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FAQ & Troubleshooting#

Common Questions and Solutions

General Questions#

What is Cloudeval?#

Cloudeval is an AI-powered cloud infrastructure visualization platform that automatically generates architecture diagrams from your Infrastructure as Code (ARM templates and Bicep files), answers questions about your infrastructure, and helps optimize costs.

How does Cloudeval work?#

Cloudeval works with your Infrastructure as Code files:

  1. Upload your ARM template or Bicep file
  2. Cloudeval parses and analyzes the code
  3. Maps resources and dependencies
  4. Generates interactive diagrams
  5. You can ask questions, edit code, and export diagrams

Is Cloudeval secure?#

Yes. Cloudeval:

  • No Cloud Access Required - Works entirely from your code files
  • Encrypted Storage - All data encrypted at rest and in transit
  • SOC 2 Compliant - Enterprise-grade security standards
  • GDPR Compliant - Full data privacy compliance
  • No Data Sharing - Your infrastructure code is never shared

What Infrastructure as Code formats are supported?#

Available Now:

  • Azure ARM Templates (JSON)
  • Modular templates (linked templates)
  • Parameter files

Coming Soon:

Can I connect my Azure account directly?#

Coming Soon

Direct Azure account connection is coming in March 2026 as part of our "Azure Cloud Sync v1" release. View roadmap for details.

Cloudeval currently works with Infrastructure as Code files (ARM templates). **[Join our waitlist](https://cloudeval.ai/waitlist)** to be notified when this feature launches.

For now, you can:

  • Upload ARM templates or Bicep files
  • Export templates from Azure and upload them
  • Use the Playground to explore features

Do I need to install anything?#

No. Cloudeval is a web-based application. Just sign up and use it in your browser.

Getting Started#

How do I get started?#

  1. Try the Playground - Explore features without signing up
  2. Sign up for a free account
  3. Upload your ARM template or Bicep file
  4. Generate your first diagram

What is the Playground?#

The Playground is an interactive demo where you can:

  • Explore sample infrastructure diagrams
  • Try the AI chat assistant
  • Test diagram features
  • Learn Cloudeval without uploading files

No sign-up required!

How do I upload my ARM template?#

  1. Create a new project
  2. Click "Upload File"
  3. Select your ARM template (.json) file
  4. Cloudeval automatically parses and generates the diagram

How do I upload my Bicep file?#

Coming Soon

Bicep file support is coming in Early February 2026 as part of our "Full Infrastructure as Code Support" release. View roadmap for details.

Currently, you can upload ARM templates (JSON). Bicep support will be available soon.

Infrastructure as Code#

What ARM template features are supported?#

Cloudeval supports:

  • Resource definitions
  • Parameters and variables
  • Dependencies (dependsOn)
  • Outputs
  • Linked templates
  • Nested templates
  • Template functions

What Bicep features are supported?#

Cloudeval supports:

  • Resource declarations
  • Parameters and variables
  • Modules
  • Outputs
  • Loops and conditions
  • Functions
  • Decorators

Can I edit my templates in Cloudeval?#

Yes! Cloudeval includes a web-based code editor:

  • Syntax highlighting
  • Auto-completion
  • Error detection
  • Real-time diagram updates
  • Export updated files

How do I handle modular templates?#

For ARM templates:

  • Upload the main template
  • Upload linked templates separately
  • Cloudeval resolves references

For Bicep:

  • Upload all module files
  • Cloudeval shows module hierarchy
  • Visualize module dependencies

Diagrams & Visualization#

How long does it take to generate a diagram?#

Typical times:

  • Small template (< 20 resources): 5-10 seconds
  • Medium template (20-100 resources): 10-30 seconds
  • Large template (100-500 resources): 30-60 seconds
  • Very large template (> 500 resources): 1-2 minutes

Why is my diagram empty?#

Possible causes:

  • Template has no resource definitions
  • Template structure is incorrect
  • Resources are in wrong section
  • Syntax errors preventing parsing

Solutions:

  • Verify template structure
  • Check for syntax errors
  • Ensure resources are in resources section
  • Try validating with Azure CLI first

Can I customize the diagram layout?#

Yes. You can:

  • Reposition nodes manually
  • Choose layout algorithms
  • Group resources
  • Apply color schemes
  • Add annotations

How do I export diagrams?#

Click Export and choose format:

  • PNG (images)
  • SVG (vector)
  • Visio (VSDX)
  • draw.io (XML)
  • PDF (documents)

AI Chat#

How does the AI chat work?#

The AI analyzes your Infrastructure as Code and answers questions in natural language. It understands your resources, relationships, and can provide insights.

What can I ask the AI?#

You can ask about:

  • Resources and their properties
  • Parameters and variables
  • Dependencies and relationships
  • Security issues
  • Cost optimization
  • Architecture explanations

Is the AI accurate?#

The AI uses your actual Infrastructure as Code, so it's highly accurate. However, it's a tool to assist you - always verify critical information.

Can the AI modify my infrastructure?#

No. The AI can only read and analyze. It cannot make changes to your code or infrastructure.

Troubleshooting#

Template Parsing Issues#

Template parsing fails#

Problem: Can't parse ARM template or Bicep file

Symptoms:

  • Error message when uploading
  • Empty diagram after upload
  • Parsing errors in console

Solutions:

  1. Verify file format:

    • ARM templates must be valid JSON
    • Bicep files must be valid Bicep syntax
    • Check file encoding (UTF-8)

  2. Check for syntax errors:

    • Validate JSON syntax (use JSON validator)
    • Validate Bicep syntax (use az bicep build)
    • Look for missing commas, brackets, quotes

  3. Validate with Azure CLI:

    # For ARM templates
az deployment group validate \
  --resource-group my-rg \
  --template-file template.json \
  --parameters @parameters.json

# For Bicep files
az bicep build --file main.bicep

  4. Check required parameters:

    • Ensure all required parameters are provided
    • Verify parameter types match
    • Check for missing parameter files

  5. Modular templates:

    • Upload all linked templates
    • Verify template references are correct
    • Check for circular dependencies

Partial parsing (some resources missing)#

Problem: Only some resources appear in diagram

Solutions:

  • Check if resources are in correct section (resources array)
  • Verify resource definitions are complete
  • Check for conditional resources (may be filtered)
  • Ensure all linked templates are uploaded

Linked template errors#

Problem: Linked templates not resolving

Solutions:

  • Upload all linked template files
  • Verify template reference URLs/paths
  • Check template schema versions
  • Ensure templates are accessible

Diagram Issues#

Diagram doesn't update after editing#

Problem: Changes in editor don't reflect in diagram

Solutions:

  1. Save changes:

    • Press Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on Mac) to save
    • Enable auto-save in settings
    • Wait for save confirmation

  2. Refresh diagram:

    • Click "Refresh Diagram" button
    • Close and reopen diagram view
    • Reload the page

  3. Check for errors:

    • Look for syntax errors in editor
    • Verify template is valid
    • Check error panel for issues

  4. Verify changes:

    • Ensure changes are actually saved
    • Check if changes are in correct file
    • Verify file is the one being displayed

Empty or incomplete diagram#

Problem: Diagram shows no resources or missing resources

Solutions:

  • Verify template has resources defined
  • Check if resources are in resources section
  • Ensure template parsed successfully
  • Check filters aren't hiding resources
  • Verify all linked templates uploaded

Diagram is too cluttered#

Problem: Too many resources, hard to read

Solutions:

  • Use filters to focus on specific resources
  • Group related resources
  • Use different views (network, security, cost)
  • Break into multiple diagrams
  • Adjust zoom level

Resources not connecting#

Problem: Dependencies not showing connections

Solutions:

  • Verify dependsOn properties are correct
  • Check resource references are valid
  • Ensure related resources are in template
  • Check for circular dependencies
  • Verify resource IDs match

Export Issues#

Export fails or times out#

Problem: Export doesn't complete or fails

Solutions:

  1. Reduce complexity:

    • Filter out unnecessary resources
    • Simplify diagram before export
    • Break large diagrams into smaller ones

  2. Try different format:

    • PNG for images
    • SVG for vector graphics
    • PDF for documents
    • Lower resolution if needed

  3. Check browser:

    • Update browser to latest version
    • Clear browser cache
    • Try different browser
    • Disable browser extensions

  4. Contact support:

    • If issue persists, contact support
    • Include error message
    • Share template details (if possible)

Poor export quality#

Problem: Exported image is blurry or low quality

Solutions:

  • Use higher resolution setting
  • Export as SVG instead of PNG
  • Check zoom level before export
  • Use PDF format for documents
  • Ensure high DPI setting

Missing elements in export#

Problem: Some resources don't appear in exported file

Solutions:

  • Ensure resources are visible in diagram
  • Check filters aren't hiding resources
  • Refresh diagram before export
  • Try different export format
  • Verify all resources are in view

AI Chat Issues#

AI chat doesn't understand my question#

Problem: AI gives incorrect or irrelevant answers

Solutions:

  1. Be more specific:

    • Include resource names
    • Specify what you're looking for
    • Provide context

  2. Use natural language:

    • Ask questions like you would a colleague
    • Avoid overly technical jargon
    • Use clear, simple language

  3. Provide context:

    • Reference specific resources
    • Mention what you're trying to do
    • Include relevant details

  4. Try rephrasing:

    • Ask the same question differently
    • Break complex questions into parts
    • Use different keywords

AI chat is slow#

Problem: AI responses take too long

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Wait for response (may take 10-30 seconds)
  • Simplify question
  • Try again if timeout
  • Check if service is available

AI chat not available#

Problem: AI chat feature not working

Solutions:

  • Refresh the page
  • Check if feature is enabled
  • Verify account has access
  • Try different browser
  • Contact support

Performance Issues#

Diagram generation is slow#

Problem: Takes too long to generate diagram

Solutions:

  • Large templates: Break into smaller modules
  • Complex dependencies: Simplify relationships
  • Many modules: Reduce number of linked templates
  • Network: Check internet connection speed
  • Browser: Close other tabs/applications

Editor is slow or laggy#

Problem: Code editor is unresponsive

Solutions:

  • Refresh the page
  • Close and reopen editor
  • Reduce file size (if very large)
  • Check browser performance
  • Try different browser

Page loads slowly#

Problem: Cloudeval takes long to load

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Clear browser cache
  • Disable browser extensions
  • Try different browser
  • Check if service is available

Permission and Access Issues#

Can't upload files#

Problem: File upload fails or not allowed

Solutions:

  • Check file size (may have limits)
  • Verify file format is supported
  • Check browser permissions
  • Try different file
  • Contact support if persists

Can't access project#

Problem: Can't open or view project

Solutions:

  • Verify you have access permissions
  • Check if project exists
  • Refresh the page
  • Try logging out and back in
  • Contact project owner

Collaboration issues#

Problem: Can't collaborate or share

Solutions:

  • Verify collaboration is enabled
  • Check sharing permissions
  • Ensure team members have access
  • Verify account type supports collaboration
  • Contact support

Browser and Compatibility#

Feature doesn't work in my browser#

Problem: Some features not working

Solutions:

  • Update browser: Use latest version
  • Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (latest)
  • Enable JavaScript: Required for all features
  • Disable extensions: May interfere
  • Try different browser: Isolate issue

Mobile device issues#

Problem: Cloudeval doesn't work well on mobile

Solutions:

  • Use desktop/laptop for best experience
  • Some features optimized for desktop
  • Try mobile browser (limited features)
  • Use responsive view if available

Account and Billing#

Can't sign up#

Problem: Sign up process fails

Solutions:

  • Check email is valid
  • Verify password meets requirements
  • Check if account already exists
  • Try different email
  • Contact support

Account limits reached#

Problem: Hit free tier limits

Solutions:

  • Review account limits
  • Delete old projects
  • Upgrade to Pro tier
  • Contact support for options

Billing questions#

Problem: Questions about pricing or billing

Solutions:

  • Check pricing page
  • Review account settings
  • Contact billing support
  • Review terms of service

Performance & Limits#

What's the maximum template size?#

Cloudeval can handle:

  • Free tier: Up to 1,000 resources per template
  • Pro tier: Up to 10,000 resources per template
  • Enterprise: Unlimited resources

Why is diagram generation slow?#

Possible causes:

  • Very large template
  • Complex dependencies
  • Many modules
  • Network latency

Solutions:

  • Break templates into smaller modules
  • Simplify dependencies
  • Contact support for optimization

Security & Privacy#

Where is my code stored?#

Your Infrastructure as Code files are stored:

  • Encrypted at rest
  • Secure cloud storage
  • Compliant data centers
  • Your region (if available)

Can I delete my data?#

Yes. You can:

  • Delete projects
  • Remove uploaded files
  • Delete account
  • Request data export

Do you share my code?#

No. Your Infrastructure as Code files are never shared with third parties.

Support#

How do I get help?#

What's your response time?#

  • Community: Community members help each other
  • Email: Within 24 hours
  • Enterprise: Priority support with SLA

Still have questions? Contact support or join our community