Archi

Archi is an open-source modeling tool designed to support the ArchiMate modeling language. According to the vendor, it is a versatile solution suitable for organizations of all sizes, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. Archi caters to a wide range of professionals and industries, including enterprise architects, business analysts, IT managers, solution architects, and system architects.

Key Features

Supporting the ArchiMate® 3.1 language: Archi supports the latest version of the ArchiMate 3.1 language, allowing users to create all ArchiMate elements and relations in all ArchiMate views. It includes a magic connector to create correct connections between ArchiMate concepts and allows users to refine their models with user-defined properties and customize the diagram colors, according to the vendor.

ArchiMate® Views and Viewpoints: Archi makes it simple to create ArchiMate views and viewpoints. Users can create a new ArchiMate view and set its viewpoint to suit the target audience and stakeholders. They can add concepts aligned with the given viewpoint to create a unique perspective on their model, the vendor claims.

Hints View: The Hints view in Archi provides guidance and assistance when users are unsure about which ArchiMate element to use or which relationship to connect. It describes all ArchiMate elements, relationships, and viewpoints, providing users with the right information at their fingertips, according to the vendor.

The Visualiser: The Visualiser in Archi displays a selected model element and all its relationships with other model elements in a radial-tree graphic. It serves as the graphical equivalent of the Navigator, allowing users to drill in and explore more connections, as stated by the vendor.

Cross Platform: Archi is fully cross-platform and works on Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions. It is written in Java on the Eclipse Rich Client Platform, ensuring compatibility across different operating systems, according to the vendor.

Sketch View: Archi's Sketch View allows users to brainstorm ideas by creating elements written on "stickies." It provides a space for quickly designing and creating "soft" models, capturing the essence of the modeling process without worrying about the technicalities of the language. Users can share and refine their ideas before transforming them into ArchiMate views, the vendor claims.

Canvas Modelling Toolkit: Archi's Canvas Modelling Toolkit provides users with the tools to create and edit their own canvases. It allows users to design and create reusable Canvas Templates to share with colleagues or use as a pre-design tool to sketch out ideas and models, according to the vendor.

Archi Plug-ins: Archi supports various plug-ins that contribute additional functionality. Users can download and install plug-ins to enhance their Archi experience. Some available plug-ins include Lightbox for Archi, coArchi for model collaboration, jArchi for scripting, and Archi Export to Excel, as stated by the vendor.