Modeldraw

This article was originally published on Medium . While building Modeldraw, a collaborative diagramming platform, I've observed teams struggle with the same UML modeling mistakes repeatedly. These issues stem from treating UML as documentation requirements rather than communication tools, leading to diagrams that confuse rather than clarify system design. Despite UML's well-defined specification, common mistakes arise when teams translate abstract business requirements into concrete diagram representations—a process that requires judgment calls beyond what any specification can prescribe. Understanding these pitfalls can help teams create more effective class diagrams that actually serve their intended purpose. Let's examine the specific mistakes that cause the most confusion: 1. Monolithic Diagram Syndrome Teams often try to cram everything into one diagram, creating massive, unreadable visual messes instead of focused views showing specific aspects or layers of the s...

This article was originally published on Medium . When users drag shapes around a diagram, they expect connector lines to automatically reroute themselves intelligently. What seems like simple line-drawing is actually one of the most complex algorithmic challenges in building a diagramming platform. While developing Modeldraw, I spent weeks perfecting the auto-layout system for connector routing. Here’s how I solved the problem of making diagrams look professional automatically, without user intervention. Press enter or click to view image in full size The Challenge: Making Connections Look Natural Every time a user moves a shape, the system must instantly recalculate optimal paths for all connected lines. This happens in real-time, often dozens of times per second during drag operations. The algorithm needs to be both fast and visually intelligent. Poor auto-layout creates messy diagrams with overlapping lines and awkward angles. Good auto-layout produces clean, professional-looking d...

This article was originally published on Medium . When I started building Modeldraw, a collaborative diagramming platform, I knew real-time collaboration would be essential. Multiple users needed to edit the same diagram simultaneously without conflicts, see each other’s cursors moving in real-time, and have everything work seamlessly whether they were logged in or accessing via a shared link. What seemed straightforward at first turned into one of the most complex technical challenges of the entire project. Here’s how I solved it. The Requirements Real-time collaboration needed to handle: Concurrent change merging  — When two users edit the same element simultaneously Live cursor tracking  — Showing where other users are working with smooth animations Flexible authentication  — Supporting both authenticated users and anonymous viewers with share links Reliable synchronization  — Ensuring diagram state stays consistent across all clients SignalR vs. WebSockets: Choosing the Right Found...

 We're excited to launch our new Refer & Earn program, making it easier than ever to share Modeldraw with your professional network while earning rewards for both you and your colleagues. How It Works When someone joins Modeldraw using your unique referral link and creates their first project, you both earn account credits: You receive: $15 in account credits They receive: $15 welcome credits These credits can be applied toward any of our premium features including Version Control ($15/month), White Label Branding ($29/month), or Custom Subdomain ($19/month). Your Personal Referral Dashboard The new Refer & Earn page provides everything you need to track and manage your referrals: View your earnings and successful referrals at a glance Copy your unique referral link with one click Share directly through Email, LinkedIn, Slack, or Microsoft Teams Track referral history with real-time status updates Program Details Annual limit: Up to $150 in credits per...

  Are you tired of juggling multiple tools for diagrams and collaboration, dealing with endless distractions, and tedious clicks? You're not alone. We created Modeldraw to solve these very frustrations, and we want to show you how in just 60 seconds. The Problem with the Old Way The old way of diagramming is full of friction. It requires you to navigate clunky UIs and click repeatedly just to perform simple tasks like formatting a shape. This not only slows you down but also pulls your focus away from the creative work of building your ideas. The Modeldraw Solution: Fast, Fluid Creation The frustration is over. With Modeldraw, every tool is designed for speed. Our unique Quick Properties Panel lets you edit and style your diagrams without ever leaving the canvas, giving you instant, contextual controls. For more detailed work, a single click gives you a full dialog with all the advanced properties you need for deep customization. Modeldraw also helps you capture every thought o...

Our Generic Diagram feature has evolved into something much more powerful— Freeform Diagrams . Why the Change? "Generic Diagram" never captured what this tool actually delivers: unlimited creative freedom on an infinite canvas. The name suggested something basic or incomplete, when it's actually our most flexible diagramming workspace. Freeform better represents what users get: the freedom to create without boundaries, letting ideas take shape organically without formal diagramming constraints. New Tools for Creative Expression We've enhanced Freeform with essential shapes for flexible diagramming: People & Objects Category : A new shape group featuring the Person shape—perfect for representing stakeholders, users, or team members in any context. Sticky Notes : Two powerful options for capturing thoughts: Sticky Note : Classic yellow squares for quick ideas and labels Endless Sticky Note Box : Auto-expanding notes that grow with your content When to...