As the AV industry evolves, many professionals are realizing the need to shift away from legacy software toward more modern, flexible, and cloud-based platforms. D-Tools has long been a popular choice for system design, documentation, and project management, but for many AV firms, it no longer aligns with their growing needs for collaboration, automation, and speed. One of the biggest questions integrators face when considering a switch is how to export their existing D-Tools data to other platforms.
Whether you’re moving to a newer solution or building a hybrid workflow, the transition process begins with proper data migration. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to export your D-Tools data efficiently—and why XTEN-AV is the top choice among D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators looking for a smooth and intelligent upgrade.
XTEN-AV: A Smarter Home for Your AV Data
XTEN-AV is a fully cloud-based AV design and automation platform that offers a more intuitive and scalable approach to AV system design. It is designed to simplify the entire project lifecycle—from schematics and floor plans to proposals and documentation.
When transitioning from D-Tools, XTEN-AV provides multiple import options to bring over critical data such as:
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Product catalogs
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Client and project information
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Cable schedules
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Rack layouts and diagrams (recreated via X-DRAW)
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Bill of materials and pricing info
This makes it one of the most practical and powerful D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators ready to streamline their workflows and embrace modern technology.
Why Export D-Tools Data in the First Place
Before we dive into how to export, let’s address the why.
D-Tools is a powerful tool, but it comes with several challenges:
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Desktop-dependent: D-Tools primarily runs on Windows and relies on Visio or AutoCAD, making it difficult to collaborate in real time.
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Manual processes: Many steps, from updating BOMs to generating proposals, require redundant data entry.
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Limited cloud access: Remote teams and field staff face obstacles accessing data when away from the office.
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Steep learning curve: Training new staff on D-Tools takes time and resources.
By exporting your D-Tools data and moving to a modern cloud-based platform like XTEN-AV, you can speed up your workflow, reduce errors, and give your team real-time access from anywhere.
Step-by-Step: Exporting Data from D-Tools
Exporting data from D-Tools can be straightforward if you know where to look and what format you need. Here are the common data types and how to handle them.
1. Export Product Data
Go to your D-Tools product catalog and export your database to a CSV or Excel format. This will include:
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Product names
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Manufacturer SKUs
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Prices and descriptions
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Labor values
Most modern platforms, including XTEN-AV, support CSV imports, allowing you to upload your entire product library directly.
Tip: Clean up any duplicate entries or unused items before exporting to ensure a smoother import process.
2. Export Project Data
Projects in D-Tools can be exported in several ways:
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Export as Excel or CSV files for equipment lists.
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Export Visio files for floor plans or schematics.
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Export PDF versions of proposals or reports for backup.
While these files cannot be imported directly into XTEN-AV as full projects, they serve as great references to help you quickly recreate the project using XTEN-AV’s smart design tools.
3. Export Cable Schedules and BOMs
Cable schedules and bills of materials can be exported as Excel spreadsheets from the D-Tools project interface. These files can then be uploaded or recreated in XTEN-AV using X-PRO, which automatically builds BOMs based on your new schematic layout.
4. Export Drawings and Diagrams
If you have existing Visio or AutoCAD drawings, you can export them as image files or PDFs. These can be uploaded as reference layers into X-DRAW inside XTEN-AV to help you recreate the designs using real manufacturer blocks and live connections.
Note: XTEN-AV uses drag-and-drop components and offers auto-routing for cables, so the manual tasks you performed in Visio will now be automated.
How XTEN-AV Simplifies the Migration Process
Once your D-Tools data is exported, XTEN-AV makes it easy to rebuild your project environment with greater efficiency and intelligence.
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CSV Product Import: Bring your pricing and product database directly into XTEN-AV’s library.
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Visual Designer: Use X-DRAW to create updated versions of your signal flow diagrams, rack layouts, and AV floor plans.
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Auto-Generated Documentation: XTEN-AV’s X-DOC turns your designs into proposals, cable schedules, and installation documents automatically.
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Smart BOM Creation: X-PRO builds real-time BOMs synced with your designs, reducing errors and saving time.
Even if you are not able to import 100 percent of your previous D-Tools data in its original format, the process of rebuilding your projects in XTEN-AV is significantly faster thanks to intelligent design automation and built-in AV workflows.
Common Questions About Exporting from D-Tools
Can I transfer my Visio files into XTEN-AV?
You cannot import Visio files directly as editable designs, but you can upload them as visual references in the background of your XTEN-AV canvas to recreate the design using AV-optimized tools.
Is it possible to migrate client history and project archives?
Client details and project overviews can be exported in CSV format from D-Tools and imported into XTEN-AV to maintain records and history.
Will I lose product pricing and labor data?
No, as long as you export your product catalog with pricing and labor values, you can re-import that into XTEN-AV’s product database and continue using the same pricing strategy.
Conclusion
Moving from D-Tools to a modern AV platform may feel like a big change—but it does not have to be a painful one. By exporting your D-Tools data and leveraging the powerful tools inside XTEN-AV, you gain speed, flexibility, and intelligence that legacy tools simply cannot match.
As one of the top D-Tools alternatives for AV integrators, XTEN-AV helps you work smarter, not harder. From drag-and-drop design to AI-powered product recommendations, it redefines what AV software can do.
Ready to modernize your workflow and take full control of your AV projects? Export your D-Tools data today and build a faster future with XTEN-AV.
Read more: https://click4r.com/posts/g/21615851/av-company-reviews-xten-av-vs-d-tools-vs-visio