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 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.
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
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:
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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
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 .
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 .
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
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 .
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
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 .
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 .
A multidisciplinary design team integrated fire alarm layouts with architectural and MEP plans using AutoCAD, improving coordination and reducing change orders.
A small firm built custom fire alarm modules in FreeCAD for a unique industrial facility, saving on licensing costs and enabling rapid prototyping.
A mid-sized engineering firm transitioned from AutoCAD to BricsCAD, maintaining workflow continuity while reducing software expenses.
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 .
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 .
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 .
Look for automation, comprehensive device libraries, cloud collaboration, AV system integration, compliance support, and user-friendly interfaces .
Yes, modern tools like XTEN-AV and Bosch SSD offer native integration with AV system integration software and BIM platforms for unified workflows .
Automated documentation, proposal generation, and built-in compliance checks ensure that all designs meet regulatory requirements and are ready for AHJ review .
Pricing varies: XTEN-AV and others offer subscription models, while FreeCAD and LibreCAD are open-source and free. AutoCAD and BricsCAD require paid licenses .
Most leading vendors offer free trials or demo versions. It’s recommended to test the software with a sample project before committing
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.