Structurizr

Models-as-code tool for C4 software architecture diagrams, from the C4 model's creator.

Open sourceSelf-hostableDiagramming tools

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Structurizr

Structurizr is built by Simon Brown, who created the C4 model for software architecture. Rather than drawing each diagram separately, you write one model in the Structurizr DSL describing people, software systems, containers, components and their relationships, then define views that generate context, container, component and deployment diagrams from that single source. Change a relationship once and every diagram updates. It also supports documentation and architecture decision records alongside the model. The tooling is open source and free to use, apart from the server edition when run from the prebuilt binaries, which needs a licence; there is also a hosted cloud service. Layout can be automatic or manual. Structurizr is the reference implementation of C4, so it is a strong choice if you care about doing C4 properly, but it is a modelling tool for architects and developers, not a general-purpose diagram editor.

Best for: Software architects documenting systems with the C4 model as code.

What works

One model generates many consistent diagrams
Reference implementation of the C4 model
Text DSL works well in version control
Self-hostable

Why people leave

Only for software architecture diagrams
DSL has a learning curve
Server edition binaries need a paid licence

Top Structurizr alternatives

See all 5

1
IcePanel
A visual, collaborative C4 modelling tool if your team prefers clicking to writing DSL.
66.5
2
Ilograph
Interactive architecture diagrams as code with zoomable perspectives.
62.6
3
D2
A general diagram language for when you need more than C4 views.
59.6
4
PlantUML
Has a C4 extension and covers UML too, in one text format.
57.2
5
Archi
Open-source enterprise architecture modelling in ArchiMate instead of C4.
55.3

Why people left Structurizr

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Structurizr: common questions

Is Structurizr free?

Yes. Structurizr is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Structurizr open source?

Yes. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Structurizr run on?

Structurizr is available for Web and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to Structurizr?

The highest-ranked Structurizr alternatives right now are IcePanel, Ilograph and D2. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Structurizr alternatives

Structurizr facts

4 of 4 verified

Approach: Models as code for the C4 model; Checked Oct 25, 2026structurizr.com(opens source in a new tab); “Structurizr is a "models as code" tool designed for the C4 model”
Open source: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026structurizr.com(opens source in a new tab); “Models as code | open source | manual layout”
Pricing: Free except prebuilt server binaries; Checked Oct 25, 2026docs.structurizr.com(opens source in a new tab); “All Structurizr commands are free to use except for server , which requires a license when using it via our prebuilt binaries .”
Creator: Author of the C4 model; Checked Oct 25, 2026structurizr.com(opens source in a new tab); “Structurizr was created by the author of the C4 model”