Generate Sequence Diagrams Directly from Code with IntelliJ IDEA’s SequenceDiagram Plugin
This guide explains how to install and use the SequenceDiagram IntelliJ IDEA plugin to automatically create detailed sequence diagrams from Java code, covering its core features, activation methods, and export options for improved code navigation and documentation.
When analyzing source code, developers often need a quick visual of method calls, and drawing sequence diagrams manually can be time‑consuming.
Installation
Install the SequenceDiagram plugin directly from the IntelliJ IDEA plugin marketplace, then restart the IDE.
Features
Generate simple sequence diagrams from the current code context.
Click on diagram elements to navigate directly to the corresponding source code.
Remove individual classes or methods from the diagram.
Export the diagram as an image.
Export the diagram as a PlantUML file.
Three experimental features are also available:
Smart UI.
Lambda expression support.
Kotlin support.
Usage
After installation, the plugin can be invoked from several places:
Navigation toolbar (bottom‑left of IDEA).
Tools menu → Tools → Sequence Diagram.
Editor right‑click menu → Sequence Diagram ….
Intention action (place cursor on a method name and press Alt+Enter or Option+Enter) → Generate sequence diagram.
Generating a diagram produces a visual representation of method calls and returns, as shown below:
The diagram includes interactive controls:
The left column contains buttons: a refresh triangle (currently buggy) and a wrench icon to configure generation details such as call depth, exclusion of getters/setters, and omission of private methods or constructors.
Save buttons allow exporting the diagram in various formats.
On the right side, double‑clicking a class or method name jumps to its definition in the code.
Right‑clicking a class or method name in the diagram removes it from the view.
The plugin offers a simple yet powerful way to visualize code flow without leaving the IDE.
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