Creating a professional AV Floor Plan is one of the most important steps in designing and delivering a successful audiovisual system. Whether you are working on a conference room, a classroom, or a large commercial space, your floor plan needs to accurately represent the placement of equipment, cable routes, control systems, and furniture. With so many software options available, it can be difficult to decide which tool is best for your needs. In this blog, we will compare XTEN-AV, SmartDraw, and AutoCAD to see which platform delivers the best value, features, and efficiency for designing an AV Floor Plan.
Why Your Choice of Software Matters
An AV Floor Plan is not just a drawing. It is a critical document that helps integrators, architects, contractors, and facility managers coordinate their work. The right software can:
- Improve accuracy and reduce errors.
- Speed up the design process with automation.
- Make collaboration easier across teams.
- Help generate documentation like cable schedules and equipment lists.
Choosing the right tool ensures that your AV design process is smooth from concept to installation.
XTEN-AV: Built for AV Professionals
XTEN-AV is a cloud-based platform created specifically for the AV industry. It combines intelligent design tools with automation features that help users produce professional-grade AV Floor Plans, schematics, rack layouts, and cable schedules.
Key features:
- AV-specific symbol libraries with manufacturer-specific components.
- Auto cable routing that generates clean and efficient cable paths.
- Instant documentation including cable schedules and equipment lists.
- Cloud-based collaboration so multiple team members can work on the same design in real time.
- Integration with quoting and project management tools for end-to-end workflow support.
Strengths for AV Floor Plan design:
XTEN-AV saves time through automation and reduces errors by providing verified symbols and standardized design elements. It is purpose-built for AV, so you do not need to customize or adapt it for your industry.
Limitations:
XTEN-AV is a premium solution, although it offers free trials and demo access. It is best suited for those who need professional-level tools and documentation.
SmartDraw: General Diagramming Made Easy
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that supports floor plan creation along with many other types of diagrams, such as flowcharts, org charts, and mind maps. While not designed specifically for AV, it can be used to draft AV Floor Plans thanks to its templates and symbol libraries.
Key features:
- Easy-to-use templates for office layouts, meeting rooms, and other spaces.
- Drag-and-drop symbols for furniture and basic technology elements.
- Export options for sharing diagrams in PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and more.
- Integration with tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Strengths for AV Floor Plan design:
SmartDraw is user-friendly and fast for creating simple layouts. It is a good choice for early concepts, especially when working with clients who need quick visuals.
Limitations:
SmartDraw lacks AV-specific features like auto cable routing, AV equipment libraries, and automated documentation. It is better for basic layout diagrams than for detailed system design.
AutoCAD: The Industry Standard for Precision
AutoCAD is one of the most recognized CAD platforms in the world, known for its precision and flexibility. It is widely used in architecture, engineering, and construction. Many AV designers use AutoCAD to create AV Floor Plans because of its powerful drafting capabilities.
Key features:
- Professional-grade 2D and 3D drawing tools for precise design.
- Layer management to organize different design elements.
- DWG file format compatibility for easy sharing with architects and engineers.
- Custom block libraries that can include AV symbols (with manual setup).
Strengths for AV Floor Plan design:
AutoCAD provides unmatched precision and full control over every aspect of the design. It integrates well with BIM and other architectural workflows.
Limitations:
AutoCAD is not AV-specific, so users must create or import their own symbol libraries. There is no built-in support for AV automation tasks like auto cable routing or system schematics. The learning curve is steeper, and design takes longer without automation.
XTEN-AV vs SmartDraw vs AutoCAD: Feature Comparison
| Feature | XTEN-AV | SmartDraw | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| AV-specific symbol libraries | Yes | No | No (manual import required) |
| Auto cable routing | Yes | No | No |
| Automated documentation | Yes | No | No |
| Precision drafting | High (with automation) | Moderate | Very high |
| Collaboration | Cloud-based real-time | Basic sharing | Basic sharing (unless paired with cloud services) |
| Ease of use | Designed for AV workflows | Very easy | Steep learning curve |
| Cost | Premium (with trial options) | Affordable | Premium |
Which Is Best for AV Floor Plans?
The right tool depends on your project needs:
- Choose XTEN-AV if you need a purpose-built platform for AV design that includes automation, accurate symbol libraries, and the ability to generate complete documentation. It is ideal for professionals who want to streamline their workflow and reduce manual effort.
- Choose SmartDraw if you need a quick and easy tool for simple layouts or early concepts. It works well for client presentations or basic space planning but lacks AV-specific features.
- Choose AutoCAD if you need maximum control and precision, especially when working closely with architects and engineers. It is best suited for large projects where detailed drafting is critical, but be prepared for more manual work when adding AV-specific elements.
Conclusion
An AV Floor Plan is the backbone of any successful AV integration project, and the software you use can have a major impact on your efficiency and accuracy. While SmartDraw and AutoCAD offer valuable features, XTEN-AV stands out for its AV-specific design tools, automation, and collaboration features. It is built to address the unique needs of AV professionals, making it the best choice for those looking to deliver high-quality AV designs faster and with fewer errors.
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