How are UML class diagrams built in practice? A usability study of two UML tools: Magicdraw and Papyrus.

•This paper analyzes how UML class diagrams are built by analyzing 12 h of video recordings of students using MagicDraw and Papyrus to draw example class diagrams in a controlled experiment. To deepen the analysis, an analytical study comparing the efficiency of both tools also has been carried out.•There are no significant differences regarding MagicDraw and Papyrus in terms of modeling strategy, modeling effort and modeling obstacles.•However, both tools share a common set of modeling obstacles that could be fixed to provide a better modeling experience.•Several improving suggestions are discussed in the paper.