code is a meaningful advantage for developers who work in those languages, though the supported language set is specific rather than broad.

Pricing

ArgoUML is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License (EPL) 1.0. Its Free/Open source plan costs nothing and includes the application under that license; there is no paid tier or seat-based plan to weigh. The practical tradeoff is compatibility: the software is intended for Java 5 or Java 6, so users should confirm their runtime environment before adopting it.

Platforms

ArgoUML is a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux through a Java runtime. The project provides installation through Java Web Start. Because it is written entirely in Java and targets Java 5 or Java 6, its cross-platform reach depends on having a suitable runtime; it is not a browser-based option.

The interface is available in American and British English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Norwegian Bokmål, and Chinese. The project directs users to a mailing list for UML questions and an IRC channel at Freenode.

Who it's for

ArgoUML fits developers and modelers maintaining UML 1.4 work who want code generation, Java reverse engineering, XMI exchange, and constraint support without a license cost. Its profiles and background design critics also suit users who need more structure than a diagram editor provides.

Look elsewhere if your work requires a UML standard other than 1.4, if your environment cannot run the targeted Java version, or if you want a web-first modeling tool. Its desktop format and defined runtime target are real constraints, not incidental setup details.

Pros and cons

• Pros: No-cost EPL 1.0 distribution makes it accessible for individual and team use without a paid-plan commitment.
• Pros: UML 1.4 modeling is paired with XMI import and export, multiple diagram formats, and profile support, giving modelers several ways to share and reuse work.
• Pros: Code generation across Java, C++, C#, PHP4, and PHP5 plus Java source, JAR, and class-file reverse engineering makes it useful alongside development work.
• Cons: Its compliance target is UML 1.4, limiting its suitability for projects standardized on another UML version.
• Cons: Java 5 or Java 6 is the stated target, so compatibility may rule it out in environments without an appropriate runtime.
• Cons: It is desktop software rather than a web application, which excludes users seeking browser-based access.

Alternatives

Visual Paradigm is worth considering if you prefer a web platform and want a freemium option; its free plan is limited to strictly non-commercial use, while its Starter plan is $4 a month when billed annually.

BESSER is another free, open-source option if you want a choice of API, web, self-hosted, and desktop platforms rather than ArgoUML's Java desktop approach.

BridgePoint may suit users looking for a free, open-source option whose plan includes an editor, verifier, and model compilers under Apache 2.0.

UMLet is a free alternative with standalone desktop apps, an Eclipse plugin, a web app, and a VS Code extension for users who want more ways to access a UML tool.

BOUML, Eclipse Papyrus, Gaphor, and Horusec are also free options to compare.

Browse more choices in UML Modeling Software.

Verdict

Choose ArgoUML if you need a free desktop modeler centered on UML 1.4 and want modeling connected to code generation, Java reverse engineering, and OCL constraints. Its strongest reason to choose it is that breadth without a license fee; its strongest reason to look elsewhere is the combination of an older UML target and a Java 5 or 6 runtime requirement.