Archi

What is Archi?

Archi is an open-source, cross-platform modeling tool designed to create ArchiMate models and sketches. It is widely used by enterprise architects, business analysts, and IT professionals to visualize and analyze enterprise architectures. Archi supports the ArchiMate modeling language, an open standard hosted by The Open Group, and is fully aligned with TOGAF.

Key Features

• ArchiMate 3.2 Support: Archi supports the latest version of the ArchiMate modeling language, allowing users to create all ArchiMate elements and relations in various views.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Archi is compatible with Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions, ensuring accessibility across different operating systems.
• Visual Modeling Tools: Features include a Visualiser to display model elements and their relationships, a Sketch View for brainstorming ideas, and a Canvas Modelling Toolkit for designing reusable templates.
• Hints View: Provides guidance on ArchiMate elements and relationships, assisting users in creating accurate models.
• Extensibility: Archi supports various plug-ins, such as coArchi for collaboration, jArchi for scripting, and Archi Export to Excel, enhancing its functionality.

How to Use Archi

To get started with Archi, download the installer from the official website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system. Once installed, you can create a new model by selecting ‘New Model’ from the File menu. Use the palette to drag and drop ArchiMate elements onto the canvas, and connect them using the magic connector. Utilize the Hints View for guidance and the Visualiser to explore relationships between elements.

Pricing

Archi is free and open-source software, licensed under the MIT License. This means you can use, modify, and distribute it without any cost. While Archi is free, the ArchiMate language is licensed by The Open Group, and its use is governed by their licenses. For more information on licensing, refer to the official Archi FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use Archi for commercial purposes? Yes, Archi can be used in commercial environments, educational institutions, and for personal projects. However, the ArchiMate language is licensed by The Open Group, and its use is subject to their licensing terms.
• Is Archi certified by The Open Group? No, Archi is not officially certified by The Open Group. However, it fulfills all conformance requirements and is widely used by professionals and organizations.
• Does Archi support multi-user collaboration? Archi supports multi-user collaboration through the coArchi plug-in, which allows users to share and collaborate on models in real-time.
• Can I extend Archi’s functionality? Yes, Archi supports various plug-ins that can extend its functionality. You can download and install plug-ins to enhance your Archi experience.
• How can I contribute to Archi? You can contribute to Archi by reporting bugs, suggesting features, or developing plug-ins. Visit the Archi website for more information on how to get involved.