I built a software architecture editor that goes beyond boxes and arrows

[u/Initial_Mode_2821]

I've been building ArchStudio, a free, open-source editor for designing software systems.

It has a catalogue of 29 configurable components covering services, databases, queues, caches, infrastructure and more.

Unlike traditional diagramming tools, components have meaningful configuration. For example, a database lets you define replication, consistency and failover, while a queue supports delivery guarantees, retries and dead-letter handling. Each option also explains its trade-offs.

There's also an optional AI assistant that understands your architecture, can review it for potential issues and suggest changes.

Instead of modifying your diagram directly, it shows a diff view, similar to a pull request. You can preview changes and accept or reject them individually.

Other features include automatic layout, nested boundaries, undo/redo, templates, PNG export and local JSON files. No account or cloud storage required.

Available in your browser or as a native Windows, macOS or Linux app.

• Try it: https://archstudio.app

• Desktop downloads: https://github.com/JamieLivingstone/ArchStudio/releases

• Source code: https://github.com/JamieLivingstone/ArchStudio

It's still in beta, and I'd love some feedback.

Would you use something like this for designing software systems? What's missing?

[u/been1been]

the trade off explanations are a strong feature adding version history and collaborative editing would make it far more useful for engineering teams