Top 5 Free Rack Diagram Software for AV System Integrators
In the AV industry, a well-organized and properly designed rack is important to ensure smooth system operations, easy maintenance, and efficient cable management. A well-employed rack layout helps AV professionals to customize space, prevent overheating, and improve access to future upgrades or troubleshooting.
However, manually designing AV racks can be time-consuming and prone to errors, causing poor airflow, disorganized cabling, and expensive rework. This is the place where rack design software arrives, offering automation, accuracy, and better visualization to streamline the process.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top five free rack design software that AV system integrators can use to create professional, efficient, and industry-compliant rack layouts.
Key Takeaways
- Free rack tools help AV professionals plan systems better, reduce mistakes, and work more efficiently with features like automation and clear visuals.
- A good rack tool should have an equipment library, cable management, labeling, and reporting to help create neat and professional setups.
- Cloud-based platforms like XTEN-AV help by automating layouts, organizing documentation, and allowing teams to collaborate easily.
- A simple, easy-to-use tool helps AV professionals build accurate rack designs, stay organized, and complete projects faster.
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Why Rack Diagrams Are Important for AV Professionals
A rack diagram is a two-dimensional, scaled illustration of how the equipment is positioned inside a rack. It gives a distinct indication of both the front and rear views and aids AV professionals in organizing components effectively and maintaining proper spacing for quality performance.
A rack diagram makes it easier to design and document network equipment configurations. It is a useful reference when choosing equipment, guaranteeing compatibility and maximum utilization of rack space prior to purchase.
Rack diagram software also improves this process by automating design, guaranteeing accuracy, and offering visualization tools that enable AV professionals to design efficient and well-structured rack configurations with ease.
Some of the advantages of Rack Diagram software are:
- Enhanced Planning and Organization: These tools provide a clear visual representation of equipment configurations that help plan efficiently how to set up servers, switches, routers, and patch panels inside a rack.
- Accurate Equipment Selection: By simulating rack configurations, professionals can determine the appropriate size and type of racks and equipment needed, optimizing space and budget.
- Improved Airflow and Cooling: Facilitates planning of adequate ventilation through strategic placement of equipment to avoid overheating.
- Improved Documentation: Having updated diagrams guarantees precise records of equipment configurations, which will help with future upgrades and maintenance work.
Creating rack diagrams manually can be a time-intensive and complex function, especially for AV experts to handle large-scale system integration. This is the place where XTEN-AV’s rack design feature provides a sensible option.
Automation and cloud-based cooperation make the design process easier, enabling integrators to create an accurate and well-structured rack layout. With accurate placement of equipment and optimal spacing, AV professionals are able to reduce mistakes, increase efficiency, and provide smooth workflow, ultimately saving time and effort.
Top 5 Rack Diagram Software for AV Professionals
There are many rack design computer programs offered to AV professionals that have features that can aid in efficient equipment planning and system setup. In this section, we will look at some of the best picks, including their most important features, strengths, weaknesses, and costs so you can determine which best suits your requirements.
1. XTEN-AV
XTEN-AV is a cloud-based AV design platform that makes it easy to create rack diagrams using AI, automation, and cloud collaboration. It assists AV rack designers, integrators, and installers in designing precise rack configurations, automating documentation, and calculating efficiencies, making their projects efficient.
Features:
- Offers a free AV Rack Diagram tool for designing and modifying rack diagrams with precision.
- Ensure easy rack layout and documentation access for seamless cooperation.
- Rack layouts automated to the creation of layout, equipment placement, and cable management reduces manual efforts.
Pricing:
XTEN-AV offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs:
Plans | Basic | Business | Enterprise |
Monthly Plan | $66/user/month | $72/user/month | Available on annual plans only |
Annual Plan | $49/user/month | $54/user/month | $85/user/month |
Free Trial | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days |
Pros:
- Easy to use with seamless integration into the rack diagram module, making design work more efficient.
- Supports detailed rack layouts, automated calculations, and optimized cable management, reducing manual effort.
- Eliminates the need for multiple software tools, cutting costs for smaller AV companies.
Cons:
- The software relies on an internet connection for most features, restricting offline access.
Users Reviews:
Capterra’s users shared that XTEN-AV has made its rack design process easier and more efficient. They find the interface user-friendly and appreciate large equipment databases and automation features that save time. Many users also prefer that it combines multiple tools into one platform, making it a cost -effective option for AV professionals.
2. Visio
Microsoft Visio is a diagramming software that provides a variety of templates and shapes, making it simpler for AV professionals to create structured and accurate rack designs. It enables teams to collaborate in real time, allowing multiple users to edit and update diagrams online from anywhere.
Features:
- Visio allows users to create, edit, and share rack layouts through the web or Microsoft teams, ensuring spontaneous cooperation.
- With Visio, users can build wide network rack layouts and server rack diagrams, making it easier to plan and organize the device effectively.
- Enables real-time collaboration on the web, allowing teams to create professional diagrams together from any location.
Pricing:
Here is a pricing model for Microsoft Visio:
Plans | Visio Plan 1 | Visio Plan 2 |
Subscription Plans | $4.77user/month, paid yearly | $14.36/user/month, paid yearly |
One-time Purchase | $309.99 | $579.99 |
Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
XTEN-AV combines drawing and documentation tools in one platform, making workflows more efficient for AV professionals. On the other hand, Microsoft Visio mainly focuses on diagram creation, often requiring extra software for full documentation, which can add complexity and cost to the process.
Pros:
- Provides a range of pre-designed templates for quick and efficient rack diagram creation.
- Allows easy modification and customization to meet specific project requirements.
- Supports real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work on rack layouts from different locations.
Cons:
- The interface is intricate for new users.
- Higher cost compared to other rack diagramming tools.
Users Reviews:
Users appreciate its flexibility in designing rack layouts, but some find it costly and complex for simpler tasks.
3. Smartdraw
Smartdraw provides easy-to-use tools for creating rack diagrams with built-in templates and symbols. Users can customize layouts, adjust scaling, and design professional rack setups quickly. The platform also supports Visio file imports, making it easier to work with existing diagrams.
Features:
- Provides centralized management for teams, allowing administrators to control access, permissions, and document organization.
- Ensures that significant rack diagrams are stored safely, with the ability to manage document history for tracking changes for better version controls.
- Allows businesses to apply their branding, ensuring a consistent look across all rack diagrams and documents.
Pricing:
Let’s have a look at the pricing table:
Plans | Individual | Team | Enterprise |
Monthly Plan | $9.95/month/user (billed annually) | $8.25/month/user (billed annually, available for a minimum of 3 users) | $5 |
Annual Plan | $119.40 | $297 | You need to contact the team |
Free Trial | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days |
A key constraint of SmartDraw is its rigid pricing structure, which requires users to commit to an annual plan without the flexibility of a monthly subscription. In contrast, platforms like XTEN-AV offer greater adaptability, allowing users to choose between monthly and annual plans based on their needs.
Pros:
- Provides a wide range of pre-made templates, making it easier to make rack diagrams quickly.
- Supports several export formats, including PDF, allowing spontaneous sharing and documentation.
Cons:
- Has a learning curve, requiring time to fully understand all features.
- The pricing model lacks flexibility as users must be committed to the annual plan without a monthly option.
Users Reviews:
Users appreciate SmartDraw’s extensive template library and ease of use for rack diagrams. However, some users find the export restrictions in the free trial frustrating and feel that the pricing structure could be more flexible.
4. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is an online diagramming tool that makes it easy for AV experts to create and share rack diagrams. It gives a simple user interface for rack layout designing, planning, and organizing to allow effective system planning.
Features:
- Users can create detailed rack diagrams without restrictions on the number of shapes and lines in advanced plans, accommodating complex system designs.
- Lucidchart supports importing and exporting Visio files, facilitating seamless transitions for users accustomed to Microsoft’s diagramming tools.
- Access to specialized shape libraries enables precise representation of various components within rack diagrams.
However, Lucidchart’s individual plan has a limited storage capacity of 1 GB. But platforms like XTEN-AV, being cloud-based, provide unlimited storage, allowing users to manage and store large-scale projects without constraints.
Pricing:
Lucidchart’s pricing plan is as follows:
Plans | Individual | Team | Enterprise |
Monthly Plan | $9/user | $30 (Includes 3 team licenses) | $36.50 (Includes 2 enterprise licenses) |
Annual Plan | $108 (excluding taxes) | $360 (excluding taxes) | $657 (excluding taxes) |
Free Trial | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days |
Pros:
- Lucidchart’s easy-to-use drag-and-drop feature makes designing rack diagrams a breeze, even for first-time users of diagramming software.
- The software accommodates real-time editing, which enables several team members to collaborate on rack designs, boosting productivity and alignment.
- Offers a variety of pre-designed templates and shapes specific to different types of diagrams, such as rack diagrams, which can easily accelerate the design process.
Cons:
- The free plan limits users to three documents and 60 shapes per document, which might not be enough for intricate rack diagram projects.
- While simple features are easy to understand, learning complex features might take extra time and practice.
Users Reviews:
Users praised Lucidchart as an effective tool to make well-structured diagrams, such as rack layouts. Users like the friendly interface, the collaboration mode, and how easily workflow visualization can be done. Some users indicated that storage issues and minor learning curves affect the overall experience.
5. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is CAD software employed to design precise 2D and 3D rack diagrams. It offers functionality for automating design, altering layouts, and seamlessly integrating components. With system design-specific features, it assists AV professionals in efficiently planning, documenting, and optimizing rack layouts while maintaining accuracy in equipment placement and connectivity.
Features:
- AutoLISP supports automating repetitive actions, tailoring processes, and improving productivity by allowing scripting for rapid tweaks and process improvement.
- Users are able to import, read, and apply feedback from PDFs or pencil sketches onto rack diagrams for proper updates without having to manually redraw.
- AutoCAD records design updates, monitors multi-user edits, and offers version history, enabling teams to track updates and work on rack system layouts together.
Pricing:
Below are AutoCAD’s subscription plans:
Plans | AutoCAD |
Monthly Plan | $175.96/user |
Annual Plan | $1394.12/ user |
Free Trial | 15 days |
Pros:
- Autocad 2D and 3D design tasks both provide a flexible and intuitive interface to use.
- The software allows for the end-to-end set of devices that simplify the design process and improve productivity and efficiency.
- Abundant online support and community equipment of autocad enable users to learn and troubleshoot every skill level.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to integrate with other software, including additional work to achieve compatibility and workflow stability.
- There is a learning curve for new users because the software has vast characteristics and functions.
Users Reviews:
One of the users commented that AutoCAD has tremendously enhanced their design process by allowing them to make accurate 2D and 3D drawings without having to draft them manually. They added that learning how to use the software properly takes a long time and much practice.
Key Features to Look for in Free Rack Software for Audio Visual System Integrators
It is important to choose free rack design software suitable for AV professionals to make system integration easier. Simple rack layout design, comprehensive equipment library, cable management, labeling, and reporting capabilities are included to consider. The appropriate software helps in accurate setup construction, documentation organization, and workflow adaptation.
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality: A good tool must feature drag-and-drop functionality for the placement of equipment. Scalable layout provides accuracy, while 3D visualization enhances clarity. XTEN-AV eases complicated rack designs using an easy-to-use interface.
- Comprehensive Equipment Database: A large database comprising servers, switches, and routers facilitates the creation of accurate racks. The custom equipment feature supports flexibility, while the search functionality enhances accessibility.
- Automated Labeling & Organization: Labeling equipment and cables clearly makes them easier to organize. Automated labels cut labor and errors. XTEN-AV eases documentation with automatic labeling, keeping rack configurations accurate and consistent.
- Reporting & Exporting: Software must produce reports for rack capacity, power consumption, and inventory monitoring. Exporting in several formats increases ease of use.
- Multi-Standard Rack Support: Multi-standard support for racks provides flexibility across various projects. Importing previous data makes workflows simpler.
- User-Friendly Interface & Cloud Collaboration: A natural interface provides for easy navigation and minimizes learning time. Efficiency is enhanced with customizable layouts. XTEN-AV’s cloud-based system makes it easy for professionals to collaborate and design seamlessly.
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Conclusion
Selecting proper free rack design software makes AV system integrators more efficient. Key features are simple rack layout design, broad equipment library, cable management, labeling, and reporting.
A user-friendly interface and variable rack size support make the software simpler to use.
Tools such as XTEN-AV provide automation and seamless integration, streamlining workflow. AV professionals are able to design correct system plans, minimize errors, and finish jobs quickly and more efficiently with the proper tools.
Further readings: Top 5 Free Schematic Drawing Software for AV System Integrators
