Notice: This piece was developed with AI-powered writing tools.
Let’s find out which AWS architecture diagram tool is best for your work.
I spent more than 60 hours testing the leading AWS architecture diagram tools. My goal was to see which platforms truly help cloud professionals design, show, and share their cloud infrastructure. This guide is based on hands-on testing, real-world projects, and direct side-by-side comparisons. You can use this information to pick tools that make your work easier and build your AWS skills.
With 4 years working in cloud architecture and DevOps, I have used many visualization tools—from the old standards to the newest AI-powered ones. Some tools make you work faster, and others are just frustrating. In this article, I focus on AWS diagramming tools that give you clarity, teamwork, and real insights—without causing headaches.
Did I miss a tool, or do you want to share your experience? Let me know!
Methodology
To give you a fair and complete comparison of AWS architecture diagram tools, I used these criteria for each product:
- Setup & Onboarding – I checked how fast a new user can register, set up their space, and start making AWS diagrams right away.
- Core Functionality – I built a sample AWS diagram with each tool. I looked for templates, symbol libraries, auto-layout, and export features.
- Ease of Use – I tested how easy the interface was for building cloud diagrams, from dragging components to labeling, without needing guides.
- Speed & Stability – I watched each app’s performance with both small and more detailed diagrams. I checked for lags, crashes, or problems with saving data.
- Support & Documentation – When I had questions, I checked the user guides, in-app help, and how fast the support team replied.
- Pricing – I looked at how clear the pricing was, if there were free plans or trials, and if the value was good for both individuals and teams.
- Overall Experience – I thought about how pleasant and productive each tool felt, both the first time and after longer use.
🏆 Best Overall - Canvas Cloud AI
Modern, smart, and actually fun to use.
Right from the start, Canvas Cloud AI felt different. Setup was fast, the interface was simple, and I got real work done within minutes. Many tools are either too much or too little, but this one finds the right mix between power and ease.
Canvas Cloud AI lets you design, see, and deploy cloud architectures with natural language and simple visual tools. It makes cloud learning and building easier for anyone who wants to work fast without getting stuck in complex menus.
Try it at: Canvas Cloud AI
What I like
- Very easy to start and use with a modern look
- Quickly turns ideas into clear AWS architecture diagrams
- AI suggestions and automation save time on repeat tasks
- Real-time feedback helps you learn faster and makes certification prep more engaging
- Works well for both solo users and teams
What I don't like
- Advanced customization for unique elements is still being added
- Some features could use more detailed controls
Pricing
Canvas Cloud AI has a free-forever plan. Early users get full access at no cost. Pricing for paid plans is not posted yet, but current access is very generous and there is no commitment.
Bottom Line: If you want a product that helps you, not slows you down, Canvas Cloud AI is the best choice right now. It is fast, easy, and strong for anyone who makes AWS architecture diagrams, whether you are new or experienced.
🥈 Miro - Feature-Packed Visual Collaboration for Teams
A great tool for teamwork, if you are ready to learn.
Miro is one of the best-known names for online whiteboards and diagramming. It offers many templates, including AWS diagrams, and connects with tools like Jira, Slack, and Google Drive. Teams love using it for brainstorming and mapping ideas. The toolkit is powerful, but learning everything can take time, especially if you only want simple AWS diagrams. In my experience, the long list of features can be confusing. When diagrams get big, the interface can be slow.
Try it at: Miro
What I like
- Drag and drop is easy for most diagrams
- Good collection of AWS and cloud templates
- Real-time teamwork and comments
- Works with many productivity and development tools
- Runs well on different devices and systems
What I don’t like
- Free plan is limited to only three boards and few features
- Too many features can confuse new users or small teams
- Large AWS diagrams can make the tool slow
- Interface sometimes changes or support takes time to reply
- Needs a good internet connection; offline mode is very limited
- Premium features can get expensive for teams
What it costs
- Free: $0 per user each month, only three boards, limited features
- Starter: $10 per user each month, unlocks more boards and features
- Business: $20 per user each month for advanced diagrams, guest access, SSO, and more
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for 30 or more users, with added admin and support
- 14-day free trial for the Business plan
Bottom Line: Miro is great for teams who want a space for all types of diagrams, not just cloud architecture. If you want a focused, easy AWS diagram tool, or want to go from idea to deployment without extra steps, Miro might feel like too much tool for the job.
🥉 Lucidchart - Classic Diagramming, Modern Fatigue
Has lots of features, but feels old and busy.
Lucidchart has been a favorite for making almost any kind of diagram, including AWS. It has a big set of features, many shapes, and good tools for teamwork. But the wide range can be a problem. The interface feels crowded and can be hard to figure out. You often need to dig through menus before you can focus on your diagram. Collaboration and integrations are strong, but getting started and using it daily feels a bit old compared to newer, simpler tools.
Try it at: Lucidchart
What I like
- Large list of templates and AWS/cloud shapes
- Good teamwork with comments and live edits
- Connects to Google Workspace, Slack, and Office
- Some automation and data features
What I don't like
- Free version does not let you do real work
- Interface looks outdated and settings are hard to find
- Slow with big diagrams; AWS diagrams can get complex quickly
- Some users report confusing bills and not enough self-help support
- Hard to get started if you are new; steep learning curve
What it costs
- Free: 3 editable docs, only 60 shapes per doc (very limited)
- Individual: $9 each month for unlimited docs and premium features
- Team: $10 per user each month adds integrations and admin tools
- 7-day free trial for paid plans, but the basic tier is very limited
Bottom Line: Lucidchart is a strong choice for experienced diagram makers or teams used to older tools, but if you want a smooth way to design and launch AWS architectures, newer tools built for today’s cloud are easier to use.
Cloudcraft - Fast AWS Visualization, Limited If You Need More
Great for AWS visuals, but not as strong outside that.
Cloudcraft is focused on helping teams design and document AWS (and some Azure) architectures. Its drag-and-drop editor and large icon library are good for technical diagrams, and it can auto-create diagrams from your AWS account. This is very handy. However, Cloudcraft has not kept up with some newer tools, especially if you want multi-cloud, better integrations, or easier onboarding.
Try it at: Cloudcraft
What I like
- Simple drag-and-drop editor for AWS diagrams
- Big symbol library for AWS resources
- Teamwork in real time
- Can sync with AWS to keep diagrams up to date
- Cost estimation and optimization tools
- Keeps version history for audit trails
- Unique 3D view for special presentations
What I don't like
- Hard to learn advanced features and cost tools
- Few integrations outside AWS and Azure; no GCP or OCI
- No true auto-sync; you must re-import to update diagrams
- Updates have slowed; missing some new AWS products and support for more IaC
- High price for single users or small teams
- Auto diagrams for large infrastructures can get messy
What it costs
Cloudcraft has a Free plan with limits (small drawings, manual diagrams, basic exports). For work use:
- Pro: $40.83 per user each month (annual) or $99 each month
- Enterprise: $100 per user each month (annual) or $120 each month
- 14-day free trial for Pro, no card needed
Bottom Line:
Cloudcraft is a favorite for AWS experts who want automatic, good-looking diagrams, but if you want easy setup, multi-cloud use, or a tool that makes your work simple from start to finish, you might move on quickly. The setup and cost tools are powerful but take time to learn.
Hava - Set-and-Forget AWS Diagrams, with Limits
Quick automation and cloud support, but not much control over details.
Hava tries to remove the hard work from cloud diagramming. It can create up-to-date architecture maps of AWS (and other clouds) with just a few clicks. For teams that want a fresh look at their infrastructure, including security and cost details, Hava works well. But if you want to change diagrams by hand or have special layout needs, you might hit limits with the automation.
Try it at: Hava
What I like
- Makes instant cloud diagrams with no manual drawing
- Supports AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes
- Updates in real time as your cloud changes
- Has built-in cost and security views
- Connects to tools like Jenkins and Jira
- Clear and easy interface for most people
What I don't like
- Few ways to customize; good for out-of-the-box use only
- Learning curve for people new to cloud diagrams
- Needs manual sync for data sources (no auto-refresh)
- Can slow down or look crowded with big diagrams
- High price for small teams or low AWS use
- Almost no offline access
What it costs
Professional: $59 each month
Teams: $249 each month
Enterprise: Custom price
14-day free trial (no card needed) for Teams plan. Annual plans save 20 percent.
Bottom Line: Hava is good for quick, automatic diagrams and ongoing cloud checks, if you do not need to edit much. If you want more control or an easy learning and deployment workflow, other tools offer more options.
Cloudockit - Powerful Automation, Steep Onboarding
Automates cloud documentation, but not very beginner friendly.
Cloudockit is strong for automation. It can scan your AWS setup and create detailed 2D and 3D diagrams and technical documents with a few clicks. Big teams like it for its wide support (Visio, Draw.io, Lucidchart, and more) and ability to handle cloud and on-premises systems. But it is not the easiest for new users. Setting up scans or reading diagrams takes some time and technical skill.
Try it at: Cloudockit
What I like
- Supports AWS, Azure, GCP, and on-premises well
- Makes very detailed diagrams and documents
- Outputs in many formats (Visio, PDF, Word, Draw.io, etc)
- Focus on privacy: no storage of docs or credentials
What I don't like
- Takes time to learn; setup can be hard
- Old-style, basic design
- Slower with big or complex environments
- Diagrams need a lot of changes to match what you want
- Price is high for small teams (annual only, starts high)
What it costs
Annual plans only. Starts at $1,500 per year for 1 user.
Bulk plans: 5 users for $3,250 per year, 25 users for $7,000 per year. There is a limited free trial with some content hidden, or you can ask for a full test.
Bottom Line: If you need deep, automated AWS diagrams and are comfortable with technical tools, Cloudockit has a lot to offer. But if you want a more friendly, easy design experience, especially with natural language features, it might not be the best fit.
diagrams.net - Free and Feature-Packed, But Not Without Friction
Many features for free, but not always easy to use.
diagrams.net is a top pick for technical teams who want free tools. It has a big shape library and good cloud integrations—all at no cost. But finding and using all the features can be tough for new users. The interface feels crowded, teamwork tools are basic, and the learning curve is steeper than it looks. It is good for power users but not the fastest for going from AWS idea to a finished diagram.
Try it at: diagrams.net
What I like
- Free, open-source, and full of features
- Big shape library, including AWS and network icons
- Works on web, desktop, and offline
- Good for saving to Google Drive, GitHub, and more
- Solid for regular diagram needs
What I don't like
- Complicated interface; can be overwhelming
- Real-time teamwork is behind other tools
- No built-in data links, automation, or help guides
- Problems with importing from Visio or moving connectors
- Sometimes slow or has loading issues
- Few ways to change style and look
What it costs
diagrams.net is 100 percent free and open-source. No paid plans or hidden limits.
Bottom Line: diagrams.net is a flexible, free option for users willing to learn the interface. If you want to make AWS diagrams quickly with guided steps or instant natural language tools, it is not as fast or modern as some newer options.
CloudSkew - Efficient Cloud Icons, Steep Climb for New Users
Large icon set for detailed diagrams, but takes time to learn.
CloudSkew is made for cloud architecture diagrams. It probably has the biggest icon set covering AWS, Azure, GCP, and more. The drag-and-drop interface has many special features, but you need time to find them. New users or teams wanting a quick start may find it hard to use at first.
Try it at: CloudSkew
What I like
- Huge library of cloud icons and templates
- Can export to many image and vector formats
- Real-time teamwork on paid plans
- Includes an annotation and documentation editor
- Auto-saves your work so you do not lose progress
What I don't like
- Takes time to learn, especially if you are new to diagrams
- Free plan lets you make only three diagrams or templates, and some icons are locked
- Focuses closely on architecture diagrams, not general diagrams
- Web-only, with little mobile support and no offline mode
- Some features like connectors are hard to find or not polished
What it costs
CloudSkew is free for up to 3 diagrams or templates. Paid plans unlock unlimited diagrams, advanced teamwork, and more export options. Yearly plans start from $8 each month (billed yearly). There is no free trial for premium features; demo accounts are limited.
Bottom Line: If you want full control and a big icon library, and you are willing to learn, CloudSkew does the job. But for easy setup or AI-powered cloud design, other tools are less work to get started.
Holori - Powerful, But Overwhelming Cloud Visualization
Strong automation and insights, but the interface is busy.
Holori has a rich set of tools for AWS and multi-cloud mapping, cost tracking, and planning. It can auto-create architecture diagrams and gives detailed cost tips. But the interface is crowded, the help docs expect technical know-how, and even simple tasks can take time. Users often mention slow speeds and bugs, and the learning curve is steep.
Try it at: Holori
What I like
- Can auto-generate detailed AWS, Azure, and GCP diagrams
- Shows costs across cloud providers in one place
- Gives cost-saving suggestions
- Lets you tag, filter, and see multiple accounts
- Support team is quick and updates are often
What I don't like
- Crowded interface makes formatting hard
- Advanced features need training or help
- Large docs slow diagram loads
- Small bugs and missing features (like export problems)
- No export to Draw.io yet
What it costs
Free for small accounts (up to $3,000 monthly cloud spend) with some limits.
Pro starts at $49 each month for more automation and unlimited diagrams, with a 14-day free trial.
Business ($199 each month) and Enterprise (custom) are for bigger teams or higher spending.
Bottom Line: Holori is full of features for cloud management and is best for people already working deep in the cloud. But learning to use the busy interface and many features takes time. If you want to start designing and building right away, other tools are easier to use.
Brainboard - Powerful Visuals, but Fundamentals Lag
All-in-one IaC tool with strong visuals, but not easy for beginners.
Brainboard is known for its drag and drop designer and instant Terraform code. It is good for teams who use infrastructure as code and want visual diagrams. It supports AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI, and has built-in CI/CD, teamwork, and enterprise features. But all this power comes with a learning curve, and there are still some problems with usability. It is not the easiest for teams who want a plug-and-play AWS diagram tool.
Try it at: Brainboard
What I like
- Easy to use visual builder for cloud architecture
- Auto-creates Terraform code for easy handover
- Supports many clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI)
- Can import from Terraform or Git
- Role-based access and compliance tools
- Teamwork, versioning, and CI/CD built in
What I don't like
- Takes time to learn; many users say the interface is confusing at first
- Docs expect you know IaC already; little onboarding help
- Slows down with big or complex diagrams
- Does not support Azure Bicep, only Terraform for IaC
- Pricing for advanced features is unclear; some costs show only after signup
- Users warn about vendor lock-in if you outgrow it
What it costs
Free tier is available, but most team and advanced features are in Pro ($99 per user each month) or Enterprise (custom price) plans. There is a 14-day Pro trial, but pricing for add-ons and large use is not clear at first.
Bottom Line: Brainboard is flexible for visual multi-cloud designs, especially if your team uses Terraform. For new users or anyone wanting a simple AWS diagramming experience, there are easier options.
AWS Infrastructure Composer - Visual IaC, but Limited Depth
A helpful AWS tool for basic infrastructure, but only for simple needs.
AWS Infrastructure Composer is Amazon’s tool for building AWS architectures visually. You drag and connect resources, and it builds CloudFormation templates for you. For AWS-only projects and new users who want a free solution, it works well, especially if you are okay with staying inside AWS and trading flexibility for simplicity.
Try it at: AWS Infrastructure Composer
What I like
- Free with your AWS account
- Drag and drop to build CloudFormation-based architectures
- Real-time sync between diagram and template
- Connects with VS Code and Workflow Studio
- Good for beginners who want guided AWS design
What I don't like
- Only supports CloudFormation and SAM (no Terraform or CDK)
- Visual modeling is simple, with few advanced options
- User experience needs work; connecting resources can be tricky, and big diagrams are hard
- Limits on resources in big diagrams
- Still missing polish for complex environments
What it costs
Free to use. You only pay for AWS resources you deploy. No platform fees or locked features.
Bottom Line: AWS Infrastructure Composer takes you from sketch to deployment easily, but advanced users or anyone wanting multi-cloud, deep customization, or natural language design will need more. For easy visual design and smart automation, other tools feel more modern.
Other Tools I Tested (Quick Notes)
- Gliffy - Decent diagrams, but few AWS icons.
- Absorb Software - Mostly a learning platform, not for diagrams.
- Docebo - Learning features, lacks diagram tools.
- 360Learning - Focus on training, not architecture visuals.
- EdCast - Cloud learning, no diagramming.
- TalentLMS - Learning tool, does not make diagrams.
- Degreed - Learning paths, no diagram features.
- Sana - AI-powered education, no AWS support.
- Adobe Learning Manager - Learning platform, no diagrams.
- LearnUpon - LMS, no AWS visuals.
- Axonify - Focus on learning, not diagrams.
- Infracodebase - Niche IaC, diagram features not clear.
- oak9 - Security-focused, not a diagram tool.
- Pulumi - Infrastructure as code, no visual editor.
- Pluralsight - Courses only, not diagrams.
- AWS Cloud Institute - Training, no diagramming.
- Google Cloud Training - Learning only, does not make diagrams.
- QA - Cloud training, no diagram tools.
- DigitalDefynd - Course listings, not diagrams.
- Whizlabs - Certification focus, not diagrams.
- HPE Education Services - Training suite, no diagramming.
- IBM SkillsBuild - Skills platform, no AWS diagrams.
- CloudLearn - Learning platform, not for diagrams.
- Harness - CI/CD, basic or no diagram features.
- GitLab - DevOps tool, no AWS diagrams.
- Red Hat OpenShift - Platform as a service, not a diagram tool.
- Azure DevOps - Good for pipelines, not diagrams.
- AWS DevOps - Focus on pipelines, no visual editor.
- CloudBees - CI/CD, lacks diagram support.
- Jenkins - Automation, not diagrams.
- CircleCI - Continuous integration, no diagram tools.
- Octopus Deploy - Deployment automation, no diagram features.
- Spinnaker - Cloud delivery, not for diagrams.
Final Verdict
Most AWS architecture diagram tools fall into one of three groups:
- Too complex – Built for engineers, not everyday users.
- Too simple – Nice interface, but not enough features.
- Too unstable – Still being built or not maintained.
The best tools are powerful but easy to use. They help you design, learn, and deploy cloud architectures with clear visuals and smart automation. With the right tool, you can focus on building solutions and getting real results, without dealing with a tough learning curve or missing features.
Top comments (0)