Arcobay vs Swimm: diagrams and decisions, not only snippet sync
Arcobay · Architecture documentation · Aug 15 · Updated Aug 15
Swimm shines at keeping code snippets in sync. Arcobay owns the visual architecture map, decisions on nodes, drift, and client handoffs.
Swimm is strong when you want documentation coupled to code snippets. Arcobay is the better fit when you need a living architecture diagram, decisions on those components, and a package you can hand to a client or new hire.
If your pain is “this README example drifted from main,” Swimm is in its lane. If your pain is “nobody can see how checkout reaches Postgres,” you need a map, not another snippet. Arcobay generates that map from the repo, keeps ADRs on the diagram, and ships a portal.
When Arcobay is the pick
- You present architecture to humans who will not open the IDE.
- You want drift and undocumented-change signals at system level.
- You sell or transfer a codebase and need a handoff, not a wiki login.
Full matrix: Arcobay vs Swimm. Other modeling tools: vs IcePanel / Structurizr.
FAQ
Replace Swimm? Yes if you need the system map and handoff. Keep Swimm for snippet-level examples.
Use both? Common: Swimm for API samples, Arcobay for the board.