When it comes to IT and AV infrastructure, rack diagrams are essential for clear system design, installation planning, and ongoing maintenance. While many commercial tools offer sleek interfaces and advanced features, some professionals prefer open-source alternatives that allow greater flexibility and control. Open-source rack diagram tools offer the benefit of customization, community support, and cost savings, especially for teams that want to tweak the tool to match their workflows.
Among the Top Rack Diagram Software Tools, XTEN-AV leads with a powerful, cloud-based platform that delivers intelligent automation, real-world equipment accuracy, and advanced documentation. But for users exploring open-source options—either to prototype, integrate with internal systems, or build something entirely custom—there are a number of tools worth considering. This blog highlights the best open-source rack diagram tools available today, focusing on their features, benefits, and how they compare to premium platforms like XTEN-AV.
Why Choose Open-Source Tools for Rack Diagrams
Open-source tools give users full access to the source code, allowing for deeper customization, integration, and automation. They are especially attractive to IT teams, developers, and network engineers who want to:
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Customize the user interface
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Add specific hardware libraries
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Integrate with internal databases
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Automate workflows using APIs or scripts
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Avoid licensing fees for large deployments
While these tools may lack the polish and support of commercial software, they often offer a strong foundation for teams with technical capabilities.
1. NetBox
Originally developed by DigitalOcean, NetBox is a powerful open-source infrastructure resource modeling tool that is widely used in data center and network management.
Key Features:
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Rack layout visualization
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Device and interface management
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Power, network, and cable connection tracking
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Role-based access control
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REST API for automation
Why customize it:
NetBox allows developers to extend functionality through plugins, custom fields, and API integrations. While it does not include drag-and-drop diagramming like XTEN-AV, it offers structured rack visualization that can be embedded into other systems.
Best for:
Enterprises with DevOps teams that need a rack inventory system tightly integrated with network and automation platforms.
2. RackTables
RackTables is a veteran open-source tool designed for documenting hardware assets and their relationships. Though not visually modern, it is functional, lightweight, and easy to deploy.
Features Include:
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Rack space allocation
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IP address management
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Patch panel and port mapping
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Equipment and location tracking
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Simple web interface
Customization Potential:
RackTables is built with PHP and offers plugin support and editable templates. Users can add custom object types, tags, and scripts for automation.
Use Case:
Ideal for small to mid-sized teams who want a centralized, customizable solution for tracking devices and building basic rack documentation.
3. LibreNMS with Rack View Module
LibreNMS is a full-featured network monitoring system with a community-developed Rack View module.
Features:
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Device discovery and health monitoring
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Visual rack diagrams using collected SNMP data
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Integration with other tools via APIs
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Alerting and performance graphs
Why it is useful:
The Rack View module adds a simple visual layout of devices in racks based on physical attributes. While not a full design tool, it provides live rack views tied to monitoring data.
Customization Options:
Since it is open source, developers can create modules to expand visual features or integrate with other systems.
4. NOC Project
The NOC Project is an open-source operations support system (OSS) focused on telecommunications and service providers. It includes detailed inventory and topology management.
Rack-Related Capabilities:
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Hierarchical resource modeling
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Rack and site management
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Port-to-port connection tracking
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Scripting with Python for automation
Why developers love it:
It is highly customizable and designed to scale across multi-site deployments. While it requires technical know-how, it is incredibly flexible for building custom rack workflows.
Best for:
Service providers and advanced IT teams managing distributed infrastructure with in-house development resources.
5. NetXMS
NetXMS is a network monitoring and infrastructure management platform that includes physical layout capabilities.
Features:
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Rack layout views with device placement
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Custom dashboards and templates
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SNMP discovery
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Scripting and automation support
Customization:
You can build custom templates and extend its functionality via its API. Though its interface is not as modern as XTEN-AV, it offers strong backend features.
Use Case:
Monitoring-heavy environments where device placement is important but visual design precision is not the primary focus.
Comparing Open-Source Tools with XTEN-AV
While open-source tools offer great flexibility, they often require development resources, configuration time, and manual updates. XTEN-AV, as one of the Top Rack Diagram Software Tools, offers advantages that open-source tools cannot easily match:
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Cloud-Based Access: Work from any device with automatic syncing and no server maintenance
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Smart Drag-and-Drop Interface: Built-in logic to prevent rack unit overlaps and connection errors
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Manufacturer-Verified Libraries: Real equipment with accurate dimensions, ports, and specifications
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Cable Management: Auto-routing, labeling, and cable schedule export
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Integrated Documentation: Rack diagrams linked with signal flows, BOMs, and project reports
For AV professionals, consultants, and IT integrators looking for speed, accuracy, and industry-specific workflows, XTEN-AV delivers out-of-the-box value. Open-source tools are better suited for internal teams with custom requirements and the ability to code.
What to Look for in an Open-Source Rack Tool
If you are considering an open-source rack diagram platform, evaluate it based on:
1. Customization Flexibility
Can you change layouts, labels, object types, or visual styles?
2. API or Plugin Support
Does the tool allow integrations with other systems or internal databases?
3. Community and Documentation
Is there a strong developer community and user documentation to support your team?
4. Visual Capabilities
How good is the visual output? Is it suitable for clients, reports, or installers?
5. Maintenance and Updates
How active is the project? Open-source tools require manual patching and updates.
Conclusion
Open-source rack diagram tools provide a solid foundation for teams that want full control over their design and documentation processes. Whether you are managing racks for IT, AV, telecom, or data centers, these tools can help track hardware, visualize layouts, and document physical connections.
However, for teams that need fast setup, high-quality visuals, accurate device specs, and built-in project management, platforms like XTEN-AV offer unmatched convenience and functionality. As one of the Top Rack Diagram Software Tools, XTEN-AV is ideal for professionals who want to design smarter, reduce errors, and deliver complete project documentation—without the overhead of maintaining open-source software.
Choose the tool that fits your team’s workflow and technical capabilities—and let your rack design speak for itself.
