Authoritative reference for PlantUML diagram syntax. Provides UML and non-UML diagram types, syntax patterns, examples, and setup guidance for generating accurate PlantUML diagrams.
Authoritative PlantUML syntax reference with examples for all diagram types. Activates when generating or debugging PlantUML diagrams to ensure accurate syntax and structure.
/plugin marketplace add melodic-software/claude-code-plugins/plugin install milan-jovanovic@melodic-softwareThis skill is limited to using the following tools:
references/activity.mdreferences/c4.mdreferences/class.mdreferences/sequence.mdreferences/special-diagrams.mdreferences/state-component.mdreferences/styling-setup.mdPlantUML is a Java-based tool that creates diagrams from text descriptions. It supports comprehensive UML diagrams and many non-UML diagram types.
Key advantages:
Requirements:
docker run -p 8080:8080 plantuml/plantuml-server| Type | Keywords | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | @startuml | Interactions, API flows, protocols |
| Use Case | @startuml | Requirements, user stories |
| Class | @startuml | OOP design, domain models |
| Activity | @startuml | Workflows, processes |
| Component | @startuml | System structure |
| Deployment | @startuml | Infrastructure, deployment |
| State | @startuml | State machines |
| Type | Keywords | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| JSON | @startjson | JSON structure visualization |
| YAML | @startyaml | YAML structure visualization |
| Wireframe | @startsalt | UI mockups |
| Gantt | @startgantt | Project timelines |
| MindMap | @startmindmap | Hierarchical ideas |
| WBS | @startwbs | Work breakdown |
| ER | @startuml | Database schemas |
| C4 | @startuml with C4 include | Software architecture |
All PlantUML diagrams are wrapped in start/end tags:
@startuml
' Your diagram code here
@enduml
Comments:
' This is a comment/' This is a block comment '/Title and captions:
@startuml
title My Diagram Title
caption This is a caption
header Page Header
footer Page Footer
' Diagram content
@enduml
@startuml
participant A
participant B
A -> B: Message
A <-- B: Response
@enduml
@startuml
class Name {
- private
+ public
+ method()
}
A <|-- B : extends
A *-- B : contains
@enduml
@startuml
start
:Action;
if (condition?) then (yes)
:True path;
else (no)
:False path;
endif
stop
@enduml
@startuml
[*] --> State1
State1 --> State2 : event
State2 --> [*]
@enduml
@startuml
[Component1] --> [Component2]
database DB
Component2 --> DB
@enduml
For detailed syntax and complete examples, see:
| Reference | Content | When to Load |
|---|---|---|
| sequence.md | Participants, arrows, activation, groups, notes | Creating sequence diagrams |
| class.md | Classes, visibility, relationships, cardinality | Creating class diagrams |
| activity.md | Conditions, swimlanes, fork/join | Creating activity diagrams |
| state-component.md | State machines, components, deployment | Creating state/component diagrams |
| c4.md | C4 context, container, component diagrams | Creating C4 architecture diagrams |
| special-diagrams.md | ER, JSON, MindMap, Gantt | Creating non-UML diagrams |
| styling-setup.md | Skinparams, themes, installation | Customizing diagrams, setting up PlantUML |
| Extension | Description |
|---|---|
.puml | Standard PlantUML file |
.plantuml | Alternative extension |
.pu | Short extension |
.iuml | Include file |
Query: "Create a PlantUML sequence diagram for user authentication"
Expected: Skill activates, provides sequence syntax with participants, arrows, and alt/else blocks
Query: "Generate a PlantUML class diagram for an e-commerce domain"
Expected: Skill activates, provides class syntax with relationships and cardinality
Query: "Create a C4 container diagram in PlantUML"
Expected: Skill activates, directs to c4.md reference for includes and syntax
Last Updated: 2025-12-28 PlantUML Version: 1.2024.6
Use when working with Payload CMS projects (payload.config.ts, collections, fields, hooks, access control, Payload API). Use when debugging validation errors, security issues, relationship queries, transactions, or hook behavior.
Applies Anthropic's official brand colors and typography to any sort of artifact that may benefit from having Anthropic's look-and-feel. Use it when brand colors or style guidelines, visual formatting, or company design standards apply.
Creating algorithmic art using p5.js with seeded randomness and interactive parameter exploration. Use this when users request creating art using code, generative art, algorithmic art, flow fields, or particle systems. Create original algorithmic art rather than copying existing artists' work to avoid copyright violations.