Clean Architecture Diagram Template

The clean architecture diagram template adheres to Robert C. Martin’s (Uncle Bob) principles to develop systems, which are scalable, testable, and maintainable at the same time. The pattern emphasizes framework, database, and UI independence, so core business logic is not altered due to external influences. The template enables teams to create products modular and future-proof, which can be adapted and extended easily.

See below for what’s included in this clean architecture diagram template.

What’s Included in a Clean Architecture Diagram Template

A clean architecture diagram organizes systems into concentric layers, each with defined responsibilities and dependencies. This template provides ready-to-use visual elements to represent the layers and their interactions clearly.
See below for the main elements included in this clean architecture diagram template.

• Entities – Represent core business rules and objects. These capture essential domain logic that remains independent of frameworks or databases.
  
• Use cases – Define application-specific logic such as workflows and rules. This ensures that business processes are properly encapsulated and maintainable.
  
• Interface adapters – Show controllers, gateways, or presenters that translate data between layers. They allow seamless communication across boundaries.
  
• Frameworks and drivers – Visualize databases, external APIs, or UI frameworks. This helps teams understand how external elements plug into the system.
  
• Dependency arrows – Clarify the inward dependency rule where outer layers depend on inner layers, not vice versa. This enforces clean separation of concerns.

When to Use a Clean Architecture Diagram Template

This template is best applied when building systems that require longevity, flexibility, and separation of concerns. It works particularly well in large-scale enterprise solutions and systems undergoing frequent changes.
See below, when to use this clean architecture diagram template.

• Enterprise applications – Use it to design complex systems where business rules must remain stable despite technology changes.
  
• Agile development – Apply it when iterating quickly to ensure new features do not compromise architectural integrity.
  
• Cloud-native platforms – Map services with clean separation of core logic and infrastructure dependencies.
• Legacy modernization – Re-architect old systems to align with clean principles for maintainability.
  

How to Customize a Clean Architecture Diagram Template in Cloudchart

Cloudchart allows you to customize clean architecture diagrams easily while maintaining clear separation of layers. The template is flexible enough to adapt to any project structure.
Here are the steps to customize this clean architecture diagram template.

• Open the template in Cloudchart – Start with concentric prebuilt layers representing entities, use cases, adapters, and frameworks.
  
• Define entities and use cases – Replace placeholders with your actual domain objects and workflows to ground the architecture in business logic.
  
• Add adapters and gateways – Insert controllers, APIs, and UI interfaces that connect use cases with the outer world.
  
• Map frameworks and tools – Show your actual databases, cloud services, or UI frameworks as external dependencies.
  
• Collaborate and refine – Share in real time, annotate design decisions, and export for technical documentation.

Example Use Cases for Clean Architecture Diagrams

Clean architecture diagrams are widely applicable and help ensure systems are robust, testable, and resilient to change. With Cloudairy, you can easily design, customize, and visualize clean architecture diagrams, making it simpler to plan scalable systems and communicate architecture decisions clearly.

See the examples below to understand how this Clean Architecture Diagram Template in Cloudairy can be used across different applications and workflows.

• SaaS platforms – Maintain clean separation of business logic from user interface and cloud infrastructure.
• Financial applications – Ensure compliance and auditability by isolating core business rules from external systems.
• Healthcare systems – Design secure, modular platforms where patient data logic is not tied to specific frameworks.
• E-commerce solutions – Build scalable platforms with independent business rules that support multiple front-ends.

FAQs for Clean Architecture Diagram Template

What is a Clean Architecture Diagram?
It is a diagram that shows system design based on Uncle Bob’s clean architecture principles, emphasizing independence of frameworks and testability.

How is Clean Architecture Different From Layered Architecture?
While layered architecture focuses on vertical separation, clean architecture enforces strict inward dependencies, ensuring business logic is insulated from external factors.

Why Use Cloudchart for Clean Architecture Diagrams?
Cloudchart provides prebuilt clean architecture templates, AI-assisted design, and collaboration features that make system visualization faster and more accurate.