Best Software for Creating AV CAD Drawings in 2025

In the world of audio visual design, precision and clarity are everything. Whether you're planning a conference room AV system, a large auditorium installation, or a multi-room smart building setup, clear documentation ensures that your ideas are executed flawlessly. This is where AV CAD Drawings come into play. They serve as the visual language of AV professionals—detailing layouts, signal flows, rack elevations, device placement, and cable routing.

With growing demand for smarter, scalable, and more connected AV environments in 2025, the tools used to create AV CAD Drawings have evolved too. Traditional CAD platforms, while still valuable, now compete with more specialized software tailored to the unique needs of the AV industry.

This blog explores the best software options for creating AV CAD Drawings in 2025, with XTEN-AV leading the list for its powerful, cloud-based, AV-centric features.

XTEN-AV: The Top Choice for AV CAD Drawings in 2025

If you are looking for purpose-built software for AV system design and documentation, XTEN-AV stands out as the top solution in 2025. Unlike traditional CAD platforms, XTEN-AV was built from the ground up specifically for AV professionals. It provides a seamless, intuitive interface for creating AV CAD Drawings with accuracy, automation, and real-time collaboration.

Key Features:

• Cloud-Based Platform: Design from anywhere, collaborate in real time, and avoid version conflicts.

• AV-Specific Libraries: Access thousands of manufacturer-approved product blocks and specifications.

• Automated Cable Labeling: Save hours of work and reduce errors with intelligent cable schedules.

• Rack and System Builder: Automatically generate rack elevations and signal flow diagrams based on selected devices.

• Real-Time Error Checking: Get alerts for missing connections, incorrect routing, or unsupported devices.

• Project Collaboration Tools: Share, comment, and revise designs within teams or with clients instantly.

XTEN-AV simplifies the process of creating high-quality AV CAD Drawings and integrates directly into the AV workflow, making it the most efficient solution available today.

AutoCAD (with AV Templates)

AutoCAD remains a powerful drafting tool and an industry standard across many engineering and architectural fields. For AV professionals, it’s still a reliable option—especially when enhanced with AV-specific templates and blocks.

Pros:

• Highly customizable and powerful.

• Broad compatibility with other platforms.

• Extensive community and support documentation.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners.

• Requires additional setup for AV use (custom blocks, templates).

• No built-in AV-specific features like automated signal flow or device libraries.

AutoCAD can be a solid choice for AV CAD Drawings if you're already well-versed in CAD and have access to AV-specific plugins or workflows.

D-Tools System Integrator (SI)

D-Tools SI is another popular AV software platform focused on design, documentation, and estimation. It includes a powerful AutoCAD and Visio integration, allowing users to create detailed drawings linked to pricing and project management tools.

Pros:

• Strong integration between design and sales workflows.

• Good for quoting and budgeting alongside system layout.

• AV-specific templates and support for signal path diagrams.

Cons:

• Heavier software suite with a steeper learning curve.

• Less intuitive interface compared to newer platforms like XTEN-AV.

• Requires on-premises installation.

D-Tools is a strong contender for firms that need an all-in-one AV business solution, though it may be more than necessary for simple AV CAD Drawings.

Visio (with AV Add-ons)

Microsoft Visio is known for its drag-and-drop simplicity and is still used by many AV designers for basic diagrams and schematics. When paired with AV-specific stencils, it becomes a decent entry-level tool for creating AV CAD Drawings.

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use.

• Integrates well with Microsoft Office environments.

• Suitable for basic block diagrams and rack layouts.

Cons:

• Lacks precision and depth for advanced AV layouts.

• Not truly a CAD platform.

• Limited automation features and collaboration tools.

While not ideal for complex system drawings, Visio remains a lightweight option for quick mockups or smaller projects.

Vectorworks Spotlight

Vectorworks Spotlight is widely used in the entertainment AV and live event production industries. It’s especially strong in lighting, staging, and venue layouts.

Pros:

• Ideal for theatrical and event-based AV design.

• Strong 3D modeling and visualization features.

• Offers AV device libraries for show environments.

Cons:

• More focused on events than permanent AV installations.

• Less tailored for system-level wiring diagrams.

• Requires training for effective use.

Vectorworks is a great tool if you're working on AV in temporary venues or performance spaces, but not the best fit for infrastructure-heavy projects.

SketchUp (with AV Plug-ins)

SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool that’s sometimes used by AV consultants to visualize gear placement and space design. With the help of plug-ins, it can assist in AV CAD Drawing development.

Pros:

• Great for 3D visualization and layout mockups.

• Quick and intuitive interface.

Cons:

• Lacks native AV design features like signal routing and cable management.

• Not designed for detailed schematics or compliance documents.

SketchUp works well as a visual aid or concept design tool but should be paired with a more robust CAD or AV-specific tool for full-system planning.

Revit (for BIM-Integrated AV)

Autodesk Revit is used in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and is gaining traction in AV design for smart buildings and large-scale installations.

Pros:

• Integrates AV with other building systems (HVAC, electrical).

• Useful in coordination-heavy projects.

• Supports 3D models and device tagging.

Cons:

• Complex to learn and manage.

• Not optimized for AV signal paths or rack layouts.

• Overkill for small-to-medium AV projects.

For AV firms working closely with architects or construction teams on BIM-enabled projects, Revit is a must. However, it often needs to be supplemented with tools like XTEN-AV for complete AV-specific documentation.

Conclusion

As AV systems become more intelligent, connected, and data-driven, the need for accurate, professional AV CAD Drawings has never been greater. In 2025, designers have more software options than ever—but choosing the right one depends on your workflow, the complexity of your projects, and how seamlessly you want to integrate your design and documentation processes.

XTEN-AV leads the pack as the most complete, intuitive, and AV-focused solution. With features designed specifically for audio visual professionals, it simplifies the creation of AV CAD Drawings while enhancing accuracy, speed, and collaboration.

Whether you’re building AV systems for boardrooms, campuses, stadiums, or entire smart buildings, the right tool makes all the difference. Explore your options—but for the best all-around experience, start with XTEN-AV.

Read more: https://bizdirectoryhub.com/top-mistakes-to-avoid-when-creating-av-cad-drawings/