There are a lot of diagramming tools out there that support AWS diagrams.
When designing the architecture of an application using the Cloud Services (IaaS) or when discussing the ideas with colleagues, probably you would use stencils (icons) provided by each IaaS service to create diagrams. Visual diagrams are a great way to map out how the cloud infrastructure works together and let everyone have a clear understanding at an architectural level. Even Astah users may be using other tools like PowerPoint or Visio when you want to quickly illustrate the diagrams.
But you don’t have to. Because Astah too can create AWS architecture diagrams.
If you want to go into details on the architecture in combination with UML or if you want to discuss looking over Class diagrams and Sequence diagrams, Astah can do all in one tool. We are also using it in our work and we feel the efficiency and the advantages that Astah brings.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you how to create AWS diagrams in Astah. I’m showing an AWS-specific example but you can do with other cloud services such as Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform in the same way. So let’s get it started.
Import AWS icons
1. Download AWS icons
2. Launch Astah Professional
This is available with Astah Professional edition. If you don’t have Astah Professional, a free trial is available.
3. Import AWS icons to Astah
- Launch Astah and create a new file or open an existing one.
- Go to [Tools] – [Project Settings] – [Set Icon for Stereotype].
- Click the folder icon and select all the AWS icons you want to import.
- Icons are imported in Astah.
- You can modify the each Icon information as you like.
Create Diagrams
- Go to [Diagram] – [Class Diagram] and create a Class.
- Add stereotype to the Class and go to [Icon Notation] – [Customized Icon].
Then the Class will turn into an AWS icon accordingly.
Sample AWS Diagrams
Advantages for creating AWS diagrams in Astah
Switch notation between AWS icon and UML
AWS objects are represented by using a UML class. So if you are experienced with UML, create diagrams in UML notation and switch it to AWS icons when you show the diagrams to others as a “presentation” mode.
Build Sequence diagrams easily
It is extremely easy to create a Sequence diagram once the AWS diagram is done. The AWS objects will become lifelines just by a drag and drop and you can choose an operation from a list when creating messages.
Add Attributes and Operations
You can add Attributes and Operations to AWS objects to design more details if you want and choose to show or not to show the details on the diagrams depending on whom you are showing the diagrams to by switching the notation.
Keep consistency
All objects are synchronized within a project. If you create AWS architecture diagram and Sequence diagram and the same model is used in both diagrams, you only need to modify one object when any change is needed. Then the change will apply to the other diagrams. This will save your time and make sure that all the diagrams are updated keeping consistency.
Share diagrams
After you create the AWS architecture diagram, you can export the diagram to PNG, JPEG, EMF, SVG format image files and share with team or upload it to Atlassian Confluence via Macro plug-in or there is a free viewer anyone who wants to see the diagrams.
TIPS
If you want to quickly draw AWS diagrams without using UML class diagrams, you can use a Flowchart. You can create your own AWS icon library and create diagrams with the icons. (Learn More)
Try now!
If you’re interested in trying it out, download Astah Professional.
The latest version of Astah Professional is v8.4. If you are using the older versions and want to try out the latest version, or you’ve already tried out Astah Professional in the past and you cannot get another trial license, please let us know or leave us a comment. I’d be happy to provide a trial license for you!
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