A sequence diagram, also known as an event diagram is a type of UML diagram that shows a sequence of events and interaction of objects in a time sequence. At a glance, you will see different objects along a vertical axis which represents the time messages are carried out. There is also a horizontal axis that illustrates the objects or elements involved in the system. This is primarily used to understand the requirements of a system and document the operation’s process. They are helpful for operations like hotel reservations or enrollment systems. But in order to create this diagram, you need a sequence diagram tool like the ones we will discuss below.
Top Free Sequence Diagram Tools
GitMind
Score: 4.8 / 5
Pricing: Free
GitMind comes with a large library of templates and themes allowing you to produce and streamline your diagrams. It helps you create visually pleasing sequence diagrams with its easy-to-use interface. Also, it has a lot of shapes for better diagramming and generates different types of diagrams. Furthermore, it allows you to share projects and collaborate with other team members.
DOWNLOADLucidchart
Score: 4.6 / 5
Pricing: Free, $7.95 for a starter plan
A sequence diagram can also be made with Lucidchart. Users can draw various visual illustrations, from simple to technical diagrams. And like GitMind, this sequence diagram tool can improve the creation process with its collaboration feature. In addition to that, it has a sequence markup feature in which you only need to type the order and rules of the system. By then, the diagram will be automatically generated showing the objects and operations involved in the process.
Visual Paradigm
Score: 4.2 / 5
Pricing: Free; $5 monthly
Visual Paradigm is another free diagramming tool that can help you draw professional diagrams. The sequence diagram tool does not limit the number of diagrams or shapes, there are no ads, and you can enjoy the tool for as long as you’d like.
StarUML
Score: 3.9 / 5
Pricing: Free
Create your own sequence diagram using a professional sequence diagramming tool called StarUML. This program was developed specifically to create UML diagrams like sequence diagrams. It offers standardized UML shapes including arrows and labels. For those who are coding a system, you can also import your program’s code and display it as a diagram.
Gliffy
Score: 3.8 / 5
Pricing: Free; $4.99
Looking for a free online sequence diagram generator? Gliffy is the right program for you. With this tool, you will be able to create diagrams anywhere. It also fully integrates with the Atlassian products Confluence and Jira. This means you can continue creating previously made diagrams without leaving the Atlassian environment, thereby increasing the team’s productivity.
Creately
Score: 3.8 / 5
Pricing: Free; $4.95 monthly
Creately offers ready-made sequence diagram templates to help you easily create a sequence diagram for your business or organization. This sequence diagram generator lets you pick a suitable template to match the common processes or scenarios. It also supports other types of UML diagrams like Use case, DFD, and ER.
UMLetino 14.3
Score: 3.5 / 5
Pricing: Free
UMLetino 14.3 is another free online UML tool and you don’t need to install any plugins. Unlike other tools though, the program isn’t visually appealing. The interface, shape selection tools, and customization options are very simple but still enough to create a comprehensive sequence diagram. At the same time, this sequence diagram maker gives you the capability to import and export from and to Dropbox.
Conclusion
Like any other diagram, a sequence diagram makes it easy to understand the processes or operation of a system. Thus, if you want to model a sequence diagram of your business or understand the requirements of a system, then these free online sequence tools can get the job done. They are easy-to-use and anyone can use them, with just the basic knowledge of a sequence diagram.
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