In the rapidly evolving world of fire protection engineering, the demand for fire alarm system drawing tools that are not only code-compliant but also efficient, collaborative, and future-proof has never been higher. As buildings become smarter and safety regulations more stringent, the need for advanced AV system integration software and fire alarm design platforms is paramount.

For decades, FireCAD has been a go-to solution for fire alarm CAD drawings, riser diagrams, and compliance documentation. However, the landscape is shifting. Modern projects require more than just static drawings—they demand automation, real-time collaboration, AI-driven design, and seamless integration with other building systems. This is where XTEN-AV emerges as a game-changer, offering a next-generation alternative that redefines what’s possible in fire alarm system drawing and AV system integration software .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why XTEN-AV is the best FireCAD alternative, how it transforms the fire alarm system drawing workflow, and why it’s the preferred choice for forward-thinking fire protection engineers, AV integrators, and system designers.

The Importance of a FireCAD Alternative

Why Consider a FireCAD Alternative?

The fire protection industry is at a crossroads. While FireCAD has served the industry well, its desktop-based, AutoCAD-centric approach is increasingly at odds with the demands of modern, cloud-first, and AI-powered workflows. Here’s why a FireCAD alternative is not just desirable, but essential:

• Cloud Collaboration: Distributed teams and hybrid work models require real-time, cloud-based collaboration—something legacy desktop tools struggle to deliver .

• Automation & AI: Manual device placement, calculations, and compliance checks are time-consuming and error-prone. AI-driven automation is now a must-have .

• Integrated Workflows: The days of juggling separate tools for design, documentation, proposals, and project management are over. Unified platforms drive efficiency and reduce errors .

• Regulatory Demands: NFPA 72, EN 54, and local codes are evolving, with new requirements for cybersecurity, remote inspection, and digital documentation .

• Smart Building Integration: Fire alarm systems are now part of larger building management ecosystems, requiring seamless integration with AV, security, and IoT platforms .

XTEN-AV addresses all these needs, positioning itself as the best FireCAD alternative for 2025 and beyond.

XTEN-AV Case Study: Real-World Impact

A leading engineering consultancy used XTEN-AV to design a multi-building campus fire detection system. By leveraging the AI-powered compliance checks and real-time collaboration, the team reduced project delivery time by 40% and eliminated costly compliance mistakes. Facility managers praised the centralized documentation and audit trails, which simplified regulatory reviews and improved readiness for inspections 

Other Top FireCAD Alternatives You Should Try

While XTEN-AV is the clear leader, several other FireCAD alternatives offer unique strengths for different project needs and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at the top contenders:

AlarmCAD

Overview:

AlarmCAD is a dedicated fire alarm system design tool, built for code-compliant layouts and rapid device placement.

Key Features:

• NFPA-compliant design tools

• Standardized smoke detector CAD symbols

• Automatic device counts and legend updates

• Circuit mapping and control panel wiring tools

• Scaled printing for permitting and submittals

Best For:

Fire protection professionals focused on fire alarm layouts and code compliance .

User Testimonial:

“AlarmCAD’s detailed schematics and easy-to-use interface made it our go-to tool for high-rise residential projects. The support team was responsive and knowledgeable.” 

AutoCAD

Overview:

AutoCAD is the industry standard for 2D/3D drafting and design, widely used across architecture, engineering, and fire protection.

Key Features:

• Advanced drafting and modeling tools

• Vast symbol libraries and block customization

• DWG, DXF, and other format compatibility

• Extensive plugin and add-on ecosystem

Best For:

Designers needing a powerful, flexible CAD platform for multi-discipline projects .

User Testimonial:

“AutoCAD’s flexibility allowed us to integrate fire alarm layouts with architectural and MEP plans, streamlining coordination on large commercial projects.”

FreeCAD

Overview:

FreeCAD is a free, open-source CAD platform with parametric modeling and modular add-ons.

Key Features:

• Completely free and open-source

• Parametric modeling for precise, adjustable designs

• Import/export for multiple CAD file formats

• Modular add-ons for fire protection and security layouts

Best For:

Small firms, freelancers, or hobbyists seeking a no-cost, customizable solution .

User Testimonial:

“FreeCAD’s open-source flexibility let us build custom fire alarm modules for unique project requirements, all without licensing fees.”

SketchUp

Overview:

SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and quick 3D modeling capabilities, making it popular for conceptual fire protection layouts.

Key Features:

• Fast, easy-to-learn 3D modeling

• Large library of user-generated components

• Useful for early-stage design and visualization

Best For:

Early-stage design, visualization, and bridging conceptual planning with detailed CAD documentation .

User Testimonial:

“SketchUp helped us quickly visualize fire detection system layouts for client presentations, speeding up the approval process.”

BricsCAD

Overview:

BricsCAD is a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, offering similar DWG compatibility and advanced drafting tools.

Key Features:

• Full DWG compatibility

• 2D and 3D design tools

• Customizable interface

• Lower cost than AutoCAD

Best For:

Firms seeking AutoCAD-like functionality at a lower price .

User Testimonial:

“BricsCAD’s familiar interface made it easy for our team to transition from AutoCAD, saving on licensing costs without sacrificing features.”

DraftSight

Overview:

DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D CAD solution, popular for technical drawings and schematics.

Key Features:

• 2D drafting and documentation

• DWG file compatibility

• Familiar interface for AutoCAD users

Best For:

Users focused on 2D fire alarm and fire protection drawings .

User Testimonial:

“DraftSight’s affordability and DWG compatibility made it a great fit for our 2D fire alarm layout needs.”

NanoCAD

Overview:

NanoCAD is a free or low-cost CAD platform with a familiar interface and strong 2D drafting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Free and paid versions

• DWG compatibility

• Customizable toolsets

Best For:

General CAD users and those on a tight budget .

User Testimonial:

“NanoCAD’s free version was perfect for our small firm’s basic fire alarm schematics.”

LibreCAD

Overview:

LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD tool, ideal for basic fire alarm schematics and technical drawings.

Key Features:

• 2D drafting only

• Open-source and community-driven

• DWG and DXF support

Best For:

Simple 2D fire alarm and fire protection schematics .

User Testimonial:

“LibreCAD’s lightweight design made it easy to draft quick fire alarm layouts for small projects.”

SolidWorks

Overview:

SolidWorks is a leading 3D CAD platform, widely used for mechanical and product design, but also applicable to fire protection system modeling.

Key Features:

• Advanced 3D modeling and simulation

• Parametric design

• Large library of components

Best For:

Complex fire protection system modeling and integration with mechanical design .

User Testimonial:

“SolidWorks’ simulation tools helped us model fire detection system performance in large industrial facilities.

Cloud-Based vs Desktop-Based Fire Alarm Design Software

The Shift to Cloud: Why It Matters

The fire protection industry is rapidly moving toward cloud-based design platforms. Here’s why:

• Accessibility: Work from anywhere, on any device.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit projects simultaneously, with instant updates and version control.

• Automatic Updates: Always have the latest features and security patches.

• Lower IT Overhead: No need for in-house servers or manual software updates.

• Seamless Integration: Easily connect with AV system integration software, BIM platforms, and IoT devices .

Desktop-based software still has a place for organizations with strict data residency requirements or limited internet access, but the future is clearly cloud-driven

Fire Detection System Technologies, Standards, and AV System Integration

Fire Detection System Technologies

Modern fire detection systems use a combination of smoke, heat, and flame detectors, manual pull stations, control panels, and notification appliances. Integration with monitoring systems and building management platforms is increasingly common .

Key Standards: NFPA 72 and EN 54

• NFPA 72: The US standard for fire alarm system design, installation, testing, and maintenance. Emphasizes system interconnection, monitoring, and regular testing .

• EN 54: The European standard, focusing on product certification, reliability, and interoperability .

AV System Integration

• Why Integrate? Enhances emergency communication by triggering PA announcements, digital signage, and coordinated AV notifications during alarms.

• How? Fire alarm control panels interface with AV systems via relays, network protocols, or integration modules.

• Compliance: Integration must meet NFPA 72 or EN 54 requirements and not compromise system reliability

Fire Alarm Design Workflows: Pain Points and Solutions

Common Pain Points

• Manual Data Entry: Repetitive, error-prone, and time-consuming.

• Coordination Challenges: Difficult to keep fire alarm layouts aligned with architectural and MEP plans.

• Time-Consuming Calculations: Manual voltage drop and battery calculations are tedious.

• Drafting and Symbol Management: Finding and updating device symbols is labor-intensive.

• Documentation and Submittals: Preparing riser diagrams, schedules, and reports is often manual.

• Revision Management: Tracking changes across multiple documents is challenging .

How Modern Software Solves These Problems

• Automation: Device placement, calculations, and documentation are automated.

• Collaboration: Real-time teamwork and version control prevent errors.

• Centralized Libraries: Up-to-date device symbols and product data.

• Instant Updates: Changes are reflected across all documents.

• Compliance Checks: Built-in validation against NFPA 72, EN 54, and other standards 

User Case Studies: Success Stories with FireCAD Alternatives

XTEN-AV

A global engineering firm used XTEN-AV to design a fire detection system for a multi-building hospital campus. The AI-powered compliance checks and real-time collaboration reduced project delivery time by 40% and eliminated costly compliance mistakes. Centralized documentation and audit trails simplified regulatory reviews and improved readiness for inspections .

AlarmCAD

A fire protection contractor used AlarmCAD for a high-rise residential project. The detailed schematics and easy-to-use interface streamlined the design process, while responsive support ensured quick resolution of technical issues .

AutoCAD

A multidisciplinary design team integrated fire alarm layouts with architectural and MEP plans using AutoCAD, improving coordination and reducing change orders.

FreeCAD

A small firm built custom fire alarm modules in FreeCAD for a unique industrial facility, saving on licensing costs and enabling rapid prototyping.

BricsCAD

A mid-sized engineering firm transitioned from AutoCAD to BricsCAD, maintaining workflow continuity while reducing software expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is FireCAD and what are its core features?

FireCAD is a specialized CAD automation tool for fire alarm system design, built on the AutoCAD OEM platform. It offers device and connection management, AutoCAD compatibility, and cloud integration for device libraries and licensing .

2. Are FireCAD alternatives compliant with NFPA 72, EN 54, or other codes?

Yes, leading alternatives like XTEN-AV, AlarmCAD, and others offer built-in compliance checks and support for NFPA 72, EN 54, and other relevant standards .

3. How do cloud-based fire alarm design tools compare to desktop-based ones?

Cloud-based tools offer real-time collaboration, automatic updates, lower IT overhead, and seamless integration with AV and building management systems. Desktop tools may be preferred for offline or highly secure environments .

4. What are the key features to look for in fire alarm design software?

Look for automation, comprehensive device libraries, cloud collaboration, AV system integration, compliance support, and user-friendly interfaces .

5. Can fire alarm design software integrate with AV and BIM platforms?

Yes, modern tools like XTEN-AV and Bosch SSD offer native integration with AV system integration software and BIM platforms for unified workflows .

6. How do these tools help with documentation and code compliance?

Automated documentation, proposal generation, and built-in compliance checks ensure that all designs meet regulatory requirements and are ready for AHJ review .

7. What is the pricing model for these alternatives?

Pricing varies: XTEN-AV and others offer subscription models, while FreeCAD and LibreCAD are open-source and free. AutoCAD and BricsCAD require paid licenses .

8. Are there trial versions or demos available?

Most leading vendors offer free trials or demo versions. It’s recommended to test the software with a sample project before committing 

Conclusion: Choosing the Right FireCAD Alternative for Your Needs

The world of fire detection system design is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in automation, cloud technology, and AV system integration software. While FireCAD remains a respected tool, the best FireCAD alternatives—led by XTEN-AV—offer a new level of efficiency, compliance, and collaboration for fire protection engineers, AV system integrators, and project managers.

XTEN-AV stands out for its AI-powered automation, massive real-time product library, cloud-based collaboration, and seamless integration with AV and fire alarm workflows. Other alternatives like AlarmCAD, AutoCAD, FreeCAD, and BricsCAD provide valuable options for different project needs and budgets.

By choosing the right software, you can streamline your fire alarm design workflow, ensure code compliance, and deliver safer, smarter, and more integrated fire detection systems for your clients.

Ready to transform your fire alarm design process? Explore these top FireCAD alternatives and take your fire detection system projects to the next level.