UML Class Diagram Template

About the UML Class Diagram Template

Miro’s UML class diagram template is a ready-to-use tool for developers and system architects to visualize object-oriented systems. You can use a UML class diagram to create static models of object-oriented systems and define objects by their classes, attributes, and functions.

Class diagrams are a part of the wider category of UML diagrams — a set of tools for modeling software designed to help developers express their ideas. Miro’s UML class diagram template makes it easy to visualize complex object-oriented systems, collaborate with teammates online, and keep your content fresh.

We’ll walk you through how to start using the UML class diagram template.

How to use Miro’s UML class diagram template

Get started by clicking the “use template” button to open the UML class diagram template in Miro. Once you’re in, here are a few steps you can take to start filling in the template and customizing it:

1. Define the system you want to model

As always, the first step is to clarify your objectives. Whether you’re modeling a system that hasn’t been created yet or illustrating an existing system for troubleshooting purposes, you’ll need to define a scale — including which details you’ll illustrate and which ones you’ll leave out — also known as your diagram’s level of abstraction.

2. Label classes

Each rectangle represents an object and is divided into three segments. Add the name of each object’s class to the top segments of the rectangles. Double-click on the text boxes to edit them.

3. Label attributes and operations

Add attributes to the second segment of each rectangle and operations to the third. Start each attribute or operation with a symbol denoting whether it’s public (+), private (-), or protected (#). Then, add the name of the attribute, a colon, and the type of attribute or operation it is.

For example, ‘+(attribute name): int’ is a public instance attribute called (attribute name).

4. Draw the relationships between classes

Once all your objects are defined in the diagram with classes, attributes, and operations, it’s time to illustrate how they work together. UML recognizes several forms for the relationship between classes in a structural diagram. Association, inheritance (or generalization), realization, and dependency are the most common. Use the connection lines to visualize these relationships and customize their styles to differentiate between the types.

5. Update the class diagram as you implement the system design

Real-world implementations never look exactly like the design — so be sure to edit the UML class diagram template over time as you continue to build or debug the system. A UML class diagram maker like Miro makes it easy to add updates and keep your team aligned in real-time.

Benefits of using Miro’s UML class diagram template

Miro’s UML class diagram template comes with many unique benefits. On top of saving time from building a diagram from scratch, you’ll get to access plenty of diagramming tools and shape packs to easily expand on the template — including our UML diagramming shape pack.

You’ll also have plenty of customization options to make the UML class diagram template your own. Change up shape colors, shape sizes, connection line styles and thickness, font types, and even your Miro board’s background colors. Add important context using sticky notes, and drag and drop any of your own documents or images you’d like to include.

Want to collaborate on the UML class diagram template with teammates? Invite others to edit your Miro board with you in real-time — or have them view and leave feedback as comments directly on the canvas.