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  1. Stackups
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  5. Microsoft Visio vs Structurizr

Microsoft Visio vs Structurizr

OverviewDecisionsComparisonAlternatives

Overview

Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio
Stacks140
Followers153
Votes7
Structurizr
Structurizr
Stacks15
Followers32
Votes2

Microsoft Visio vs Structurizr: What are the differences?

<Write Introduction here>

  1. User Interface: Microsoft Visio is a general-purpose diagramming tool with a rich set of editing tools and shapes, while Structurizr is a more specialized tool focused on creating software architecture diagrams. Visio offers a wide range of diagram types including flowcharts, network diagrams, and organizational charts, while Structurizr provides specific views for documenting software systems such as containers, components, and code.

  2. Automatic Layout: Microsoft Visio provides automatic layout options that help users to quickly arrange shapes and connectors on the diagram canvas, while Structurizr does not offer this feature. In Visio, users can choose from different layouts like hierarchical, circular, or tree to automatically organize their diagram elements, making it easier to create visually appealing diagrams.

  3. Integration with Development Tools: Structurizr offers integrations with various development tools like IDEs, version control systems, and automated build pipelines, allowing architects to capture architecture as code and keep it synchronized with the codebase. Microsoft Visio, on the other hand, is not tailored for integration with development tools and is primarily used for creating visual representations without strong ties to software development workflows.

  4. Collaboration Features: Structurizr provides collaboration features that allow multiple team members to work on the same architecture documentation simultaneously, providing real-time updates and version control. In contrast, Microsoft Visio lacks robust collaboration capabilities, making it less suitable for team-based architecture documentation and review processes.

  5. Documentation Generation: Structurizr enables automatic documentation generation from the architectural models, allowing architects to export architecture diagrams, views, and supplementary information into various formats like Markdown, PlantUML, or PDF. This feature streamlines the process of creating consistent and up-to-date documentation. Microsoft Visio, on the other hand, requires manual effort for keeping the documentation in sync with architectural changes.

  6. Focus on Software Architecture: Structurizr is specifically designed for documenting software architecture, providing dedicated views and components for capturing software systems, their interactions, and dependencies. In contrast, Microsoft Visio caters to a broader audience with a wide range of diagram types beyond software architecture, making it more versatile but less specialized for software architects.

In Summary, Microsoft Visio and Structurizr differ in their user interface, automatic layout capabilities, integration with development tools, collaboration features, documentation generation, and focus on software architecture.

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Advice on Microsoft Visio, Structurizr

Julien
Julien

Principal Software Engineer at Stessa

Mar 17, 2019

DecidedonMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft VisioLucidchartLucidchart

When starting my new role at #Stessa, I needed a solution to start diagramming some of my #Architecture so I'd be able to share my views on #SystemArchitecture with the rest of the team.

#Visualization is key. Especially when working with complex/distributed systems. You want to make sure everybody's got the same understanding of your approach, so you can better communicate, and start delegating more.

In the past, I had worked with #VisualParadigm for #UML, in both desktop and #SaaS version of the product. Also worked with #LucidChart We also looked at potential alternatives such as Microsoft Visio for instance.

Ultimately, my recommendation was & we closed on Lucidchart, as it won on couple of key aspects : #Team #Collaboration, #Integrations with #AWS for instance, and certain specific visualizations we were looking for / others didn't have.

This isn't just for #Engineering. I've seen Lucidchart being used by #Product Teams, #Network #Engineers, #IT Departments, #DevOps, or non-Engineering related teams.

379k views379k
Comments

Detailed Comparison

Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio
Structurizr
Structurizr

Create flowcharts, diagrams, org charts, floor plans, engineering designs, and more, using modern shapes and templates with the familiar Office experience.

It is a collection of tooling to create software architecture diagrams and documentation based upon the C4 model.

Versatile templates and thousands of shapes; Support for industry standards; Built-in validation; Simultaneous team editing; In-app commenting; Real-time presence indicators; Simple, highly secure sharing; Simple data linking; Data-connected org charts
Create software architecture diagrams based upon the C4 model. Diagrams are interactive, animatable, and embeddable; Create supplementary documentation using Markdown or AsciiDoc, all navigable and full-text searchable; Create architecture decision records (ADRs) to capture your significant design decisions, all full-text searchable
Statistics
Stacks
140
Stacks
15
Followers
153
Followers
32
Votes
7
Votes
2
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 7
    Libraries allow the quick creation of diagrams
Pros
  • 1
    Generated documentation
  • 1
    Beautiful documentation diagrams

What are some alternatives to Microsoft Visio, Structurizr?

Excalidraw

Excalidraw

It is a whiteboard tool that lets you easily sketch diagrams with a hand-drawn feel.

Visual Paradigm

Visual Paradigm

It is a software design tool tailored for agile software projects. It supports UML, BPMN, ERD, DFD, SysML. It also supports use cases, wireframeing, code engineering, etc.

Overflow.io

Overflow.io

Create interactive user flows and stunning design presentations to engage your audience in synchronous or asynchronous design critique.

Gliffy

Gliffy

Make flowcharts, network diagrams, uml diagrams, org charts, mind maps, wireframes, and more.

Structa

Structa

Design databases using natural language. AI-powered schema generation transforms your plain English descriptions into production-ready SQL, Prisma schemas, and ER diagrams in seconds. Free to start.

Flowchart AI: Convert Text & Images to editable Flowcharts

Flowchart AI: Convert Text & Images to editable Flowcharts

Transform text and images into stunning flowcharts instantly with our advanced Flowchart AI. Convert documents, descriptions, and visuals into professional diagrams in seconds. Free to try!

drawio

drawio

It is a free online diagram software for making flowcharts, process diagrams, org charts, UML, ER and network diagrams. It is an open platform where you can create and share diagrams. It’s integrated with the tools you already use.

Lucidchart

Lucidchart

Solution for visual communication. Create online flowcharts, diagrams, UML sketches, and ER models.

FigJam

FigJam

It is an online whiteboard for teams to collaborate, brainstorm, map out flows, and more. It is easy to learn and fun to use, so anyone can participate and share their ideas.

PlantUML

PlantUML

It is used to draw UML diagrams, using a simple and human readable text description. Be careful, because it does not prevent you from drawing inconsistent diagrams. So it's more a drawing tool than a modeling tool. It is a component that allows to quickly write Sequence diagram, Usecase diagram, Class diagram, Object diagram, Activity diagram, Component diagram, Deployment diagram, State diagram, and Timing diagram.

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