XTEN-AV vs. D-Tools: Which AV Design Platform Comes Out on Top?

In the fast-paced world of professional AV design, accuracy, efficiency, and smart automation can make or break a project. AV integrators and system designers face constant pressure to deliver detailed proposals, system diagrams, and documentation quickly and error-free. That is where dedicated AV design platforms come in. Among the leading solutions in the market, XTEN-AV and D-Tools stand out as two powerful tools trusted by AV professionals worldwide.

But which platform truly gives you the edge in real-world AV projects? Whether you are managing large commercial installations or streamlining residential AV designs, this blog will help you compare the features, workflows, and user experience of XTEN-AV and D-Tools. Let us find out which AV design platform comes out on top.

What Is XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV is an AI-powered AV design and proposal platform built for the modern integrator. It offers cloud-based tools for creating AV system designs, generating project documentation, and automating repetitive tasks like wiring diagrams, bill of materials, and proposal generation.

With a strong focus on real-time collaboration, automation, and an ever-expanding device library, XTEN-AV aims to streamline the entire project workflow from sales to system delivery.

Key Features of XTEN-AV

AI-powered AV system design
Auto-generated signal flow diagrams and wiring layouts
Cloud-based proposal and document creation
Vast AV device library with manufacturer-supported data
Integration with CRM and project management tools
Real-time collaboration for remote teams
AutoCAD-style drawing tools
Easy drag and drop interface

XTEN-AV simplifies what used to take hours and reduces chances of manual error with intelligent automation.

What Is D-Tools

D-Tools is one of the most well-established names in the AV integration world. With over two decades in the industry, D-Tools offers comprehensive software solutions for project estimation, design, and system documentation. Its primary products include D-Tools System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud.

D-Tools SI is a Windows-based software known for its detailed proposal generation and integration with tools like Visio and AutoCAD. D-Tools Cloud is a more recent web-based platform focused on sales and design workflows.

Key Features of D-Tools

Project budgeting and estimation tools
Proposal and quote creation
Integration with Microsoft Visio and AutoCAD
Large manufacturer database
Project tracking and scheduling
Windows desktop and cloud versions available

D-Tools has long been a go-to for integrators needing advanced cost tracking and quote accuracy, especially in complex multi-phase projects.

XTEN-AV vs. D-Tools: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let us now compare the two platforms in key areas that matter most to AV professionals.

1. Ease of Use

XTEN-AV:
XTEN-AV offers a modern, clean interface with intuitive drag and drop functionality. Because it is entirely cloud-based, there is no installation or licensing headache. Users can jump in quickly, and the AI-assisted design features reduce the learning curve significantly.

D-Tools:
D-Tools System Integrator has a steeper learning curve, especially for new users unfamiliar with Visio or AutoCAD. While D-Tools Cloud improves accessibility, some functions still feel geared toward traditional workflows.

Winner: XTEN-AV – Faster onboarding and user-friendly interface.

2. Design Automation

XTEN-AV:
The standout feature of XTEN-AV is its AI-powered design engine. You can enter project requirements, and the platform will generate wiring diagrams, signal flows, and rack layouts automatically. This drastically cuts design time and reduces human error.

D-Tools:
While D-Tools provides powerful documentation features, much of the design work still depends on manual input and external tools like Visio. The process can be accurate but time-consuming.

Winner: XTEN-AV – Smarter, faster design process with automation.

3. Proposal Generation

XTEN-AV:
With one click, XTEN-AV can generate branded proposals, bills of materials, and technical documentation. You can include pricing, notes, and images pulled directly from the device library. Everything stays synced with your design.

D-Tools:
D-Tools also excels at proposal generation with advanced pricing controls, templates, and reporting. This is one of D-Tools' strongest features, especially for firms with complex pricing structures.

Winner: Tie – XTEN-AV is quicker, D-Tools is more customizable for complex pricing.

4. Cloud Access and Collaboration

XTEN-AV:
Being cloud-native, XTEN-AV allows real-time collaboration across remote teams. Multiple users can work on the same design, proposal, or diagram from different locations, with version control and centralized updates.

D-Tools:
D-Tools Cloud offers web access, but System Integrator is still desktop-based, limiting collaboration. Even in the cloud version, real-time collaboration features are not as advanced.

Winner: XTEN-AV – Superior for distributed teams and live collaboration.

5. Device Library and Manufacturer Support

XTEN-AV:
XTEN-AV boasts a massive device library, regularly updated with real product data from manufacturers. The smart search and filtering features make it easy to find compatible products and auto-fill specifications.

D-Tools:
D-Tools also offers a deep product database backed by long-standing manufacturer relationships. However, updating and syncing devices can be more manual.

Winner: XTEN-AV – More dynamic and intelligent device management.

6. Customization and Scalability

XTEN-AV:
XTEN-AV scales easily across teams and projects. The platform is ideal for startups, growing integrators, and enterprises alike. It adapts to different workflows without heavy IT requirements.

D-Tools:
D-Tools System Integrator is robust for large-scale projects and enterprise-grade cost tracking, but it requires more configuration and support.

Winner: Tie – XTEN-AV for flexible scaling, D-Tools for enterprise accounting integration.

Final Verdict: Which Platform Comes Out on Top

Both XTEN-AV and D-Tools are powerful platforms with loyal user bases, but they serve slightly different needs.

Choose XTEN-AV if you want:

Faster design automation
A fully cloud-based experience
Smart AI tools to reduce manual work
Real-time collaboration
Modern, intuitive UI
Easy onboarding for new users

Choose D-Tools if you need:

Deep cost analysis and enterprise budgeting
Integration with Microsoft Visio and AutoCAD
Traditional desktop-based workflows
Complex pricing and phase management

Overall Winner: XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV leads the way for AV integrators who want speed, automation, and smart collaboration in their workflows. It is a next-generation platform built for the future of AV design, while D-Tools remains strong for traditional use cases with complex back-end project tracking.

At the end of the day, the best tool is the one that aligns with your business model. But if you want to modernize your AV process, XTEN-AV delivers innovation that simplifies every step—from design to delivery.