Structurizr vs drawio: What are the differences?

Comparison between Structurizr and drawio

Structurizr and drawio are two popular tools used for diagramming and visualizing software architecture. While they both serve similar purposes, there are several key differences between them that set them apart.

1. Integration with software modeling: Structurizr is specifically designed for modeling software architecture, allowing users to create system context, container, component, and deployment diagrams. On the other hand, drawio is a more general diagramming tool that supports a wide range of diagrams, including flowcharts, network diagrams, and process diagrams.

2. Collaboration and version control: Structurizr offers features for collaboration and version control, enabling teams to work together on designing and documenting software architecture. It provides features like live collaboration, automatic layout, and revision history. In contrast, drawio does not have built-in features for collaboration or version control.

3. Templates and stencils: Drawio provides a wide variety of templates and stencils for different diagram types, making it easier to create different types of diagrams. Structurizr, on the other hand, is more focused on software architecture modeling and does not provide as many pre-built templates or stencils for other types of diagrams.

4. Customization and extensibility: Drawio allows users to extensively customize their diagrams, including changing colors, styles, and layouts. It also provides the option to import custom stencils and shapes. In comparison, Structurizr offers limited customization options and does not support importing custom shapes or stencils.

5. Integration with other tools: Drawio can easily integrate with other tools and platforms, allowing users to import and export diagrams in various formats, including PNG, PDF, and SVG. It also provides integration with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and OneDrive. Structurizr, on the other hand, has limited options for importing and exporting diagrams.

6. Pricing and licensing: Structurizr is a commercial tool that offers different pricing plans based on the number of workspaces and users. Drawio, on the other hand, is an open-source tool that can be used for free, and also offers paid options for enhanced features and support.

In summary, Structurizr is a specialized tool focused on modeling software architecture with collaboration and version control features, while drawio is a more general diagramming tool with extensive customization options and integration capabilities.