Questions and answers
Can’t find yours? Write to us on the Support page.
Using the app
What can I use ArchitectBuddies™ for?
Modelling enterprise, systems and software architecture on an iPad or Mac: taking models to stakeholders, exploring design options quickly, and speeding up repetitive modelling and documentation with the Architect Buddies™.
Which devices does it run on?
iPad with iPadOS 18 or later, and Macs with Apple silicon.
Are Android or web versions planned?
ArchitectBuddies™ is built for Apple devices with SwiftUI and SwiftData. We will watch demand for other platforms.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no sign-in. Your models are stored on your device.
How do I share a model?
Print a canvas or save it as a PDF (triple-tap an empty part of the canvas). With ArchitectBuddies™ Pro or Enterprise Architecture Notation subscriptions, Save / Export writes a .abmodel bundle and the standard exchange file for each notation. Compatibility with standards defined exchange files varies by tool vendor.
AI and your data
Which AI providers can I use?
OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, AI/ML API and xAI with your own key, Ollama on your local network, or a model on the device.
Is my model sent to an AI provider?
Only when you use the ArchitectBuddies™ or Create Illustration with a cloud AI service provider and only to the provider you chose. Text information derived from the model and/or chat may be incorporated into a query sent to the AI provider, or a digital image of a Canvas. Turn on ‘Keep AI processing on device / local network’ in Chat Settings to rule out sending queries to cloud AI service providers.
Have you trained your own language models?
No. The app uses existing language models. We have not trained or fine-tuned any, and no standards documents are given to the AI.
Subscriptions and licences
Is Pro available?
Yes. ArchitectBuddies™ Pro is available monthly, yearly, or yearly at the Founder rate. See Pricing.
Is ArchitectBuddies™ an ArchiMate® Certified Application?
No. ArchitectBuddies™ is not an ArchiMate® Certified Application. We aim to meet the ArchiMate® Open Exchange File Format conformance requirements, but please check exported files yourself.
Can I use it for commercial work?
Yes. Hytsioaboa Software Limited holds a commercial licence from The Open Group for the ArchiMate® notation. Depending on how you use the ArchiMate® specification outside the app, your organisation may need its own licence from The Open Group.
Can I create my own skill and add pattern packs?
Not in version 2.0, although these features are planned. Join the mailing list to hear about new releases.