c4-diagrams

Model and visualize software architecture with C4 diagrams and PlantUML.

3|Updated Oct 19, 2025

Search Tags:#workflow #architecture #plantuml #software-design #diagram-rendering #c4-diagrams

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/robtaylor/claude-config --skill c4-diagrams

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: c4-diagrams
Source: https://github.com/robtaylor/claude-config/tree/main/skills/c4-diagrams
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/robtaylor/claude-config --skill c4-diagrams

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables teams to rapidly model and visualize software architecture using the C4 model and PlantUML, reducing ambiguity in system design.

Core Features & Use Cases

C4 Diagram Types: Context, Container, Component, and Sequence diagrams generated from PlantUML templates.
Conversations-Driven Design: Supports iterative diagram building through a guided conversational workflow.
Render & Validate: Renders diagrams via PlantUML server and provides validation guidance for element IDs, boundaries, and relationships.

Quick Start

Initialize the diagram directory structure (doc/diagrams/context, container, etc.) with the provided script.
Create a new diagram from a template and write it to doc/diagrams/{type}/{name}.puml.
Render the PUML to PNG using the render-diagram.py script.

Frequently Asked Questions about c4-diagrams

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I create C4 architecture diagrams using PlantUML?▼

To create C4 architecture diagrams with PlantUML, initialize the directory structure using a provided script, generate a diagram from a template, and render the PUML file to PNG via the PlantUML server.

What is the best way to model software architecture using the C4 model?▼

The best way to model software architecture using the C4 model is through a conversational workflow that guides you from initialization to rendering, ensuring proper element IDs, boundaries, and technology definitions for containers and components.

Can I generate sequence diagrams along with context and container diagrams in PlantUML?▼

Yes, you can generate sequence diagrams alongside context, container, and component diagrams. The skill provides PlantUML templates for all core C4 diagram types to visualize various architecture levels.

How do I validate C4 diagrams for proper element IDs and boundaries?▼

You validate C4 diagrams by following the provided validation guidance, which enforces requirements for proper element IDs, boundaries where appropriate, and specified technologies for containers and components.

Does rendering C4 diagrams with PlantUML require a specific server setup?▼

Rendering C4 diagrams with PlantUML requires a PlantUML server. The skill uses a render-diagram.py script to process the PUML files and output PNG images through the server.

What are the limitations of conversational C4 diagram design?▼

A limitation of conversational C4 diagram design is that it requires iterative manual input to refine system models, relying on structured templates rather than fully automated architecture generation from unstructured text.