Planning a server rack setup requires precision, organization, and the right tools. Whether you are managing a home theater AV rack, setting up an AV rack room, or configuring a data center, using free server rack planner tools can make the process more efficient. These tools help visualize your setup, optimize space, and improve AV rack cable management.

A server rack designer allows you to arrange components properly, prevent airflow issues, and reduce cable clutter. Many of these tools function as both AV rack design software and free rack diagram tools, helping IT professionals, AV installers, and home users plan their racks with ease.

In this blog, we will explore the top 5 free server rack planner tools that can help you design and optimize your rack setup.

1. XTEN-AV Rack Diagram Tool – Best Free Server Rack Planner Tool

XTEN-AV offers one of the best free server rack planner tools, specifically designed for AV professionals and IT managers. It is an intuitive AV rack design software that allows users to create detailed rack diagrams for various setups, including home theater AV racks and large AV rack rooms.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface – Easily add and arrange devices in your rack.
• Pre-loaded templates – Use pre-designed layouts for different rack configurations.
• Cloud-based access – Access and modify your rack design from any device.
• Automatic cable routing – Helps improve AV rack cable management.

Why Choose XTEN-AV?

• Ideal for both beginners and professionals.
• Includes real-time collaboration features.
• Works seamlessly as a server rack designer and AV rack builder.

XTEN-AV simplifies rack planning by providing a free rack diagram tool with powerful design and automation features, making it the best choice for most users.

2. Rack Tables – Open-Source Server Rack Planner

RackTables is a popular server rack planner for IT professionals and data center managers. It provides a free rack diagram tool that helps with asset tracking, power distribution, and network organization.

Key Features

• Open-source and highly customizable.
• Detailed asset management – Track servers, switches, and other equipment.
• IP address management – Keep track of network configurations.

Why Choose RackTables?

• Great for data center management.
• Helps IT teams visualize rack setups before installation.
• Supports both AV and IT equipment.

Although it is not as visually intuitive as XTEN-AV, RackTables is a powerful server rack designer that helps with documentation and network planning.

3. AViCAD – Free AV Rack Builder and Server Rack Designer

AViCAD is a 2D/3D AV rack design software that includes tools for planning home theater AV racks and professional AV rack rooms. It is designed for engineers and AV installers who need precision when designing rack layouts.

Key Features

• Built-in CAD tools for precise measurements.
• Library of AV and IT components for accurate designs.
• Supports rack elevation views for better visualization.

Why Choose AViCAD?

• Ideal for professionals who need CAD-level accuracy.
• Great for designing large-scale AV and IT infrastructure.
• Works well with other server rack planner tools.

While AViCAD has a learning curve, it is a great AV rack builder for users familiar with CAD software.

4. NetBox – Advanced Server Rack Planner for IT Infrastructure

NetBox is an open-source server rack designer that focuses on IT infrastructure management. It includes a free rack diagram tool for planning data center racks and network setups.

Key Features

• Automated rack visualization – Quickly generates rack layouts.
• IP and network management – Helps with data center planning.
• Highly scalable – Suitable for both small and large IT setups.

Why Choose NetBox?

• Best for enterprise IT professionals.
• Helps track server placements and network connectivity.
• Supports both on-premise and cloud-based deployments.

NetBox is a powerful server rack planner but is more suited for IT managers than AV professionals.

5. Schneider Electric’s Racks PDU Selector – Free Rack Diagram Tool

Schneider Electric provides a free server rack planner tool specifically for selecting and organizing rack power distribution units (PDUs). It is an essential tool for ensuring proper power management in AV rack rooms and data centers.

Key Features

• Guides users through power requirements for their rack setup.
• Ensures efficient power distribution to all components.
• Supports integration with other rack design tools.

Why Choose Schneider Electric’s Tool?

• Helps prevent power overloads and failures.
• Ensures an optimized AV rack cable management setup.
• Works well alongside other AV rack design software.

While it does not provide a full rack-building experience, it is an essential tool for power planning in server rack designer setups.

How to Choose the Best Free Server Rack Planner Tool

When selecting a free rack diagram tool, consider the following factors:

1. Ease of Use

Choose a tool with a drag-and-drop interface for quick and simple design.

2. Feature Set

Look for tools that support:

• Rack elevation views for better visualization.
• Cable management planning to improve how to clean up your AV rack.
• Customization options for different AV and IT setups.

3. Compatibility with Your Setup

Ensure the tool supports:

• AV rack builder features for home theater or professional AV racks.
• Server rack planner features for IT infrastructure.

4. Scalability

If planning a large AV rack room, choose a tool that allows for future expansion.

Conclusion

Using free server rack planner tools can help simplify rack setup, improve AV rack cable management, and ensure efficient power distribution.By selecting the right server rack planner, you can optimize your rack layout, reduce clutter, and create an efficient AV rack room or home theater AV rack setup.