In today's fast-paced world of audiovisual (AV) system design and integration, having the right tools is crucial. While draw.io (also known as diagrams.net) has been a popular choice for creating flowcharts, process diagrams, and wireframes, it may not always be the best fit for the unique needs of AV professionals. This is where open source draw.io alternatives come into play, offering specialized features and workflows tailored for the AV industry.
One such alternative that stands out is XTEN-AV, a cloud-based platform built specifically for AV system integrators, designers, and others working in audiovisual design. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore why XTEN-AV is the best projector alternative to draw.io and how its key features translate into tangible benefits for AV professionals. We'll also compare XTEN-AV with other drawio diagram competitors and provide insights on when draw.io might still suffice.
By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how choosing the right open source diagramming tool can streamline your AV projects, enhance collaboration, and ultimately lead to more successful outcomes. Let's dive in!
What is XTEN-AV?
XTEN-AV is a cloud-based platform built specifically for AV system integrators, designers, and others working in audiovisual design. It combines tools for diagramming, proposals, automation, product catalogs, project management, and even AI assistance.
While draw.io is more of a general purpose diagram tool for creating flowcharts, process diagrams, wireframes etc., XTEN-AV focuses on the full AV project lifecycle, from schematic design through to proposals and execution. That specialization gives it certain advantages for AV-centric use cases. Below we'll explore the key features in depth, and how each translates into benefits in an AV context.
Key Features of XTEN-AV and Why They Matter for AV Professionals
AV-specific Templates & Design Automation (X-DRAW module)
One of the standout features of XTEN-AV is its library of ready-made, AV-focused templates for rooms, signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, front elevations, and more. These templates are tailored specifically for AV use cases, with elements like speaker layouts, cabling, and connections, rather than just generic shapes.
XTEN-AV also includes powerful automations to streamline the design process. These include automatic cable labeling and styling, automatic generation of Bills of Materials (BOMs) as you design, and even automatic drawing of certain AV diagrams. By reducing manual work and potential for errors, these automations can save significant time and effort.
Another helpful feature is the ability to upload existing floorplans from tools like AutoCAD or Visio, edit them within XTEN-AV, and overlay your AV designs. This allows for easy reuse of architectural drawings and better collaboration with other stakeholders.
Extensive Product Library and Branding / Catalog Support
When it comes to specifying equipment for AV projects, having access to a comprehensive product library can make a huge difference. XTEN-AV boasts an extensive catalog with over 1.5 million products from more than 5,200 brands. This means that when designing, you can pull in real devices corresponding to real brands and models, rather than relying on generic symbols.
In addition, XTEN-AV offers a "My Library" feature that allows you to create your own custom product items or import your organization's specific equipment. This ensures that your drawings accurately reflect what you have on hand, what you typically use, and includes accurate pricing information. Having this level of consistency and customization can greatly speed up the specification process.
AI-Assisted Design & Search (XAVIA, Search Sense)
One of the more innovative aspects of XTEN-AV is its incorporation of artificial intelligence to aid the design process. XTEN-AV has an AI agent called "XAVIA" that can recommend products based on project details, check for potential incompatibilities, and even automate parts of the design process. This AI assistance can help catch potential issues early and suggest optimizations you may not have considered.
Another AI-powered feature is "Search Sense", an adaptive search function that learns from your previous selections to make future search results more relevant. Over time, this can significantly speed up the process of finding the right AV gear, connectors, and components for your designs. In an industry where time is money, faster and more intuitive searches can be a significant productivity boost.
Integrated Proposals, Documentation, and Workflow Automation
Beyond the core design capabilities, XTEN-AV also includes a suite of tools for generating professional proposals (x.doc), complete with over 100 templates, advanced editing and styling features, legally binding digital signatures, cost and labor calculations, and more. Having these proposal creation tools integrated into the same platform you use for diagramming streamlines the whole workflow from design to sign-off.
XTEN-AV also gives you real-time proposal tracking, so you can see when a client opens the proposal, send reminders if needed, and track the overall status in your sales cycle. This level of visibility can help move projects from concept to kickoff faster.
Another major benefit on the documentation side is that the Bill of Materials (BOM) updates automatically as your designs change. So if you adjust a cable route or swap out a device, the materials list and associated cost data update in real-time. This tight syncing between diagram and BOM greatly reduces the risk of mismatches, errors, and rework later in the project.
Cloud-based Collaboration, Versioning & Permissions
Being cloud-based, XTEN-AV enables real-time collaboration and file sharing in ways that desktop-based tools like draw.io can't always match. Multiple users can work on the same project concurrently, with features like shared projects, role-based access control, version snapshots, change auditing, and more.
XTEN-AV also includes real-time chat and commenting (called "Chatter") directly inside projects. This allows for contextual feedback, approvals, and conversations to happen right alongside the relevant diagrams and documents.
Another advantage of being cloud-based is the ability to access projects from anywhere, including on mobile devices. Field technicians or team members on the go can pull up designs, documents, and drawings right from their smartphone or tablet. This accessibility is hugely valuable in an industry where not everyone is always in front of a desktop.
VR / Visualization & Rendering
For clients who struggle to visualize what a proposed AV setup will look like in their space, XTEN-AV offers a compelling solution. The platform includes VR room visualization (called X-VRSE) which renders designs in 3D or virtual reality. This allows clients to better appreciate speaker placements, ceiling speaker coverage, sightlines, and other spatial considerations. Offering this kind of immersive preview can be a major differentiator in winning jobs.
Along similar lines, XTEN-AV can also import 3D spaces from tools like Revit or SketchUp, enabling you to visualize your AV designs inside the actual environment. From there, you can generate automated 2D drawings and renderings based on the 3D layouts. This combination of 3D visualization and automated documentation can greatly enhance the client experience and streamline your own workflows.
Security, Enterprise-Grade Features & Integrations
For larger firms and enterprise clients, robust security, third-party integrations, and high availability are non-negotiable. XTEN-AV delivers on these fronts with secure cloud storage, SLA-guaranteed uptime, fine-grained user permissions, detailed audit logs, and more.
On the integration side, XTEN-AV supports importing files from CAD and Visio, syncing with CRM platforms, connecting with procurement systems, and other business-critical tools. This allows data to flow more seamlessly across the applications you use every day.
XTEN-AV also offers enterprise-grade support and training, with dedicated customer success managers, priority support channels, onboarding assistance, and other premium services on their enterprise plans. Having this level of vendor partnership can make a huge difference when rolling out a new platform across a larger organization.
Pricing & ROI Considerations
While XTEN-AV is a paid platform with subscription plans, it's important to consider the full scope of value it can provide. For AV integrators and firms that spend significant time on AV design and documentation, the efficiency gains from XTEN-AV's automation, the time saved through integrated proposals and tracking, the reduction in errors and rework, and the faster project cycles can more than justify the cost.
To help potential customers evaluate fit, XTEN-AV does offer a free trial period. This gives you a chance to hands-on test the platform and validate the benefits with your own projects and workflows before committing to a paid plan.
How XTEN-AV Compares to draw.io: Identifying the Gaps
To understand why XTEN-AV may be the "best" alternative to draw.io for AV professionals, it's worth looking at some of the key differences and gaps:
- AV-specific symbol libraries, templates, and domain logic: While draw.io provides generic symbols and shapes, it lacks the AV-specific device icons, room templates, and built-in rules that XTEN-AV offers out of the box. With draw.io, AV pros have to manually import or create those assets, and handle details like proper speaker placement and signal flow on their own. XTEN-AV has much of that AV domain knowledge built in.
- Automation of BOM, cost estimation, and pricing: draw.io is primarily a diagramming tool and doesn't have the capability to automatically sync product cost data, vendor catalogs, or update the bill of materials when the diagram changes. Any costing or materials lists have to be maintained separately and manually. XTEN-AV keeps the BOM in sync with the diagram and can pull in pricing from its product catalog.
- Integrated workflow from design to proposal to project delivery: While draw.io excels at the core diagramming, it doesn't include adjacent capabilities like proposal generation, e-signatures, proposal tracking, or in-tool cost estimating. Jumping between separate tools for diagrams, docs, and proposals can be cumbersome. XTEN-AV keeps it all in one interface.
- Collaboration & permissions model suited to AV project needs: draw.io does include basic version history and real-time co-editing. But for larger teams and enterprise use cases, features like granular permission controls, detailed change tracking, and SLA-backed uptime become more important. XTEN-AV is built with these AV project workflow needs in mind.
- Visualization / VR / 3D support: As a 2D diagramming tool, draw.io doesn't have a native way to render AV layouts in 3D, walk through designs in VR, or import 3D models from other tools. For AV pros looking to wow clients in presentations and sign-off meetings, XTEN-AV's immersive visualization features are a big value-add.
- AV-specific standards, training, and compliance (like AVIXA): As a general diagramming tool, draw.io doesn't have any AV-industry-specific standards or compliance rules baked in. XTEN-AV is aligned to AVIXA standards and offers AV-centric training and support. This can be an important consideration for shops concerned about consistent quality and following industry best practices.
When draw.io Might Still Be Enough: Limitations & Considerations
With all that said, there are still scenarios where draw.io may be sufficient or even preferred for certain users or use cases:
- Quick-and-easy diagrams: If you just need to whip up a simple flowchart, process diagram, or basic layout with boxes and lines, draw.io is fast, free, and low-friction. Not every diagram needs the specialized AV shapes, rules, and automations of a tool like XTEN-AV.
- Budget-constrained or infrequent use: For small shops or infrequent diagramming needs, the free price tag of draw.io is hard to beat. If you only need to create AV designs a few times a year, investing in a specialized platform may be overkill.
- Maximum flexibility and portability: draw.io is a fairly open, flexible diagramming tool. You can make it look how you want, export to many formats, and avoid any vendor lock-in or subscription fees. For AV pros who prioritize that flexibility over built-in AV smarts, draw.io may be the better choice.
- Lighter-weight and easier to learn: draw.io has a relatively gentle learning curve and low onboarding overhead. You can install it quickly and start diagramming without a ton of upfront training. For small teams that are less tech-savvy or resistant to adopting new software, draw.io may present an easier path.
Why XTEN-AV is the Best draw.io Alternative for AV Professionals & Integrators
Circling back to our original question, XTEN-AV earns the title of "best" draw.io alternative for AV professionals because:
- It's purpose-built for the needs and workflows of AV integrators and designers. From AV-specific templates to AVIXA compliance to visualization tools for impressing clients, XTEN-AV is laser-focused on elevating the AV design experience.
- It meaningfully saves time through automation. Automatic cable labeling, parts lists, and drawing generation allow AV designers to offload tedious tasks and focus on the creative, problem-solving, client-facing work that matters most.
- It reduces costly errors and streamlines handoffs. By syncing BOMs, costs, and diagrams, and by providing integrated proposals and tracking, XTEN-AV minimizes miscommunication, inconsistencies, and change orders. Fewer revision cycles mean smoother projects.
- It enhances collaboration for distributed AV teams. Cloud co-editing, mobile access, contextual commenting, and granular permissions make XTEN-AV well-suited for the realities of modern AV teams. Designers, engineers, salespeople, and techs can all work together seamlessly.
- It consolidates AV workflows into one cohesive platform. Rather than stitching together a diagramming tool, a documentation tool, a separate proposal or estimation tool, and multiple other apps, XTEN-AV provides an all-in-one solution tailored for the AV project lifecycle. This unified approach can be a major efficiency boost and simplify IT overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions on draw.io and XTEN-AV
Q: Can I import my existing draw.io diagrams into XTEN-AV? A: Yes, XTEN-AV supports importing files from draw.io, Visio, AutoCAD, and other popular diagramming formats. You can bring your existing work into the platform to enhance and build upon.
Q: Does XTEN-AV work for very large or complex AV projects? A: Absolutely. XTEN-AV is built to scale, with features like reusable templates, bulk editing, and the ability to handle large product catalogs and BOMs. Many enterprise AV integrators rely on it for their biggest, most complex jobs.
Q: What kind of training and support does XTEN-AV offer compared to draw.io? A: As an AV-specific platform, XTEN-AV offers dedicated onboarding, training materials and courses tailored for AV professionals, and priority support channels. draw.io has general documentation but less AV-specific guidance.
Q: Can I use XTEN-AV in combination with draw.io or do I have to choose one? A: While XTEN-AV aims to be an all-in-one solution for AV design and documentation, it does support common file formats and you can certainly use both tools in your workflow if needed. Some teams use draw.io for simple sketches and then move to XTEN-AV for the detailed, AV-specific work.
Q: Is there a mobile app version of XTEN-AV for working on the go? A: Yes, XTEN-AV has mobile apps for iOS and Android that let you view projects, make minor edits, and collaborate from your phone or tablet. draw.io has mobile-friendly web access but not a dedicated mobile app.
Conclusion and Next Steps
For AV professionals, integrators, and designers, having the right tools is essential for delivering successful projects, impressing clients, and staying efficient and profitable. While draw.io is a capable general-purpose diagramming tool, it leaves many AV-specific needs and workflows unaddressed. XTEN-AV aims to fill those gaps with a purpose-built, highly automated, richly collaborative platform that spans the full AV project lifecycle.
From intelligent AV templates to integrated proposals to immersive visualizations, XTEN-AV simplifies and elevates many of the core responsibilities of an AV designer or engineer. It's a compelling draw.io alternative for anyone whose day-to-day work revolves around AV integration and who wants to up-level their design and documentation game.