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Terrastruct

by Terrastruct · Since 2019
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorTerrastruct
Year launched2019
StatusActive
LocationTerrastruct, Inc. 2443 Fillmore St #380-3882 San Francisco, CA 94115
Countries servedGlobal
Languages11
Integrations1+
Free tier
Free trialYES
Contact sales

About Terrastruct

Terrastruct is a diagramming tool from Terrastruct designed for software architecture. It combines a capable, feature-complete GUI, unlimited diagrams, and team sharing/assets so developers can create precise and informative diagrams efficiently. With its open-source domain-specific language (DSL) and custom layout engine, it provides both text for speed and a graphical user interface for precision, allowing users to trust in the intellectual property of their diagrams. This modern tool supports various collaborative features, ensuring teams can easily share resources and ideas. Key capabilities: open-source language custom layout engine unlimited diagrams team sharing feature-complete GUI Best for: developers that need to create and share software architecture diagrams.

Terrastruct by Terrastruct is a specialized diagramming software designed specifically for software engineers, system architects, and technical teams who require a more expressive and dynamic way to represent complex systems and workflows. Unlike traditional diagram tools that focus on flat and static visuals, Terrastruct introduces a layered diagramming concept that enables users to depict system behavior at different levels of abstraction. This makes it particularly suitable for modeling software architectures, infrastructure designs, and process flows that evolve over time or contain multiple interacting components. Key features include version control integration, multiple diagram layers, Git-style collaboration, and animated walkthroughs of technical systems. Customer support is solid, with responsive email support and active engagement from the development team. There is a growing knowledge base of tutorials, sample diagrams, and documentation to help new users onboard quickly. Although there’s currently no large user forum, the team is accessible and open to feedback, often incorporating user suggestions into product updates. Pricing for Terrastruct is subscription-based, with a free tier for individuals and paid plans for teams and enterprises.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +Text-to-diagram (D2) combined with bidirectional editing allows for rapid diagram creation and easy updates.
  • +Diagrams are "code," enabling version control and making it easy to track changes and keep documentation current.
  • +The custom layout engine ensures professional, aesthetically pleasing diagrams without manual arrangement.
  • +Supports both text-based and GUI editing, catering to different preferences and diagramming needs.
  • +The open-source D2 language reduces vendor lock-in, ensuring diagrams remain usable even if the tool changes.
What users flag
  • While simple, new users will need to learn the D2 syntax, which might be a hurdle for those accustomed to purely visual tools.
  • Users who prefer strictly drag-and-drop interfaces might find the text-based aspect less intuitive initially.
  • While D2 is open-source, the full features of D2 Studio, especially enterprise capabilities, come with a subscription cost.
  • As D2 was open-sourced in November 2022, it's a newer tool compared to established diagramming software, potentially meaning a smaller community

Features

Key features

Text-to-diagram & Bidirectional Editing
This unique combination allows users to rapidly create diagrams using a simple text-based language (D2) and then fine-tune them visually with drag-and-drop.
Custom Layout Engine (TALA)
Terrastruct has developed a proprietary layout engine specifically for software architecture diagrams, ensuring professional, aesthetically pleasing results with minimal manual effort.
Interactive, Multi-layered Diagrams
D2 Studio supports creating complex, multi-layered diagrams where users can zoom in and out of different levels of abstraction.
Open-source Language (D2)
The core diagramming language, D2, is open-source and free to use, meaning users are not locked into a proprietary system.
Version Control Integration (Diagrams as Code)
Because diagrams are essentially "code" (text-based), they can be easily versioned in source control systems.

Additional features

Team sharing/assets (Terrastruct Bundle/Enterprise)
Enables sharing diagrams and assets within a team for collaborative work.
Password-protected diagrams (Terrastruct Bundle/Enterprise)
Secure diagrams with password protection for controlled access.
Branded presentations (Terrastruct Bundle/Enterprise)
Create professional presentations with company branding.
Hand-drawn style (Terrastruct Bundle/Enterprise)
Apply a hand-drawn aesthetic to diagrams for a less formal look.
D2 with basic support (Terrastruct Bundle)
Includes basic support for the D2 language.
D2 with dedicated support (Enterprise)
Provides dedicated support for D2, suitable for larger organizations.
TALA personal license (Terrastruct Bundle/Standalone)
A license for the proprietary layout engine for individual use.
TALA enterprise license (Enterprise)
An enterprise-level license for the TALA layout engine.
Single Sign On (SSO) (Enterprise)
Enables secure and convenient access through single sign-on.
Audit trail (SIEM) (Enterprise)
Provides an audit trail for security information and event management.
Option to host on-premises (Enterprise)
Allows for hosting the software on internal servers for greater control.
Admin portal (Enterprise)
Provides an administrative interface for managing users and settings.
Insights & analytics (Enterprise)
Offers data and insights related to diagram usage.
Custom support & integrations (Enterprise)
Provides tailored support and integration options for specific enterprise needs.
License to run TALA on CI (Enterprise)
Allows for integrating the TALA layout engine into continuous integration pipelines.
Unlimited diagrams
Create as many diagrams as needed.
Unlimited boards per diagram
Add an unlimited number of boards within each diagram for detailed organization.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
Promo Offer

Monthly plans

Terrastruct Bundle

USD 20

Enterprise

USD 30

Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
11
Interface languages
11
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishSpanishFrenchGermanItalianDutchPortugueseRussianChineseJapaneseKorean

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇯🇵JPY🇨🇳CNY🇮🇳INR🇨🇭CHF🇸🇪SEK🇳🇴NOK

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