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Comprehend the complex with C4 model examples

Unscramble crossed wires and get to know your system interactions with help from a clear-cut C4 diagram that delineates every step.

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C4 model examples

Use our C4 model tool to visualize the context, container, components, and codes that comprise your system.

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Chase waterfalls of hierarchical information to the system’s source

All four Cs in your C4 diagrams represent the various parts of your system, visualized in descending layers, leading to crystal-clear insights.

A picture worth 1,000 words: Easily describe a system’s mechanisms through visual pathways and hierarchy.

Minimize the gap: Remove abstractions, and build a bridge between software architecture and its source code.

Share your knowledge: Share your C4 architecture model with your software development team and other coworkers as an in-depth, readable overview for all.

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three circles on a c4 diagram with FigJam's collaboration tools

FigJam
C the value in every team member

Break down every step of a system while you build up every team member. With FigJam’s collaborative tools, you can illuminate diverse perspectives and help your coworkers shine. Use team-building resources and widgets like cursor chats, emotes, and votes to give your C4 model a 5th C—community.

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Make sense of the chaos

The more complex your system, the more convoluted the moving parts become. Check out FigJam’s Community templates, designed to simplify for clear-cut results.

Drawing template

Bring system upgrades to life with a sketch template that quickly puts ideas on the page.

PRD Template

Envision and build the product of your dreams.

Other templates from the community

Visualize even the most complex inner-workings of systems.

FAQs

Commonly used by software and program designers, C4 model architecture breaks down the building blocks of a system by descending hierarchy. The C4 container diagram (or model) showcases the four Cs—which stand for context, container, component, and code—and how they interact with one another on each different level.

This diagram type comprises four key categories, a C4 concept simplifies and organizes the intricate pathways making up systems.

Context, the first C, can be found at the top of the diagram. It conveys the overall intention of a system. Next come containers, which contain data and encapsulate what comes below. Beneath the containers, you’ll find components, which logically cluster code by purpose. Code, of course, is the final C.

When it comes to drawing a C4 model for software architecture, start with a customizable FigJam template. From there, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3.

First, you’ll want to title your model with the name of the system you’re depicting. The title sits at the top of the page for all to see.
Once you’ve chosen the system in question and labeled your diagram with its name, it’s time to add information. Start with the first C, context. This identifier acts as mission control for the rest of the chart, floating above info to remind you of your goal.
After you establish the system context, head to containers, and below them, components. The final row of your pyramid-esque model holds code. Using the FigJam template you can easily insert these various elements into their corresponding ovals.

With the fundamentals of your C4 model completed, you’re ready to elaborate. Work with your team to review your model for accuracy. Then take full advantage of your new systems roadmap to create cleaner, clearer systems.