The following is selected list of UML modeling tools. These tools have been selected by UML Forum contributing editors based on their modeling features, ease of use, and compliance with the UML 2.0 (UML 2) specifications. In the future we plan to allow readers to rate selections and nominate other modeling tools for inclusion. Vendors who are interested in having their tools evaluated please contact us...

1. Enterprise Architect  (Sparx Systems) Best Value
   • Editors' Rating:
   • PRO: This is a low-cost, feature-rich UML modeling tool for enterprise applications. Its powerful drawing capabilities are supported by an intuitive UI that is easy to use. EA provides excellent support for automated roundtripping of structural models (classes and interfaces) using Java, C++, C#, and Visual Basic. It also supports automated document generation using HTML and RTF formats. Plug-ins for .NET, Eclipse, SysML, BPMN and DOORS are available at relatively low cost
   • CON: Currently does not support code generation from behavioral models.
2. MagicDraw  (No Magic)
   • Editors' Rating:
   • PRO: This is another low-cost, feature-rich UML modeling tool for enterprise applications that competes with Enterprise Architect for value. As it's name implies, it also offers powerful drawing capabilities and an intuitive UI. Provides excellent support for automated roundtripping of structural models (classes and interfaces) using Java, EJB, C#, C++, CORBA IDL, DDL, WSDL, and XML Schema. Plug-ins for SysML and DoDAF are available.
   • CON: Currently does not support automated code generation from behavioral models.
3. Rational Software Modeler (also see Rational Software Architect, Rational Systems Developer; IBM Rational Software)
   • Editors' Rating:
   • Comments: IBM's Rational modeling tools appear to be having a tough time repeating the success of Rational Rose, the skillfully marketed modeling tool that helped to make Rational Software the industry leader in model-driven technologies during 1990s. Unfortunately, it seems that the magic sauce for Rose was lost after the Rational acquisition, since none of the three Eclipse-based products in this product line have yet attained the popularity of Rose. However, this product lines seems to be leveraging the improvements in the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF), so we expect it to improve gradually over time.
   • PRO: Eclipse-based UML modeling tool that interoperates with other Eclipse-based development tools. Drawing capabilities are good, but its user interface is less intuitive than its predecessor (Rational Rose). Limited support for automated code generation.
   • CON: Large memory footprint, requires Eclipse environment. Moderate-to-high price.
4. TAU G2 (Telelogic)
   • Editors' Rating:
   • Comments: This is a high-priced executable modeling tool that focuses on the Real Time Embedded (RTE) market, which is capable of producing complete software code if state machine models for used for visual programming. However, the UI and drawing capabilities of the tool are mediocre, especially when you consider its high price. If you are not developing RTE applications, or you don't need fully a fully executable modeling tool, you can find better value elsewhere.
   • PRO: Executable UML modeling tool that correctly implements the UML v. 2.0 specifications, including its action semantics for executability. Drawing capabilities are significantly improved over previous versions, but are still mediocre. Supports automatic code generation in C, C++, and Java. Superior integration with DOORS requirements management tool.
   • CON: User interface. High price.
5. Rhapsody (Telelogic)
   • Editors' Rating:
   • Comments: Like TAU G2, Rhapsody is a high-priced executable modeling tool that is focused on the real-time/embedded market, and is capable of producing complete software code if state machine models are used for visual programming. The Rhapsody product line was acquired by Telelogic in Q1 2006, and it provides functionality which largely duplicates that of TAU G2, with which if formerly competed. Although Telelogic has announced that it will support both product lines in the future, they have not yet clearly differentiated them in the marketplace. If you are not developing real-time/embedded applications, or you don't need fully a fully executable modeling tool, you can find better value elsewhere.
   • PRO: Executable UML modeling tool focused on embedded applications. Drawing capability implements a practical subset of UML 2.0. Supports automatic code-generation in C, C++, Java and Ada.
   • CON: User interface. Significant deviations from UML 2.0 specification (e.g., Parts, Ports and Connectors). High price.
6. Poseidon for UML (Gentleware)
   • Editors' Rating:
   • PRO: Solid, general-purpose UML modeling tool with an excellent UI and superior support for emerging OMG modeling standards, such as XMI. Low price.
   • CON: Not fully updated to support UML 2.0. Doesn't support native Windows UI widgets. Limited support for automated code-generation.

Other Modeling Tools

We plan to evaluate the following UML 2.0 modeling tools in the future:

• UModel 2007 (Altova)
• ARTiSAN Studio (ARTiSAN Software)
• Together Architect / Designer /Developer (Borland)
• Visual Paradigm for UML (Visual Paradigm)