Comparison

C4 Model vs Cybewave

The C4 model is a methodology. Cybewave is a tool that implements C4 and goes beyond it — with AI generation, 20+ diagram types, and Git-native workflow.

Feature comparison

Feature
Cybewave Studio
C4 Model
Abstraction model
C4 four-level model built in
C4 is a methodology, not a tool
AI generation
Describe → get C4 diagrams
Manual diagramming only
Rendering engine
Kroki + Mermaid + PlantUML
Structurizr, PlantUML, or draw.io
Version control
Git-native, PR-reviewable
DSL files or Structurizr workspace
Collaboration
Share links, export ZIP
Depends on tooling choice
Diagram types
C4 + Mermaid + PlantUML (20+ types)
C4 levels 1-4 only
Learning curve
Natural language input
Must learn C4 notation + tooling
Pricing
Free tier (50 AI credits/mo)
Free methodology; tools vary
Export formats
SVG, PNG, code, ZIP scaffold
Depends on renderer

C4 is a methodology — you still need a tool

The C4 model defines what to diagram (Context, Container, Component, Code) but not how to create those diagrams. You need a tool: Structurizr, PlantUML with C4 macros, Mermaid C4 syntax, or a drawing tool like draw.io.

Cybewave Studio is that tool — and more. It renders C4 diagrams natively, adds AI generation from plain English, supports 20+ diagram types beyond C4, and integrates with your Git workflow.

Think of it this way: C4 gives you the framework. Cybewave gives you the tool to implement that framework — plus everything else you need for architecture as code.

What Cybewave adds to C4

Cybewave implements C4 and extends it with AI, multiple diagram types, and a modern editor.

AI-generated C4 diagrams

Describe your architecture in plain English and get properly structured C4 diagrams at all levels — context, container, and component — without learning Mermaid or PlantUML syntax first.

Beyond C4: sequence, state, flowcharts

C4 covers structure but not behavior. Cybewave adds sequence diagrams for API flows, state diagrams for workflows, and flowcharts for processes — all from the same editor.

Real-time Kroki rendering

See your C4 diagrams rendered instantly as you type. Mermaid C4 and PlantUML C4 both render through Kroki with proper styling, borders, and color coding.

Export to SVG, PNG, and project scaffold

Download C4 diagrams as SVG or PNG for documentation. Or export a full project scaffold ZIP with architecture docs, diagram source, and generated code structure.

Save and version your C4 diagrams

Save C4 diagrams to your Cybewave account, load them later, iterate with AI. Your architecture documentation lives in the cloud, accessible from anywhere.

Presentation mode

Turn your C4 diagrams into an 11-slide HTML presentation covering system overview, actors, data model, business rules, and all generated diagrams. Present directly from the browser.

Try C4 diagrams in Cybewave

Free to start. 50 AI credits/month. No credit card required.

Get started for free →