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Archdocs vs Structurizr

Compare Archdocs' canvas and YAML documents with Structurizr's C4 model, Git workflow and self-hosted server.

If you want to review architecture changes in Git, decide what your source file should describe. Structurizr defines a model and derives views from it. Archdocs' YAML describes individual diagrams, including references to shared objects.

Who each tool is for

Structurizr is designed for C4: a DSL model produces several architecture views, and text files fit a Git review workflow. It's the C4 reference implementation, created by the model's author.

Choose Archdocs when you want to edit diagrams visually as well as in YAML, attach documentation to objects and see which documents reference them. Our YAML constructs include ERDs and API endpoints alongside C4 elements. A collection of Archdocs diagrams is not a Structurizr workspace; we don't claim DSL compatibility.

Feature comparison

WorkflowArchdocsStructurizr
AuthoringCanvas editing and per-document YAMLSeveral C4 views from a DSL model
ReuseObject references across documents, with downstream usageElements shared by views of a model
Agent accessHosted MCP reads and writes document YAML

Open-source MCP validates and parses DSL, exports views and manages server workspaces

When to choose Structurizr

Choose Structurizr if C4 model semantics and Git review are requirements. Its local command is free and open source. If you need to run your own publishing server, Structurizr documents a self-hosted server with a free source-built core and licensed binaries. The free core has no authentication and publishes workspaces publicly; authentication and role-based access require the licensed binaries.

For an existing installation, check Structurizr's product notice. It lists the cloud service as end of life with no replacement, and points Lite, CLI and on-premises users to the consolidated tooling. This comparison uses the current local and server products.

Pricing checked on 2026-10-23

Structurizr server licenses start at £300 per month per installation for 1 to 20 unique users, billed annually. Viewers count as users. Higher user bands cost more, and licenses don't auto-renew. The source-built server core is free, with the access restrictions described above.

Archdocs Free is $0 for up to three people and ten documents. Team is $12 per seat per month, or $10 billed annually. Business is $45 per seat per month, or $35 billed annually, with a five-seat minimum. The pricing page has the full limits. A server license and a hosted subscription cover different costs, so add the cost of running your own server before you compare them.

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