The best diagram-as-code tools compared. Mermaid, PlantUML, Structurizr, D2, and Cybewave — features, syntax, and workflow.
AI-powered editor for Mermaid + PlantUML. Cloud saving, real-time preview, project export.
Markdown-like syntax. GitHub-native rendering. ~15 diagram types. Open source.
UML-based syntax. ~20+ diagram types. Java rendering. Extensive customization.
C4 model-focused. DSL + workspace model. Good for enterprise architecture.
Modern syntax. Go-based renderer. Clean output. Growing ecosystem.
Universal rendering API. Supports 20+ diagram languages. Self-hostable.
| Feature | Cybewave | Mermaid | PlantUML | Structurizr | D2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI generation | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
| Mermaid support | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
| PlantUML support | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| C4 model | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Cloud saving | ✓ | – | – | ✓ | – |
| Real-time preview | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – |
| Git workflow | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Free to start. 50 AI credits/month. Mermaid + PlantUML.
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