Designing, documenting, and managing IT, AV, or data center infrastructure requires clear and accurate rack diagrams. Whether you are mapping out servers, switches, amplifiers, or other critical equipment, the right tool can save time and help avoid costly mistakes. For professionals and teams working on a budget, open-source and free cloud-based solutions offer two excellent paths to creating high-quality diagrams. But which one is better for your needs? In this blog, we will compare the best open-source and free cloud-based rack diagram tools, explain their differences, and help you choose the right Free RACK diagram Tool for your next project.

Why Rack Diagrams Are Essential

Rack diagrams are more than just drawings. They provide a visual representation of how equipment is mounted, connected, and powered within a rack. Good rack diagrams help ensure proper airflow, prevent overcrowding, simplify troubleshooting, and make future upgrades easier. Teams use these diagrams to plan installations, manage assets, and communicate designs with contractors or clients. Choosing the right tool to create these diagrams is an important step toward project success.

What Is an Open-Source Rack Diagram Tool?

An open-source rack diagram tool is software where the source code is publicly available. This means you can use, modify, and customize the tool as needed. Open-source tools are often installed locally and do not rely on cloud servers. They appeal to users who want full control, privacy, and the ability to tailor the software to specific requirements.

What Is a Free Cloud-Based Rack Diagram Tool?

A free cloud-based rack diagram tool is software that runs in a web browser and stores your diagrams in the cloud. These tools often offer real-time collaboration, easy sharing, and access from any device. They are ideal for teams that need to work together remotely or want to avoid software installation and maintenance.

Best Open-Source Rack Diagram Tools

Let’s start by looking at popular open-source solutions.

1. RackTables

RackTables is a well-known open-source tool designed specifically for managing data center and server room assets.

Features:

• Create and manage rack layouts

• Track devices, IP addresses, and cables

• Add custom attributes to equipment

• Asset inventory and documentation

Pros:

• Free to use with no hidden costs

• Highly customizable

• Strong asset tracking features

Limitations:

• Requires local installation and setup

• No real-time collaboration out of the box

• Steeper learning curve for new users

Best for:
IT teams managing data centers or server rooms that want a self-hosted solution with built-in inventory features.

2. LibreNMS with Rack Plugin

LibreNMS is an open-source network monitoring platform that offers a plugin for basic rack visualization.

Features:

• Network device monitoring

• Basic rack diagrams via plugin

• SNMP-based device discovery

Pros:

• Combines monitoring and diagramming

• Self-hosted for full data control

Limitations:

• Rack diagram features are limited

• Focus is more on monitoring than detailed diagramming

Best for:
Teams who want a monitoring solution with basic rack diagram capabilities.

Best Free Cloud-Based Rack Diagram Tools

Next, let’s look at free cloud-based tools that excel in real-time collaboration and accessibility.

1. XTEN-AV (Free Starter Plan)

XTEN-AV is a modern, cloud-based platform built for AV and IT professionals. While it offers premium plans, the free starter plan is powerful for small teams or early-stage projects.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop rack components with accurate sizing

• Real-time collaboration

• Auto-calculation of rack space

• Cloud storage and access

Pros:

• Designed for AV and IT workflows

• Includes equipment libraries

• Smart automation features

Limitations:

• Free plan has limits on project size and device count

Best for:
Teams designing professional AV or IT racks who want cloud collaboration and smart design tools.

2. Draw.io (diagrams.net)

Draw.io is a flexible, browser-based diagramming tool that integrates with cloud storage platforms.

Features:

• Cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox)

• Real-time collaboration via shared storage

• Custom templates and shapes

Pros:

• Completely free

• No sign-up required for basic use

• Works on any browser

Limitations:

• No built-in libraries for rack equipment

• Manual setup for scaled diagrams

Best for:
Teams needing flexible, general-purpose diagramming without specialized libraries.

3. Lucidchart (Free Tier)

Lucidchart combines a clean interface with real-time team collaboration. The free plan is suitable for basic diagrams.

Features:

• Cloud-based editing and sharing

• Comments and chat features

• Integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft

Pros:

• Excellent for team collaboration

• Easy to share with stakeholders

Limitations:

• Free plan limits the number of diagrams and shapes

• No dedicated rack or AV libraries

Best for:
Small teams who value collaboration and polished visuals.

Open-Source vs Free Cloud-Based: Key Differences

Here’s how open-source and cloud-based free tools compare:

Choosing the Right Free RACK Diagram Tool

When deciding between open-source and cloud-based tools, consider:

• Do you need real-time collaboration? Go with a free cloud-based tool.

• Do you require full data control and customization? Choose an open-source solution.

• Do you want something easy to set up and access? Cloud-based tools win here.

• Is offline use important? Open-source or desktop-based tools may suit you better.

Conclusion

Both open-source and free cloud-based rack diagram tools have their strengths. Open-source options like RackTables offer control and flexibility for those willing to handle installation and maintenance. Free cloud-based platforms like XTEN-AV, Draw.io, and Lucidchart provide easy collaboration and accessibility, ideal for distributed teams. The best Free RACK diagram Tool for you depends on your specific needs, team size, and how you plan to work. By understanding the differences, you can choose the solution that helps you design smarter, stay organized, and keep your infrastructure projects on track.

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