plantuml

Generate PlantUML code for UML, C4, and non-UML diagrams from text descriptions.

2|Updated Jan 22, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ncanna/freeman-bird-detection --skill plantuml-ncanna
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: plantuml
Source: https://github.com/ncanna/freeman-bird-detection/tree/main/.claude/skills/plantuml-architect
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ncanna/freeman-bird-detection --skill plantuml-ncanna

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Creating architecture and UML diagrams manually is slow and hard to maintain in documentation. This Skill produces syntactically correct PlantUML code for a wide range of diagram types, ready to save as .puml files and render into images. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Full UML Coverage: Generate sequence, class, component, deployment, state, activity, use case, object, and timing diagrams with standard UML notation. - Non-UML Diagrams: Create C4 model diagrams, Gantt charts, mindmaps, WBS, ER diagrams (including Chen's notation), network diagrams, Salt wireframes, JSON/YAML visualizations, and more. - File Output Workflow: Saves generated diagrams as .puml files in project directories such as docs/diagrams/ for version-controlled documentation. - Use Case: A developer documenting a microservices system asks for a C4 container diagram; the Skill loads the C4 example reference, generates valid PlantUML with the C4-PlantUML library include, and saves it to docs/diagrams/system-architecture.puml. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to create a PlantUML sequence diagram showing the login flow between a user, the web app, and the authentication service, and save it to the docs folder.

Frequently Asked Questions about plantuml

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a UML diagram with PlantUML?

Write diagram elements between @startuml and @enduml tags using PlantUML's text syntax, such as participant declarations for sequence diagrams or class blocks for class diagrams. Render the file with the PlantUML tool, which requires Java and Graphviz or a PlantUML server.

PlantUML vs Mermaid: which should I use for diagrams?

PlantUML focuses on UML standards and suits complex architecture, C4 models, and diagrams needing precise UML notation. Mermaid is a JavaScript tool that renders directly in Markdown on GitHub and GitLab, better for quick documentation diagrams.

Does PlantUML support C4 model diagrams?

Yes, PlantUML supports C4 diagrams through the C4-PlantUML library. Include it with the directive !include https://raw.githubusercontent.com/plantuml-stdlib/C4-PlantUML/master/C4_Container.puml inside a standard @startuml block.

What is required to render PlantUML diagrams locally?

Rendering PlantUML locally requires a Java runtime environment and Graphviz for most diagram types. Alternatively, you can point PlantUML at a remote PlantUML server to avoid local installation.

Why does my PlantUML diagram fail to render?

Common causes include missing or mismatched @startuml/@enduml tags, invalid relationship syntax, or missing Graphviz for layout-dependent diagrams. Validate that all elements are declared and that included library URLs are reachable.