What is the best way to generate a complete UML class diagram from a Java project, and how can I visualize class relationships effectively?

I’ve worked with Java projects for years, mostly inside Eclipse, and for anyone who wants a quick, no-fuss solution to visualize class relationships, I always recommend ObjectAid UML Explorer.

If you’re already using Eclipse, ObjectAid is probably the most seamless Java UML generator you’ll find. It’s lightweight, fast, and integrates right into your IDE. Just drag and drop classes from the Package Explorer, and it instantly shows inheritance, associations, and interfaces—live and in sync with your code.

Why I keep going back to it:

  • Doesn’t overwhelm you with features you don’t need.
  • Perfect for rapid visual inspection.
  • Free for basic class diagrams, which is enough for many devs.

Heads-up though: if you need sequence or use-case diagrams, you’ll have to explore their paid extensions. But for a quick and intuitive view of class structures, ObjectAid is hard to beat.