# StarUML - A Sophisticated Software Modeler

StarUML is a sophisticated software modeler for agile and concise modeling. It is designed for modelers who need to create professional and comprehensive software models, system architectures, and business processes.

## About StarUML

StarUML is a professional modeling tool that provides comprehensive support for various modeling languages and diagrams. It is developed by MKLabs Co.,Ltd. and is available at https://staruml.io.

**Key Features:**

- Multi-language modeling support (UML, SysML, BPMN, C4, etc.)
- Professional diagram generation capabilities
- Modern user interface with light and dark themes
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Extensible architecture with API support
- AI integration via Model Context Protocol (MCP)
- Mermaid diagram generation support

## Supported Modeling Languages & Diagrams

### Standard Edition Features

- **UML (Unified Modeling Language)**: Complete UML 2.x support including all 14 UML diagram types
  - Class diagrams, Use case diagrams, Sequence diagrams, Activity diagrams
  - State diagrams, Component diagrams, Deployment diagrams
  - Communication diagrams, Package diagrams, Object diagrams
  - Composite structure diagrams, Timing diagrams, Interaction overview diagrams, Information flow diagrams
- **Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)**: Database modeling with nullable/unique properties
- **Flowchart**: Process flow visualization
- **Data Flow Diagram (DFD)**: System data flow modeling
- **Mindmap**: Conceptual hierarchy representation
- **C4 Model**: Software architecture diagramming with Context, Container, Component, and Code levels
- **Mermaid Support**: Generate diagrams from Mermaid text syntax

### Professional Edition Additional Features

- **SysML (Systems Modeling Language)**: System engineering with 4 diagram types:
  - Requirement diagrams, Block definition diagrams
  - Internal block diagrams, Parametric diagrams
- **BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)**: Business process modeling with 4 diagram types:
  - Process diagrams, Collaboration diagrams
  - Choreography diagrams, Conversation diagrams
- **UI Wireframe**: User interface design and prototyping
- **Cloud Architecture Diagrams**:
  - AWS Architecture with complete AWS service icons
  - GCP Architecture with Google Cloud Platform services
  - Azure Architecture with Microsoft Azure services

## User Experience Features

- **Multiple Windows**: Work with multiple models simultaneously
- **Command Palette**: Quick command access and execution
- **Quick Find**: Fast model element, view, and diagram search
- **Auto Update**: Automatic software updates
- **Auto Backup**: Automatic model file backup every 5 minutes
- **Retina/High-DPI Display Support**: Sharp rendering on high-resolution displays
- **Copy to Clipboard**: Export diagrams as images directly to clipboard
- **HTML Documentation Export**: Generate web-ready documentation

## AI Integration

StarUML V7 introduced AI integration via Model Context Protocol (MCP) server:

- Compatible with AI services like Claude and Cursor
- Generate diagrams from natural language prompts
- Create source code from existing diagrams
- Generate database schemas from ERD diagrams
- Available at: https://github.com/staruml/staruml-mcp-server

Example AI prompts:

- "Create a class diagram for book store in StarUML"
- "Create a sequence diagram for OAuth authentication in StarUML"
- "Generate SQL DDL from the current ERD diagram in StarUML"

## Pricing & Licensing

**Device-based Licensing Model** (V7+):

- **Standard Edition**: $129 per device (UML, ERD, Flowchart, DFD, Mindmap, C4)
- **Professional Edition**: $199 per device (includes SysML, BPMN, UI Wireframe, Cloud Architecture)

Volume discounts available:

- 10-49 devices: 8% discount
- 50-99 devices: 15% discount
- 100+ devices: 23% discount

For detailed pricing information and purchase options, visit: https://staruml.io/pricing

## Development & Extension

- **Extension API**: Comprehensive API for creating extensions
- **Metamodel Documentation**: Detailed model structure documentation
- **Open Extension Architecture**: Support for third-party extensions
- **Developer Resources**: API docs, user forum, comprehensive documentation

## Support & Resources

- **Official Website**: https://staruml.io
- **Documentation**: https://docs.staruml.io
- **User Forum**: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/staruml
- **Email Support**: support@staruml.io
- **Blog**: Regular updates and feature announcements at https://staruml.io/blog

## Use Cases

StarUML is ideal for:

- Software architects and designers
- System engineers working with SysML
- Business analysts using BPMN
- Database designers creating ERDs
- Cloud architects designing AWS/GCP/Azure solutions
- Educators teaching modeling concepts
- Teams requiring professional modeling documentation
- Organizations needing standardized modeling practices

StarUML combines professional modeling capabilities with modern user experience, making it suitable for both individual professionals and enterprise teams working on complex software and system modeling projects.