Stately

Overview

Stately is a web-based visual editor for building state machines and diagrams that generate code, focused on XState for frontend user flows and backend workflows. It enables drag-and-drop modeling of application logic, simulation, collaboration via projects, and export to code, serving developers working with state management. Key aspects include integration of diagrams, documentation, and testing in one tool, with support for public, unlisted, or private projects.

Key Features

• Visual State Machine Editor - Drag-and-drop canvas for modeling states, transitions, events, actions, and actors.
• Project Organization - Collections of machines for personal use or team collaboration with visibility controls.
• Simulation - Run and test state machines directly in the editor.
• Code Export - Generate XState code from visual diagrams.
• Stately Inspector - Tool to visually inspect running applications using XState or other state solutions.
• Context Management - Store and update immutable data in state machines using assign actions.
• Team Collaboration - Shared projects with owner/admin roles for visibility and access.
• User Preferences - Customizable light/dark mode and interface settings.

Pricing

Platforms & Requirements

Stately runs exclusively as a web application in modern browsers. No desktop or mobile apps are available. Requires sign-in for projects and collaboration; no specific minimum requirements noted beyond standard web access.

Integrations & Ecosystem

• XState
• GitHub (sign-up/login)
• Google (sign-up/login)
• Twitter/X (sign-up/login)
• npm (@statelyai/inspect)
• WebSocket inspectors
• Stately Sky (live workflows)
• Custom enterprise integrations

Alternatives

Reputation

Stately is recognized for simplifying XState visual modeling and code generation among developers using finite state machines. Strengths include seamless diagram-to-code workflow and collaboration features. Criticisms may involve reliance on XState ecosystem and limited free tier for private projects. Enterprise options address larger team needs.