Archyl vs Archi: Architecture Documentation Comparison

Compare Archyl and Archi (ArchiMate) for architecture documentation. See how C4 modeling, AI discovery, and code-connected documentation differ from ArchiMate…

ArchiMate desktop tool meets modern C4 architecture platform

Archi is a free, open-source desktop tool for ArchiMate enterprise architecture modeling. While Archi excels at ArchiMate standard compliance, Archyl focuses on C4 model software architecture with AI discovery, drift detection, MCP integrations, and living documentation that stays in sync with code.

Archyl vs Archi: Architecture Documentation Comparison

Compare Archyl and Archi (ArchiMate) for architecture documentation. See how C4 modeling, AI discovery, and code-connected documentation differ from ArchiMate enterprise modeling.

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ArchiMate standard compliance

Archi is the reference implementation for ArchiMate, the open standard for enterprise architecture description. Full support for all ArchiMate layers and viewpoints.

Archi is completely free with no licensing costs. The community maintains it actively and it runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Enterprise architecture depth

ArchiMate covers business, application, and technology layers. It models strategy, motivation, and governance alongside implementation architecture.

Architecture Modeling

Architecture as Code (DSL)

Web-based (no install)

Archi is desktop-only

Interactive diagram navigation

AI-powered architecture discovery from code

MCP server (181 tools for AI assistants)

Architecture drift detection & conformance scoring

DORA metrics integration

Webhooks for architecture changes

Collaboration & Integration

Architecture Change Requests

Architecture Decision Records

Real-time collaboration

Decide your modeling approach

Archyl uses C4 model while Archi uses ArchiMate. If your organization needs C4 for software architecture documentation, Archyl is the better fit.

Generate C4 model from code

Use AI discovery to create a C4 model from your actual codebase. This provides a more accurate starting point than manual modeling.

Map ArchiMate concepts to C4

ArchiMate application components map to C4 containers/components. System software maps to infrastructure. Relationships carry over conceptually.

Add governance and collaboration

Enable drift detection, conformance rules, change requests, and team collaboration features that Archi does not support.

Should I use ArchiMate or C4 model?

ArchiMate is best for enterprise architecture spanning business, application, and technology layers. C4 model is best for software architecture documentation focused on systems, containers, components, and code. Many organizations use both for different purposes.

Is Archyl free like Archi?

Archyl has a free Developer plan for individual users. Archi is fully free and open-source. For teams needing collaboration, drift detection, and AI features, Archyl provides capabilities Archi cannot.

What does Archyl offer that Archi does not?

Web-based collaboration, AI architecture discovery from code, drift detection, conformance rules, MCP server (181 tools), DORA metrics, ADRs, change requests, Architecture as Code DSL, release management, technology radar, webhooks, and real-time team collaboration.