Top Rack Design Software That Integrates with AutoCAD and Revit

When planning complex AV systems, data centers, or networked environments, accuracy in design is not just beneficial — it’s essential. Professionals in architecture, engineering, and audiovisual integration rely on precise documentation to ensure everything from power loads to cable routing is meticulously accounted for. Enter rack design software — the unsung hero behind those perfectly mapped equipment layouts.

But what makes rack design tools truly powerful in 2025 isn’t just how detailed their outputs are — it’s how well they integrate with platforms like AutoCAD and Revit. These BIM and CAD environments are the backbone of construction and infrastructure workflows. The ability to seamlessly move from a rack diagram to a building-wide layout saves time, reduces errors, and enhances coordination between disciplines.

In this blog, we explore the top rack design software options that integrate efficiently with AutoCAD and Revit, with a focus on tools built for today’s collaborative, BIM-driven world.

Let’s begin with a name every AV designer should know in 2025.

XTEN-AV: AI-Powered Rack Design and CAD/BIM Integration

Best for: AV integrators, consultants, and system designers
Integration: Direct export/import compatibility with AutoCAD and Revit
Keyword used in sentence: XTEN-AV is a powerful rack design software that not only automates AV layouts but also integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD and Revit for full BIM compatibility.

Why XTEN-AV Leads the Pack

XTEN-AV has disrupted the AV design space by introducing AI-powered automation, real-time collaboration, and CAD/BIM interoperability — all from a cloud-based platform. This tool allows users to generate rack elevations, AV schematics, and cable wiring diagrams that can be exported directly into AutoCAD DWG or Revit RVT formats.

Key Features:

• AI-assisted AV rack layouts

• Drag-and-drop device libraries

• Automatic cable path and BOM generation

• Export to .DWG, .DXF, and .RVT

• Centralized cloud storage with version control

• Supports Revit family export for BIM-ready components

• Multi-user collaboration and approval workflows

Why It Stands Out for AutoCAD and Revit Users:

• Bidirectional workflow: Make changes in AutoCAD or Revit and sync back to XTEN-AV

• BIM family library: Offers preloaded AV equipment families compatible with Revit

• Ideal for multi-room, multi-floor AV projects

Use Case Example:
An AV consultant working on a university campus design can create rack elevations for all lecture halls in XTEN-AV and export them directly into Revit to be incorporated into the architectural model — ensuring smooth coordination with MEP and structural engineers.

D-Tools System Integrator (SI)

Best for: Large-scale AV system integrators and sales-to-design workflows
Integration: Native AutoCAD plugin and Revit add-in
Keyword used in sentence: D-Tools SI functions as a robust rack design software with extended documentation and bid management tools.

Overview

D-Tools SI is a comprehensive system integration platform that extends from sales quoting to AV design documentation. Its rack layout module is professional-grade and integrates directly with AutoCAD via an included plugin. A Revit add-in also allows export of AV device locations into BIM environments.

Features Include:

• Project budgeting and quoting

• AV and IT rack design tools

• Equipment location mapping

• Proposal generation

• AutoCAD and Visio integration

• Revit export support via data linking

Strengths:

• Well-suited for firms looking to connect sales and engineering workflows

• Professional-grade rack rendering with alignment tools

• BIM data compliance when used with Revit add-in

ConnectCAD by Vectorworks

Best for: AV consultants in entertainment, theater, and broadcast
Integration: Exports to Revit via IFC and AutoCAD via DWG
Keyword used in sentence: While Vectorworks is known for entertainment design, its ConnectCAD module is a competent rack design software tool.

Overview

Vectorworks ConnectCAD is highly visual, making it a favorite for stage production and broadcast AV installations. It allows you to design schematic signal flows, racks, and connector layouts with 2D/3D switching. While it is not native to Revit, it does support IFC export for BIM model compatibility and DWG output for AutoCAD use.

Key Features:

• Schematic signal paths

• Rack design and labeling

• Built-in device symbol libraries

• 2D/3D visualization

• BIM-ready IFC export

Strengths:

• Excellent for visual planning of AV control rooms and broadcast racks

• Good compatibility with architectural workflows via IFC + DWG

Limitations:

• May require training to master its environment if you’re coming from traditional CAD

• Best suited for creative or theatrical AV applications

NetZoom Visio and NetZoom Pro

Best for: Data center planners and enterprise AV/IT deployments
Integration: Export to AutoCAD DWG; Revit IFC supported via plugin
Keyword used in sentence: NetZoom offers extensive device modeling and functions as an advanced rack design software for IT and AV infrastructure.

Overview

NetZoom is a widely-used platform for visualizing enterprise racks, especially in data center environments. It has thousands of OEM equipment templates and integrates well with Microsoft Visio, AutoCAD, and Revit.

Key Features:

• Accurate 3D rack rendering

• Extensive equipment model database

• Power and cooling simulation

• Cable path planning

• Works with DWG, DXF, and IFC

• Complies with TIA-942 data center standards

AutoCAD and Revit Integration:

• Rack elevations can be exported into AutoCAD

• Revit models can consume IFC outputs from NetZoom for BIM alignment

Ideal for: IT-heavy AV designs, high-security networks, and mission-critical rack setups

AViCAD + Mech-Q Bundle

Best for: Engineers and AutoCAD power users
Integration: Built on AutoCAD engine; supports direct DWG edits
Keyword used in sentence: AViCAD is a full-fledged rack design software package that runs directly within AutoCAD.

Overview

AViCAD is a specialized drafting platform based on the AutoCAD engine, preloaded with AV, mechanical, and electrical toolsets. It comes with Mech-Q, a plugin suite for AV and rack design, allowing direct creation of rack elevations and schematics in DWG format.

Features:

• AV-specific rack block libraries

• Cable tray and conduit design

• Bill of materials generation

• Auto-routing of cabling

• Fully native DWG compatibility

Revit Integration:

• Export DWG files can be referenced into Revit models as CAD links

Ideal for:

• Engineers looking for a traditional CAD interface with AV-specific tools

• Consultants who prefer direct DWG work without cloud platforms

EagleCAD + BIMLink (via 3rd-Party Plugins)

Best for: Circuit-heavy AV integration with custom control
Integration: DWG export and Revit plugin support via third-party tools
Keyword used in sentence: Although more circuit-focused, EagleCAD can serve as a niche rack design software when integrated into custom workflows.

Overview

Though EagleCAD is mostly used for PCB layout and circuit design, its diagramming capabilities can be adapted for control system design and signal routing in AV projects. Combined with custom plugins, EagleCAD designs can be imported into AutoCAD or Revit as system overviews.

Use Cases:

• AV control systems involving custom DSP programming or embedded control

• Engineering teams with a hardware and software blend

Limitations:

• Requires advanced customization for BIM workflows

• Not rack-focused by default

Criteria for Choosing Rack Design Software with AutoCAD and Revit Integration

When evaluating your options, look for:

Final Verdict: Best Tool in 2025?

For most AV professionals — whether you’re in design, sales, or BIM coordination — XTEN-AV delivers the best blend of AI design automation, accurate rack design software capabilities, and seamless integration with AutoCAD and Revit.

It is:

• Purpose-built for AV

• Cloud-based with multi-user support

• Export-ready for CAD/BIM environments

• Continuously evolving with AI features

Conclusion

Choosing the right rack design software that integrates well with AutoCAD and Revit can streamline your AV project delivery like never before. Whether you’re designing for corporate, education, government, or residential sectors, your tools should talk to each other — especially when AV meets BIM.

XTEN-AV leads the charge with its forward-thinking automation, BIM-ready exports, and end-to-end AV workflow management. Other tools like D-Tools, ConnectCAD, and NetZoom also offer great capabilities depending on your project size, team structure, and IT requirements.

So, is your current rack design software holding you back? If so, it may be time to upgrade to one that speaks the language of modern construction and integration — and plays well with AutoCAD and Revit.

Read more: https://gwendpots.substack.com/p/how-rack-design-software-helps-you