Structurizr C4 Models
Structurizr is a 'models as code' tool designed for the C4 model.
What is Structurizr C4 Models?
Structurizr C4 Models is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to structurizr is a 'models as code' tool designed for the c4 model.
Structurizr is a 'models as code' tool designed for the C4 model.
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Structurizr is a 'models as code' tool designed for the C4 m
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx structurizrConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Structurizr C4 Models
The Structurizr MCP Server brings the C4 model architecture diagramming tool into AI workflows by exposing tools to validate and parse Structurizr DSL, export architecture views as Mermaid or PlantUML diagrams, and manage workspaces on a Structurizr server. It lets AI assistants author software architecture as structured, version-controlled DSL code rather than free-form images, bridging the gap between conversational design discussions and formal C4 architecture documentation. The server can be run locally via Docker or Java, or accessed through the hosted public instance at mcp.structurizr.com.
Prerequisites
- Docker installed (easiest deployment path) OR Java 21 and Maven for building from source
- An MCP-compatible client that supports remote MCP servers via mcp-remote (Claude Desktop, Claude Code)
- Optional: a Structurizr account for workspace persistence at structurizr.com
- Node.js installed (for npx mcp-remote bridge)
Option A: Use the hosted public instance
The Structurizr team runs a public MCP instance at mcp.structurizr.com with DSL validation, PlantUML, and Mermaid export enabled. This requires no local installation and is the fastest way to get started.
{
"mcpServers": {
"structurizr": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["mcp-remote", "https://mcp.structurizr.com/mcp"]
}
}
}Option B: Run locally with Docker
Pull and run the Structurizr MCP Docker image locally. Pass flags to enable the capabilities you need: -dsl for DSL tools, -mermaid and -plantuml for export formats.
docker pull structurizr/mcp
docker run -it --rm -p 3000:3000 structurizr/mcp -dsl -mermaid -plantumlOption C: Build from source with Java 21
For the latest version or to run with custom parameters, build from the structurizr monorepo using Maven. Java 21 is required.
git clone https://github.com/structurizr/structurizr.git
cd structurizr
./mvnw -Dmaven.test.skip=true package -am -pl structurizr-mcp
java -jar structurizr-mcp/target/structurizr-mcp-1.0.0.war -dsl -mermaidAdd the server to your MCP client configuration
Claude Desktop requires HTTP MCP servers to be bridged via mcp-remote since it only supports stdio transport. Configure it to point at your local server or the public instance.
{
"mcpServers": {
"structurizr": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["mcp-remote", "http://localhost:3000/mcp"]
}
}
}Verify DSL tools are available
Restart your MCP client. Ask the AI to validate a simple piece of Structurizr DSL to confirm the server is connected and the tools are responding.
Structurizr C4 Models Examples
Client configuration
Claude Desktop configuration using the public hosted Structurizr MCP instance via mcp-remote.
{
"mcpServers": {
"structurizr": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["mcp-remote", "https://mcp.structurizr.com/mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Example prompts for creating and validating C4 model architecture diagrams with Structurizr DSL.
- "Write Structurizr DSL for a C4 context diagram of an e-commerce platform with users, a web app, and a payment gateway"
- "Validate this Structurizr DSL and fix any syntax errors"
- "Export the system container diagram as a Mermaid diagram"
- "Add a microservices container view to the existing workspace showing the order, inventory, and notification services"
- "Convert this architecture description into proper C4 model DSL with relationships defined"
- "Generate a deployment diagram for Kubernetes showing the pods and services"Troubleshooting Structurizr C4 Models
mcp-remote fails to connect to the local Docker container
Verify the Docker container is running with `docker ps` and the port is mapped correctly. Test the HTTP endpoint directly with `curl http://localhost:3000/mcp`. Ensure no firewall is blocking port 3000.
Java build fails with Maven
Ensure Java 21 is installed and active: `java -version`. If you have multiple Java versions, set JAVA_HOME to your Java 21 installation. The build uses the Maven wrapper (./mvnw) so Maven itself does not need to be installed separately.
DSL validation errors are unclear or DSL tools are not available
The DSL tools are only enabled when the server is started with the `-dsl` flag. If running Docker, ensure you passed `-dsl` in the run command. If using the public instance, it already has DSL tools enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structurizr C4 Models
What is Structurizr C4 Models?
Structurizr C4 Models is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that structurizr is a 'models as code' tool designed for the c4 model. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Structurizr C4 Models?
Follow the installation instructions on the Structurizr C4 Models GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with Structurizr C4 Models?
Structurizr C4 Models works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Structurizr C4 Models free to use?
Yes, Structurizr C4 Models is open source and available under the Apache-2.0 license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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