Answers

Updated May 12, 2026

How do I convert an ARM template to an architecture diagram?

Quick answer

Create a Cloudeval Azure project from an ARM JSON template.

Cloudeval turns the resources into architecture and dependency diagrams, then lets you run reports or ask questions about risks, costs, and relationships.

Convert an ARM template Read the CLI overview

What you can expect

A practical path from source input to diagram, report context, docs, exports, and the first AI question to ask.

Start here

Use this to

Review an ARM template visually before or after deployment.

Best source to use

Use ARM JSON as the input. If the source is Bicep, compile it to ARM JSON first.

What you need

A valid ARM JSON template or supported GitHub template URL.
A Cloudeval account.
Enough project context to run the reports you care about.

What you get

A project diagram from ARM resources.
Architecture, security, cost, Well-Architected, or ARM/unit-test findings where available.
A shareable review path for pull requests or design reviews.

Fastest path to a useful result

1
Create a new Azure project.
2
Add the ARM JSON template or supported GitHub template URL.
3
Open the architecture diagram.
4
Run one report and review the highest-priority finding.

Cloudeval generated architecture diagram from template resources

Helpful docs

Review IaC before deployment Diagram concepts Report concepts CLI overview

When this works best

Use this for Azure ARM JSON templates.

For Bicep, compile first; for Terraform or CloudFormation, confirm current support before committing the workflow.

Decision guide

Check	Cloudeval path	Note
Input	ARM JSON template or supported GitHub URL.	Use compiled output for Bicep.
Diagram	Architecture and dependency views.	Use both views during review.
Evidence	Reports and project graph context.	Missing context should be treated as unknown, not safe.
Best use	Pre-deployment review and design discussion.	Good for pull requests and platform reviews.

Who this is for

Infrastructure engineers
Azure consultants
Platform teams reviewing ARM templates
AI agents preparing IaC reviews

How it works

1
Open Cloudeval and create a new project.
2
Choose Azure as the provider and provide an ARM JSON template file or supported GitHub template URL.
3
Let Cloudeval parse resources and relationships into project graph context.
4
Open the architecture diagram for human-readable grouping and layout.
5
Open the dependency view when you need a relationship-focused view.
6
Run reports or ask questions to explain risks, costs, and architecture tradeoffs.

ARM template review before deployment

Before deploying an ARM template, load it into Cloudeval and check whether network, identity, compute, and data resources connect as expected.

Then ask which resources introduce security, reliability, or cost concerns.
The output can support a design review or pull request discussion.

Terminal and agent workflow

Use this command for terminal-driven project creation.
shell
```
cloudeval projects create --template-file ./azuredeploy.json --name "ARM review" --provider azure
```
Use this command after project creation when reports are needed.
shell
```
cloudeval reports run --project <project-id> --type all --wait
```
MCP-compatible agents can use Cloudeval context to answer ARM review questions from supported clients.

How to trust the result

Compare the diagram with the template resources before using it in a design review.
Ask which relationships are missing when the diagram looks simpler than the template.
Run reports before sharing the diagram so reviewers see risks, not just topology.

FAQ

Is a deployed Azure account required?

No.

Infrastructure-as-code projects can be created from ARM template files or supported GitHub URLs.
Cloud sync is a separate workflow.

Can Cloudeval review ARM templates for security?

Yes, Cloudeval can run architecture, security, Well-Architected, and ARM/unit-test reports where the required project context and checks are available.

Can I export the resulting diagram?

Yes.

Cloudeval supports browser and CLI diagram export workflows for project diagrams.

How do I convert Bicep to a cloud architecture diagram?What can I do with the Cloudeval CLI for cloud architecture?Azure hub-spoke network architecture template

Build this workflow in Cloudeval

Start with a Cloudeval Azure project, then connect diagrams, reports, source links, CLI automation, and MCP-compatible agent workflows around the same source of truth.