Exporting and Sharing UML Designs

Introduction: UML Beyond the Drawing Board

Creating UML diagrams is just one part of the journey — what really counts is sharing your designs effectively. Whether you’re handing them to teammates, embedding them in documentation, or attaching them to tickets, exporting UML in the right format makes all the difference.

This tutorial will walk you through how to export and share UML designs from tools like StarUML, Lucidchart, and PlantUML. We'll use practical examples (like school systems and grading flows) to show when and how to share diagrams in the real world.

Why Export UML Diagrams?

Let’s say you're modeling a student grading system. You’ve built a class diagram where Student has a list of Grade objects, and teachers assign those grades. Before developers implement the logic, you want the team to review and discuss the design.

To make that possible, you need to:

• Export diagrams as images, PDFs, or code snippets
• Share via GitHub, email, Confluence, or Slack
• Embed them into JavaDocs or project wikis

Exporting UML Diagrams in StarUML

StarUML supports exporting individual diagrams or entire projects in multiple formats, ideal for Java developers working on desktop apps.

Step-by-Step: Exporting a Diagram

1. Open your UML project in StarUML.
2. Select the diagram you want to export (e.g., Class Diagram).
3. Go to File → Export Diagram As
4. Choose one of the following formats:
   • PNG – For easy embedding in reports or presentations
   • SVG – For high-quality, scalable vector graphics
   • PDF – For polished, document-ready output
5. Select the export folder and click Save.

Tip: Use PNG for quick sharing via email or Slack. Use SVG when quality matters, like in design reviews or printed documentation.

Exporting Diagrams from Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a cloud-based tool known for collaborative design. It’s great for teams and cross-functional reviews.

Steps to Export

1. Open your Lucidchart document.
2. Click File → Download As.
3. Choose from:
   • PNG or JPEG for static diagrams
   • PDF for print-ready output
   • Visio (.vsdx) for Microsoft toolchain compatibility
4. Optionally select the page range or resolution.

Lucidchart also supports sharing via link. Click Share → Copy Link and send it to your team, optionally allowing comments or edits.

Exporting UML from PlantUML

PlantUML uses text to generate diagrams — and you can export to multiple image formats easily.

Steps Using PlantUML Online

1. Paste your UML code into PlantUML Live Editor.
2. Click “Download As” in the top-right corner.
3. Select PNG, SVG, or TXT (ASCII art).

Example Code

@startuml
class Student {
  - name : String
  - grades : List
}

class Grade {
  - subject : String
  - score : int
}

Student "1" -- "*" Grade
@enduml

Tip: PlantUML is great for integrating into CI/CD pipelines. Add it to your Java project’s docs folder, and regenerate diagrams on every commit.

Embedding Diagrams in Documentation

Once your diagrams are exported, it’s time to put them where your team will see them:

• Project Wiki: Add PNGs or SVGs to GitHub README or Confluence pages
• JavaDocs: Link exported diagrams in the class or package documentation
• Presentations: Insert exported diagrams into slides for sprint demos or onboarding

Example: Adding a Diagram to GitHub README

## System Overview

![Class Diagram](./docs/class-diagram.png)

Collaborative Sharing Tips

• Use cloud sharing tools: Google Drive, Dropbox, or Lucidchart links make it easy for everyone to access diagrams in real-time.
• Export PDFs for stakeholders: Executives and product owners often prefer printable, high-quality PDFs.
• Update regularly: Diagrams should reflect the current system. Outdated diagrams cause more confusion than clarity.

Best Practices for Exporting UML

• ✅ Label everything: Ensure class names, relationships, and methods are clearly named before exporting.
• ✅ Zoom appropriately: Zoom to fit your diagram before export to avoid clipping.
• ✅ Test your export: Open the file post-export and review legibility and formatting.
• 🚫 Don’t overload the canvas: Exporting a diagram with too many elements can be overwhelming.

When to Export vs. When to Share Live

Scenario	Recommended Method
Design review with devs	PNG or live StarUML file
Sharing with non-tech stakeholders	PDF export or Lucidchart link
Embedding in JavaDocs	SVG or PNG
Documentation in GitHub	PNG embedded in README

Conclusion: Make Your Diagrams Work for You

Exporting and sharing UML designs isn't just about file types — it’s about telling a clear, visual story that others can understand and act on. Whether you're designing a student registration system or mapping out an enterprise architecture, take time to make your diagrams shareable, accessible, and relevant.

Choose the right format. Label with care. Export with clarity. And remember — the best UML diagram is the one everyone can use.