Text-to-diagram across clouds vs. live isometric AWS views
Cloudcraft scans a connected AWS or Azure account into 3D isometric diagrams with cost estimates. Diagrams.so turns plain English or config text into editable, open-format .drawio diagrams across clouds.
Overview
Cloudcraft, now part of Datadog, is best known for its isometric (3D) cloud diagrams and its ability to connect to a live AWS or Azure account, import the running resources automatically, and attach cost and budget estimates. Those are real strengths Diagrams.so does not have: there is no live-account scan, no isometric rendering, and no cost estimation. Diagrams.so approaches the problem from the other direction, generating an editable, open-format diagram from a description or configuration text rather than from a connected account.
Why teams choose Diagrams.so
- Describe the architecture in plain English, or paste config, no live cloud connection required
- Native .drawio output, an open standard editable in Draw.io, Confluence, and VS Code
- Multi-cloud icons in one diagram: official AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes
- Architecture warnings flag single-AZ, public exposure, and missing security boundaries
- Works for target-state designs that do not exist in any account yet
- Free tier with 10 credits and no credit card required
- Import existing .drawio files for free on all plans
Feature comparison
| Feature | Diagrams.so | Cloudcraft |
|---|---|---|
| Live account scan | Not available, builds from text or config | Yes, connects to AWS/Azure and imports resources |
| Isometric 3D view | No, flat 2D architecture diagrams | Yes, signature isometric style |
| Cost estimation | Not available | Yes, live cost and budget views |
| Cloud coverage | AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes | AWS and Azure |
| Input method | Plain English or configuration text | Live account or manual drag-and-drop |
| Output format | .drawio XML (open standard) | Cloudcraft canvas; PNG/SVG/PDF export |
| Architecture warnings | Built-in best-practice checks | Focus is visualisation and cost, not validation |
| Free tier | 10 credits, no card | Free trial, then paid plans |
| Import .drawio files | Yes, free on all plans | N/A or requires manual upload |
Verdict
Cloudcraft is the better choice when you want to scan a live AWS or Azure account into a polished isometric diagram with cost estimates attached. Diagrams.so is the better choice when you want a fast, editable, open-format diagram from a plain-English description or config text, across AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes, with best-practice warnings and no account connection.
Ideal for: Cloudcraft is ideal for teams visualising and costing an existing AWS or Azure account in an isometric style. Diagrams.so is ideal for architects who want quick, editable, multi-cloud diagrams from text without wiring up cloud credentials.
Frequently asked questions
Is Diagrams.so a good alternative to Cloudcraft?
It depends on the job. Cloudcraft is excellent at connecting to a live AWS or Azure account and turning it into an isometric diagram with cost estimates. Diagrams.so is a better fit when you want an editable, open-format .drawio diagram from a plain-English description or config text, across AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes, without wiring up any cloud credentials.
Can Diagrams.so scan my AWS account the way Cloudcraft does?
No. That live-account scan is a genuine Cloudcraft strength. Diagrams.so builds the diagram from what you describe in plain English or paste as configuration text, so nothing connects to your cloud account and no credentials are involved.
Does Diagrams.so produce isometric 3D diagrams like Cloudcraft?
No. Cloudcraft's signature isometric 3D style is unique to it. Diagrams.so produces flat 2D architecture diagrams in native .drawio format, which are editable in Draw.io and easy to embed in docs and reviews.
Does Diagrams.so export to draw.io?
Yes. Every diagram is native .drawio (mxGraphModel) XML, so it stays editable in Draw.io desktop, the web app, Confluence, and the VS Code extension. Cloudcraft exports images such as PNG, SVG, and PDF.
Which is better for cloud cost visualisation?
Cloudcraft. Its cost and budget views are a core feature, and Diagrams.so does not estimate spend. If your goal is to see and price an existing account, Cloudcraft is the right tool; if your goal is a fast, editable architecture diagram, Diagrams.so is.