C4 Diagramming

C4 Model for structural architecture visualization. Produces diagrams at four zoom levels, mapped into the artifact pyramid.

C4-to-Pyramid Mapping

C4 is the cleanest structural fit — its four-level hierarchy maps to the three pyramid layers with almost no translation, and Levels 2-3 both resolve to separate L2 analysis files.

Communication Gate

Before choosing notation or polishing layout, state the audience and the job the reader must complete. Select one C4 level that answers that job; do not mix system context, container, component, and code claims merely to fill a canvas. Keep the abstraction level, element vocabulary, boundary treatment, and relationship meaning consistent within a view. A structurally valid C4 model can still be the wrong communication artifact if it asks the reader to infer the purpose, mixes levels, hides important paths, or overwhelms the intended reader.