UML Diagram:

UML Diagrams with Examples

Updated on: 10 September 2021

UML stands for Unified Modeling Language. It’s a rich language to model software solutions, application
structures, system behavior and business processes. There are 14 UML diagram types to help you
model these behaviors. You can draw UML diagrams online using our software, or check out some UML
diagram examples at our diagramming community.

There are two main categories; structure diagrams and behavioral diagrams. Click on the links to
learn more about a specific diagram type.

∙ Structure Diagrams
o Class Diagram
o Component Diagram
o Deployment Diagram
o Object Diagram
o Package Diagram
o Profile Diagram
o Composite Structure Diagram
∙ Behavioral Diagrams
o Use Case Diagram
o Activity Diagram
o State Machine Diagram
o Sequence Diagram
o Communication Diagram
o Interaction Overview Diagram
o Timing Diagram

Structure diagrams show the things in the modeled system. In a more technical term, they show different
objects in a system. Behavioral diagrams show what should happen in a system. They describe how the
objects interact with each other to create a functioning system.

Class Diagram
Class diagrams are the main building block of any object-oriented solution. It shows the classes in a
system, attributes, and operations of each class and the relationship between each class. In most
modeling tools, a class has three parts. Name at the top, attributes in the middle and operations or
methods at the bottom. In a large system with many related classes, classes are grouped together to
create class diagrams. Different relationships between classes are shown by different types of arrows.
Below is an image of a class diagram. Follow the link below for more class diagram examples or get
started instantly with our class diagram templates.

Click on the image to edit the above class diagram (opens in new window)

Component Diagram

A component diagram displays the structural relationship of components of a software system. These are
mostly used when working with complex systems with many components. Components communicate
with each other using interfaces. The interfaces are linked using connectors. The image below shows a
component diagram.

You can use this component diagram template by clicking on the image

Deployment Diagram

A deployment diagram shows the hardware of your system and the software in that hardware.
Deployment diagrams are useful when your software solution is deployed across multiple machines with
each having a unique configuration. Below is an example deployment diagram.

Object Diagram

Object Diagrams, sometimes referred to as Instance diagrams are very similar to class diagrams. Like
class diagrams, they also show the relationship between objects but they use real-world examples.

They show how a system will look like at a given time. Because there is data available in the objects,
they are used to explain complex relationships between objects.

Package Diagram

As the name suggests, a package diagram shows the dependencies between different packages in a
system. Check out this wiki article to learn more about the dependencies and elements found in package
diagrams.
Profile Diagram

Profile diagram is a new diagram type introduced in UML 2. This is a diagram type that is very rarely
used in any specification. For more profile diagram templates, visit our diagram community.

Composite Structure Diagram

Composite structure diagrams are used to show the internal structure of a class. Some of
the common composite structure diagrams.
Use Case Diagram

As the most known diagram type of the behavioral UML types, Use case diagrams give a graphic
overview of the actors involved in a system, different functions needed by those actors and how these
different functions interact.

It’s a great starting point for any project discussion because you can easily identify the main actors
involved and the main processes of the system. You can create use case diagrams using our tool
and/or get started instantly using our use case templates.

Use Case Diagram Relationships Explained with examples

Activity Diagram

Activity diagrams represent workflows in a graphical way. They can be used to describe the business
workflow or the operational workflow of any component in a system. Sometimes activity diagrams are
used as an alternative to State machine diagrams. Check out this wiki article to learn about symbols
and usage of activity diagrams. You can also refer this easy guide to activity diagrams.

State Machine Diagram

State machine diagrams are similar to activity diagrams, although notations and usage change a bit.
They are sometimes known as state diagrams or state chart diagrams as well. These are very useful to
describe the behavior of objects that act differently according to the state they are in at the moment. The
State machine diagram below shows the basic states and actions.

State Machine diagram in UML, sometimes referred to as State or State chart diagram
Get More State Chart Diagram Examples >>

Sequence Diagram

Sequence diagrams in UML show how objects interact with each other and the order those interactions
occur. It’s important to note that they show the interactions for a particular scenario. The processes are
represented vertically and interactions are shown as arrows. This article explains the purpose and the
basics of Sequence diagrams. Also, check out this complete Sequence Diagram Tutorial to learn more
about sequence diagrams.

You can also instantly start drawing using our sequence diagram templates.
Sequence diagram drawn using Creately

Communication Diagram

In UML 1 they were called collaboration diagrams. Communication diagrams are similar to
sequence diagrams, but the focus is on messages passed between objects. The same information
can be
represented using a sequence diagram and different objects. Click here to understand the differences
using an example.

Interaction Overview Diagram

Interaction overview diagrams are very similar to activity diagrams. While activity diagrams show
a sequence of processes, Interaction overview diagrams show a sequence of interaction
diagrams.

They are a collection of interaction diagrams and the order they happen. As mentioned before, there
are seven types of interaction diagrams, so any one of them can be a node in an interaction overview
diagram.
Timing Diagram

Timing diagrams are very similar to sequence diagrams. They represent the behavior of objects in a
given time frame. If it’s only one object, the diagram is straightforward. But, if there is more than one
object is involved, a Timing diagram is used to show interactions between objects during that time frame.

Click here to create your timing diagram.

Mentioned above are all the UML diagram types. UML offers many diagram types, and sometimes two
diagrams can explain the same thing using different notations.

Check out this blog post to learn which UML diagram best suits you. If you have any questions or
suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.

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UML 2 diagram types UML behavioral diagrams UML diagram types UML interaction

diagrams More related articles

∙ Use Case Diagram Tutorial ( Guide with Examples )

∙ Sequence Diagram Tutorial – Complete Guide with

Examples

∙ Use Case Diagram Relationships Explained with

Examples

Author

Nishadha

Software engineer turned tech evangelist. I handle marketing stuff here at Creately including writing blog
posts and handling social media accounts. In my spare time I love to read and travel. Check out my
personal blog Rumbling Lankan where I write about online marketing stuff.
View all posts by Nishadha →
Comments
 1. Lisa
This is amazingly helpful. I’ve been trying to read and learn enough about UML to use it for some complex
areas in some software I’m developing and have found it hard to grasp quickly, until I found this page.
Thank you for taking the time to do it!

30.08.2018 -
reply

2. priya palkar

plz send me uml diagram for online bus reservation system

19.04.2018 -
reply

o Amanda Athuraliya

Hi Priya, check our community for various UML diagram types

examples. Here’s the link https://creately.com/diagram
community/popular

25.04.2018 -
reply

3. Ramesh

Thanks!!!

25.01.2018 -
reply

4. Guilherme

Is there a UML model that exemplifies a nightclub system?

04.05.2017 -
reply

5. shiferaw

it is very nice but there is no clear idea in database design and physical design

07.03.2017 -
reply

6. christian

aspect where models are used. can someone answer

13.10.2016 -
reply

7. Prasanth
Information is brief and helpful for basic knowledge of UML diagrams. Thank you.

20.09.2016 -
reply

8. Maharani
First comment was in 2012. Ahh, where’re I at that time …
Thank you! It’s very useful and easy to study. If I find this earlier …
Thanks you!

06.09.2016 -
reply

9. ppkmano

Wow it is very use full and easy to study…

������

Thnkq lot…

14.08.2016 -
reply

10. Janie

which UML version does this tool currently support?

10.05.2016 -
reply

o Nishadha

Hi Janie,
We currently support most of the features in UML 2. Is there any
specific feature that you require ?

11.05.2016 -
reply

11. Gau

I need help in sequence diagram for smart city app..can anyone help me

08.04.2016 -
reply

12. mina

I need chart which summarizes the history of the evolution of UML until

2016? 08.04.2016 -

reply

13. Alysha Stanger

Valuable discussion ! I loved the information . Does someone know if my business can get ahold of a
sample AZ SOS Recall Petition document to fill in ?

27.01.2016 -
reply

14. Aparna Sutheesh

it help to easy to study it………….. thanqqqqqqqqq. …………..

16.01.2016 -
reply

15. test

thank you very much, before midterm its like heaven

10.11.2015 -
reply

16. PlanetB

Any idea how a MF/legacy system will use UML diagrams…or what is the best way to use some of
these diagrams for this environment.

30.10.2015 -
reply

17. Azmath Mohamad

simple and clear, thanks.

10.09.2015 -
reply

18. KABIR

So educative, more grease to your elbow.

25.08.2015 -
reply

19. prem g

it help to easy to study it

14.08.2015 -
reply
20. Akshay Akin

This this very supportive for me. I just wa to know is there a way to see the UML diagram from multiple
python source files. We have a hierarchy of classes spread in a package. How can I see the diagram
for entire package?

04.06.2015 -
reply

21. Usman sani

It’s very help the learner, thank u much.

16.05.2015 -
reply

22. utoken

Hurrah! After all I got a webpage from where I can really get
useful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
29.04.2015 -
reply

23. Raul

Brilliant article!

Thanks a lot!
Very easy to understand!

Keep it going on mate!

22.04.2015 -
reply

24. Patrik Fuhrmann

Nice article. Only if there was use for all of these in real software projects. Seriously, who is using all
of these, NASA? In reality maybe sequence and class diagrams are used (at most).

11.04.2015 -
reply

25. Hamza Ashraf

help in studt thanks

11.03.2015 -
reply

26. Inko
a good article. was very helpful thanks

03.02.2015 -
reply

27. shashi jha

very easy to understand thanks

16.12.2014 -
reply

28. Simon okello

thank you very much brother hope through hard work every thing is possible

10.12.2014 -
reply

29. mwas

helpful in did, thank you.

27.11.2014 -
reply

30. sanket

wow !!!!!!!!!
ITS TOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDD……………

07.10.2014 -
reply

31. Sachin

very useful article … thanks for sharing

26.08.2014 -
reply

32. Francesco

There’s an error here: “In large systems with many classes related classes are grouped together to
to create class diagrams.”

Thanks for the article.

10.08.2014 -
reply

o Nishadha
Hi Francesco, can you please explain the error there? A class
diagram is a collection of classes so I feel the sentence is correct.
Do think its confusing or misleading? Thanks for the feedback.

12.08.2014 -
reply

▪ Francesco

Maybe it’s just confusing because you’re not using any

punctuation. Please correct me if I’m wrong but I guess this
is what you wanted to say: “In large systems with many
classes related, (comma) classes are grouped together to
(the second “to” here should be removed) create class
diagrams.”

12.08.2014 -
reply

▪ Nishadha

Hi Francesco, agree that it is misleading and

confusing. Thanks for pointing it out and I have
modified the article. Hope you enjoyed the article.

12.08.2014 -
reply

▪ Francesco

Yes I did, it’s definitely useful ��

12.08.2014 -
 33. raj

Hi,

This is a very helpful and compact article. Thank you boss..:)

18.07.2014 -
reply

34. Sai

Thanks a lot dear! Much Appreciated!

09.06.2014 -
reply

35. MUJAHI
This is really a splendid job

07.05.2014 -
reply

36. Manohar Tn

I am an Engineering Student This Arun Kumar Notes U have Gives is very informative Sir…

06.05.2014 -
reply

37. Ali Danbatta

hi, this is wonderful job keep up.

15.04.2014 -
reply

38. Bashir

Hi Nishada,
what a very helpful note you have given! I have a question. Pls can UML diagrams be used for
the understanding of problem domain? if yes, please explain.
Thanks.
Kind regards

03.04.2014 -
reply

39. Osama

This is really an awesome article.. thanks buddy

01.04.2014 -
reply

40. erwik

Quite useful even if we don’t need all schemas

11.03.2014 -
reply

41. Carla

Very nice and clean explanation. UML made easy!

Thank you.

02.03.2014 -
reply
42. Maria Barket

tomorrow is my exam .. n it helps me a lot ..stay blessed ��

17.02.2014 -
reply

43. saran

it’s very useful for me, Thanks a lot

23.01.2014 -
reply

44. Robinson.moat

Hi
very help in business plan and safe time.

22.01.2014 -
reply

45. M.Prakash

Thank you. Nice Article.

20.01.2014 -
reply

46. kiqobad

Hi Nishadha ,Have seen many UML diagram before, however, the way to put it all together and
characterize them is very important as the author has done it here. Very nice way to represent and identify
them.thanks very thanks…of iran kelardasht good time

04.01.2014 -
reply

47. deepika

its very useful….without book we easily got …idea

24.12.2013 -
reply

48. felixi

i love your piece on UML, hope it help me with my exams tomorrow. Really appreciate your generousity

16.12.2013 -
reply
49. Bhavin

Have seen many UML diagram before, however, the way to put it all together and characterize them is
very important as the author has done it here. Very nice way to represent and identify them. Enjoyed
it…

08.12.2013 -
reply

50. Tinda

much impressive task for learning

25.11.2013 -
reply

51. Carci

This site is very helpful! �� �� ��

Thank You very much!!!!!

07.11.2013 -
reply

52. York

hi man, very nice job. thx a lot~

09.10.2013 -
reply

53. R.S.

Very helpful for beginners and easy to include in interview facing process.

04.10.2013 -
reply

54. suhas

this very useful for the understanding the uml concept

24.09.2013 -
reply

55. Shahbaz

Most Effective notes

22.09.2013 -
reply

56. mass milce

many types of UML diagrams
information contained highly detailed easy to understand

18.09.2013 -
reply
 57. Bindhu Madhuri

very helpful, u made my day!!!

02.09.2013 -
reply

58. Avadhut

Great stuff,Thanks a lot.

01.09.2013 -
reply

59. DIYA

thksss a lottt

24.08.2013 -
reply

60. sachin

many types of UML diagrams

information contained highly detailed easy to understand

03.08.2013 -
reply

61. Shobhit

That was pretty informative stuff, and you sire explained it pretty easily!

15.07.2013 -
reply

62. anonimous

Receive your great thanks.This is great work ,thank

you!!! continue posting others articles like this.

YOUR CUSTOMER

14.06.2013 -
reply

63. Madeea
thanks this article is very helpful and easy to understand…great work

06.06.2013 -
reply

64. Nishadha

Hi Fabio,
As I have listed down in the article, there are 14 UML diagram types in UML 2.0

28.05.2013 -
reply
 65. Fabio

Hi Nishadha , I find this very helpful and easy to understand, but I have a question about the number of
Diagram, I read this http:/www.omg.org/gettingstarted/what_is_uml.htm and I found ” ..representing the
results using UML 2.0’s thirteen standard diagram types.” 13 or 14 ?

28.05.2013 -
reply

66. Kanker Serviks

many types of UML diagrams

information contained highly detailed easy to understand

14.05.2013 -
reply

67. Balambigai

Simple and easy to understand

07.05.2013 -
reply

68. josphat

superb.this page is eye catching.kudos quality stuff

05.05.2013 -
reply

69. Miguel

Hi,

what would you suggest if you want to build a diagram in which would be displyed a student grades;
minimum grades to to pass a exam; final result pass or fail

28.04.2013 -
reply

70. Marzio

Great explanation! My compliments. Simple and expressive.

20.04.2013 -
reply

71. nisha

thank u very much 4 ur article… its very helpful

06.04.2013 -
reply

72. shivam tiwari

Its very helpful site

01.04.2013 -
reply

73. shivamtiwari

its very helpful uml diagram

01.04.2013 -
reply

74. krish

thank u lots…its v helpful to understand:-)

06.03.2013 -
reply

75. iswarya

really helpful… thank yu so much :):)

�� ��

13.02.2013 -
reply

76. gopinath

thanks
very helpful

01.02.2013 -
reply
77. Puvanarajan

Thank you so much….

��

30.01.2013 -
reply

78. parikshita

Hello Nishadha,
Thank you for the very nice article.

Cheers!!
PP

25.01.2013 -
reply

79. Abi

hi nishadha,
its very useful and very easy for understanding..
Thanks

22.01.2013 -
reply

80. Nishadha

Hi Varun,
I haven’t used MATLAB so not sure what exactly you mean by develop logic using UML. Can you
explains it a bit further ?

07.01.2013 -
reply

81. Varun

Hello Nishadha,
Thank you for the very nice article.
I have a question, is it possible in any way that we can develop logic using UML for example we
can develop a logic using MATLAB.

Thanks.

05.01.2013 -
reply

82. nishchala
nice one…really useful

29.12.2012 -
reply

83. sunny kandola

its really helpful … thanks

17.12.2012 -
reply

84. Nishadha

Good morning, Clark. I apologize for the mistakes. Thanks for taking the time to point them out. I have
corrected them now. Enjoy the article and hope you got some value from it.

14.12.2012 -
reply

o akmq

By using 1 case study if you make these 14 diagrams then it will

very helpful now it is although good but if you do like i say you
then it much be better …! nice work

06.06.2014 -
reply

85. Clark

Good morning, Nishadha. I like the presentation of this information since it provides brief explanations
and examples and links to greater detail.

I did notice that a few of your shortcut links up top are broken. Near the very beginning of your UML
diagram types page you provide a numbered list of diagram types. Each link is supposed to take me to
the brief explanation and example, but numbers 7, 10, and 14 don’t work. Number 13 actually takes me to
the location for number 14.

Overall, this is a convenient presentation. Thanks.

14.12.2012 -
reply

86. gowri

super and easy to understand

13.12.2012 -
reply

87. gowri
super,its easy to understand for student

13.12.2012 -
reply

88. ramakanta

it is good to see

30.11.2012 -
reply

89. priyanka

thankzzzz…vry informative and quick to learn!!!!

20.11.2012 -
reply

90. umer

very good explained

18.11.2012 -
reply

91. lina

like the way u in ��

17.11.2012 -
reply

92. Alexander Santiale

Thank you for the clear diagrams and explanations.

16.11.2012 -
reply

93. daddyEleven

very well explained

08.11.2012 -
reply

94. zubair

awesome

06.11.2012 -
reply

95. kiran

it’s simple and understandable

05.11.2012 -
reply

96. m.nandhini

it’s easy to understand

02.11.2012 -
reply

97. T.Pugazharasan

Thankz its usefull 4 my studies.. thankz u….

02.11.2012 -
reply

98. indhu

its very helpful to me……….

30.10.2012 -
reply

99. anish

simple and helpfull………Thanks a lot.

13.10.2012 -
reply

100. Arnab Chakraborty

Looking for such documents for a long. Will also help me to conduct the training programs as well.

Thanks a lot.

12.10.2012 -
reply

101. satya

very helpful …

02.10.2012 -
 reply
102. Rupali Matkar

It’s easy to understand… Thanks a lot…

02.10.2012 -
reply

103. sakhile tembe

very helpful n eseasy to underatand

28.09.2012 -
reply

104. Stig Andersen

This is a very helpful overview with manyuseful links. Thanks alot for your effort.

27.09.2012 -
reply

105. Design Process Fall 2012 – UML Diagrams

[…] The Completed Guide with UML Diagrams and examples by Creately (flowcharts, wireframes,
UML, mindmaps, and more) […]

26.08.2012 -
reply

106. bittu

its really helping us to provide a lot of info we are gaining from it….

15.08.2012 -
reply

107. Remya S

very helpful to me, thankzzzzzzzz

23.07.2012 -
reply

o Priyanshu

Good job I like it….

12.01.2015 -
reply

108. sahil sharma

very helpful…………could have been better for beginners if each symbols were explained first….

12.05.2012 -
reply

109. Kakoli Das

 its very helpful n easy 2 understand,thanx a lot…………

28.04.2012 -
reply

110. Class Diagram Relationships UML

[…] particular system using the conventions set by the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Out of all
the UML diagram types it is one of the most used ones. System designers use class diagrams as a
way of simplifying how […]

24.04.2012 -
reply

111. Thomas

Very Helpful Thanks……

18.04.2012 -
reply

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