What is PlantText?
PlantText is an online tool that quickly generates images from text. Primarily, it is used to generate UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams. Unlike most tools, PlantText can build diagrams without the use of a mouse because it relies on a text-based language called PlantUML.
PlantText is currently free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Donations are greatly appreciated to help cover the costs of hosting, maintenance, and enhancements.
We are very grateful for the support of the software development community in the form of feedback and help promoting it. Please tell your friends about the tool and provide feedback here. We want to hear what you like about PlantText and what new features you’d like to see.
What does PlantText do?
With PlantText, software architects can create UML diagrams using a simple language without being distracted by aesthetic details or the use of a mouse. Simply type PlantUML into the editor and refresh the screen to produce a professional, clear diagram.
PlantUML is a flexible language that is intuitive to learn and easy to master. Use the samples provided or download this ebook to learn more. See the PlantUML website for more information on the development of the language.
UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a standard language for designing software modeling diagrams. The Object Modeling Group currently maintains and promotes UML. PlantText and PlantUML support most standard UML diagram types as well as many other diagram types like GraphViz, Salt, ASCII Art, and XEarth.
Why use PlantText?
1. Once you learn the basics of the syntax, you can generate UML diagrams much more quickly than with a typical drag and drop tools.
2. The diagrams are based on ASCII, so you can use your own source control software to version and perform diffs on them. You could even parse the text programmatically with other tools like NPlant.
3. It allows you to focus on the relationships and complex ideas you need to capture in your design, rather than endlessly resizing and aligning rectangles.