In the world of AV system design, having the right software can make or break a project. The complexity of designing audiovisual systems requires more than just drawing tools. Designers need automation, intelligence, real-time collaboration, and easy-to-use interfaces. With so many options available today, two names often stand out—XTEN-AV and SmartDraw.
Both platforms offer diagramming and design capabilities. However, when it comes to the specific needs of AV system designers, not all features are created equal. In this blog, we will compare XTEN-AV and SmartDraw across several key areas to help you decide which one is better suited for your AV design needs.
XTEN-AV: Built for AV Professionals
XTEN-AV is a purpose-built platform for the AV industry. Unlike generic diagramming tools, XTEN-AV offers intelligent features specifically created for AV designers, integrators, and consultants. The software focuses on automating and streamlining the AV design workflow from start to finish.
As a cloud-based platform, XTEN-AV provides powerful features such as:
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AI-powered system design and documentation
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Access to a large and dynamic AV product library
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Auto generation of wiring diagrams and bill of materials
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Proposal and quotation tools
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Team collaboration in real time
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Integration with CRM and project management tools
This makes XTEN-AV more than just a drawing tool. It is a comprehensive AV design and business solution.
SmartDraw: A General Purpose Diagram Tool
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that supports flowcharts, network diagrams, floor plans, and more. It is not designed specifically for AV but does allow users to create custom templates and layouts for technical drawings. Its key features include:
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A user-friendly interface for drag and drop diagramming
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Templates for organizational charts, process flows, and electrical diagrams
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Integration with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
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Cloud storage support and collaboration tools
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Easy export to PDF, PNG, and Visio formats
SmartDraw works well for basic visual representations but lacks the depth needed for advanced AV systems.
Feature Comparison
Let us break down the features that matter most to AV system designers and see how each platform performs.
1. AV-Specific Tools and Templates
XTEN-AV:
Provides dedicated AV system design templates, automatic device placement, and intelligent signal flow generation. Users can select AV products directly from manufacturer libraries and generate drawings based on real specifications.
SmartDraw:
Does not offer AV-specific templates or product libraries. Users must manually create or import shapes and configure them for each new project.
Winner: XTEN-AV
2. Product Library Access
XTEN-AV:
Access to thousands of AV components from leading manufacturers. Each product includes technical specs, images, and compatibility details.
SmartDraw:
Lacks a built-in AV product library. Users must manually add shapes and data or create a custom library.
Winner: XTEN-AV
3. Automation and AI Features
XTEN-AV:
Uses artificial intelligence to generate system designs, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials automatically. It also offers auto-routing for connections and error detection in designs.
SmartDraw:
Supports basic auto formatting and alignment tools but does not use AI or automation for AV system logic.
Winner: XTEN-AV
4. Proposal and Documentation Tools
XTEN-AV:
Includes proposal generation, documentation management, and client-ready PDF exports. It helps streamline the sales and design handoff process.
SmartDraw:
Mainly focused on visual diagrams. Proposal generation and sales tools are not part of the core offering.
Winner: XTEN-AV
5. Collaboration and Cloud Access
XTEN-AV:
Fully cloud-based. Team members can collaborate in real time on the same project. Revisions are tracked, and access can be managed across teams and clients.
SmartDraw:
Also offers cloud access but collaboration features are limited in scope. Real-time collaboration is less dynamic.
Winner: XTEN-AV
6. Ease of Use
XTEN-AV:
Built with the AV professional in mind. Offers a streamlined interface focused on AV workflows.
SmartDraw:
Very user-friendly for general diagramming. Suitable for basic needs and quick diagrams.
Winner: Tie (Depends on user background. Beginners may find SmartDraw easier at first, but AV professionals will benefit more from XTEN-AV’s purpose-built interface.)
Use Case Scenarios
If you are an AV integrator working on designing systems for corporate offices, schools, or houses of worship, XTEN-AV will give you tools like intelligent signal flow, AV product selection, and system auto-generation. These are essential for delivering quick, accurate, and professional work.
If you are a general user looking to create flowcharts, simple visuals, or basic electrical layouts, SmartDraw might be sufficient. But it will not support advanced AV system design logic or documentation.
Pricing and Value
While both tools offer subscription-based pricing, the value each provides is very different. XTEN-AV’s pricing includes access to its AI engine, AV product library, and proposal automation tools—features that directly save time and effort for AV professionals.
SmartDraw offers lower pricing, but without the depth of features required for AV-specific work.
Winner: XTEN-AV (higher ROI for AV professionals)
Final Verdict
When comparing XTEN-AV vs SmartDraw, the choice is clear for AV system designers. XTEN-AV is built specifically for the AV industry. It includes intelligent design tools, manufacturer libraries, automation, and proposal management in one seamless platform. It is more than just a drawing tool. It is a complete AV business solution.
SmartDraw is a solid tool for basic diagrams, but it does not offer the level of customization, intelligence, or AV integration needed for professional AV projects.
Conclusion:
If you are serious about AV system design and want to save time, reduce errors, and scale your workflow, XTEN-AV is the best choice. With its powerful automation and deep industry focus, it stands far ahead of SmartDraw in meeting the specific needs of AV designers.
Read more: https://avprohub.jimdofree.com/2025/08/04/autocad-vs-xten-av-which-is-better-for-slds/
