How to Export, Share, and Print Your Wiring Diagrams with Free Software

Designing a wiring diagram is only the beginning of the journey—especially when you’re working on electrical, AV, or automation projects. Once your diagram is ready, the next critical step is to export, share, and print it for use in the field, collaboration with teams, documentation, inspections, or client presentations.

For beginners and even seasoned designers, this step can become confusing, especially when using free wiring diagram software. While professional paid tools often streamline these processes with one-click exports and cloud integration, many free platforms also offer robust functionality—you just need to know how to use it effectively.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to export, share, and print your wiring diagrams using free software tools, while ensuring your work looks professional, accurate, and presentation-ready.

Why Exporting, Sharing, and Printing Diagrams Is Important

Before jumping into the how-to, let’s understand why this final step matters so much in the wiring diagram workflow.

Exporting Diagrams

• Allows you to use diagrams in other design tools (like CAD or BIM)

• Converts files into standard formats like PDF, PNG, DWG, or SVG

• Ensures diagrams are preserved long-term in readable formats

Sharing Diagrams

• Helps with collaboration between designers, electricians, AV teams, and project managers

• Enables cloud-based teamwork and feedback loops

• Simplifies code approval processes or permit applications

Printing Diagrams

• Crucial for on-site installation

• Ensures field technicians can view diagrams without needing a computer

• Provides a hard copy for binders, toolkits, or compliance documentation

Whether you’re working alone or with a team, mastering these functions will save time, reduce errors, and enhance project outcomes.

Overview of Top Free Wiring Diagram Software with Export/Share/Print Features

Here’s a list of free tools you can use and what they offer in terms of exporting, sharing, and printing:

How to Export Wiring Diagrams in Free Wiring Diagram Software

1. Exporting from XTEN-AV (Cloud-Based AI AV Design Tool)

XTEN-AV, though designed for AV professionals, offers a free tier perfect for homeowners, electricians, and small businesses. Once your wiring diagram is complete:

• Click on Export in the top menu

• Choose your desired format:

  • PDF (for documentation)

  • DWG (for CAD integration)

  • CSV (for BOM exports)

• Optionally, export the entire project or individual diagrams

💡 Pro Tip: Use the Revit Export option if integrating into architectural BIM files.

2. Exporting from QElectroTech (Open Source Platform)

After completing your schematic:

• Go to Project > Export Diagram

• Choose format:

  • SVG for scalable web use

  • PNG for simple image use

  • DXF for CAD

  • PDF for universal sharing

• Select high resolution if printing large formats

QElectroTech also allows multi-page exporting, so you can bundle a project with multiple wiring sheets.

3. Exporting from SmartDraw (Web or Desktop)

Even with the free trial or limited-tier use:

• Click File > Export As

• Choose PDF, SVG, or PNG

• You can also export only selected elements for partial diagrams

• SmartDraw supports Visio format for advanced users

4. Exporting from Lucidchart

Lucidchart focuses on visual clarity and cloud access:

• Click File > Download As

• Choose:

  • PDF for sharp layout printing

  • PNG or JPEG for image sharing

• Customize page orientation, DPI, and resolution settings

• Optional: Use Link Sharing to avoid downloads altogether

5. Exporting from KiCad or Fritzing (For PCB/Low Voltage Diagrams)

• Open the schematic (Eeschema for KiCad or Editor for Fritzing)

• Click File > Plot

• Choose PDF or SVG

• You can also export Gerber files for PCB manufacturing

These tools are ideal for DIY home automation, Arduino wiring, or smart system integration.

How to Share Wiring Diagrams Easily

Using Cloud-Based Links (e.g., XTEN-AV, Lucidchart)

• Most free tools support link generation

• Click Share or Generate Link

• Send via email, chat, or embed in documentation

This enables:

• Real-time collaboration

• Feedback without version confusion

• Remote approvals

Using Email Attachments or Shared Drives

• For desktop software (like QElectroTech or Fritzing), export your diagram as PDF or SVG

• Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive

• Share access with proper viewing/editing permissions

Embedding in Reports or Presentations

• Export as high-resolution PNG or PDF

• Insert into:

  • Word documents

  • Google Docs

  • PowerPoint presentations

• Add annotations or legends alongside

This is useful for client presentations, bids, or field training guides.

How to Print Wiring Diagrams Professionally

Check Layout Settings

Before printing, go to:

• File > Page Setup or Print Preview

• Set:

  • Paper size (A4, A3, or architectural sizes)

  • Orientation (portrait/landscape)

  • Margin and scaling

Make sure nothing is cut off—especially wire labels and symbol keys.

Print in High Resolution

Always export in 300 DPI or higher for printed diagrams, especially if printing large formats like:

• Blueprint sheets (24″ x 36″)

• Binder handouts (8.5″ x 11″)

• Label sheets for wire markers

Add a Title Block and Legend

If your free wiring diagram software supports it:

• Add a title block with:

  • Project name

  • Date

  • Version or revision number

  • Author/designer name

• Add a legend for symbols, wire color codes, or voltage levels

This makes your printouts look professional and field-ready.

Use Online Print Services (Optional)

For professional results or laminated copies:

• Export your diagram as a PDF or SVG

• Upload to services like:

  • Vistaprint

  • FedEx Office

  • Local blueprint printing shops

• Choose waterproof or fold-resistant paper if printing for construction sites

Example Use Case: Smart Home Wiring Plan with Free Software

Project: Homeowner wiring a smart lighting system with sensors and a control hub

Software Used: XTEN-AV (Free Tier)

Process:

1. Create wiring diagram using real-world product library

2. Export as PDF for client approval

3. Export BOM as CSV for shopping list

4. Share live link with contractor via email

5. Print full layout for installer reference

Outcome: All stakeholders synced, errors minimized, installation completed under budget

Bonus Tips for Exporting and Printing from Free Wiring Diagram Software

• Test export before finalizing: Some symbols may distort if exported incorrectly—test PDF outputs early

• Use descriptive filenames: e.g., ProjectName_Electrical_Panel_v2.pdf

• Backup source files: Always keep the native project file in case you need to edit later

• Bundle diagrams in a ZIP: For easy sharing via email or cloud

• Include project notes: On-site electricians benefit from installation tips directly on the diagram

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exporting in low resolution and getting blurry prints

• Forgetting to label diagrams before sharing

• Overwriting files without versioning (use v1, v2, etc.)

• Sharing editable files without locking them—can lead to accidental edits

• Printing without checking page scaling—results in cropped components

Conclusion

Designing a wiring diagram is just the beginning. Exporting, sharing, and printing are essential steps to ensure your work is usable, reliable, and actionable.

Whether you’re working solo on a DIY smart home upgrade or collaborating with contractors on a renovation, free wiring diagram software offers powerful tools to help you finish strong. From XTEN-AV’s AI-driven cloud exports to QElectroTech’s open-source flexibility, you now have everything you need to create professional deliverables—without spending a dime.

Read more: https://afriprime.net/blogs/387740/Free-Wiring-Diagram-Software-That-Works-with-CAD-and-BIM