Best Free Rack Diagram and Elevation Software Compared
Looking for rack design software, a server rack design tool, a rack design tool, or free rack diagram software? This page compares five free rack elevation software options and free rack diagram tools with only claims we could verify on each vendor's public site. Where a detail is not listed publicly, we say so.
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How we compared these tools
Each row below is limited to facts published on the vendor's public pages at research time. We do not invent ratings, user counts, or ranking scores. Use the source list at the bottom of this page to re-check current product pages before you decide.
Free rack diagram software comparison
Checked as of October 2026
Product names are trademarks of their respective owners. RackBuilder is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
| Tool | Hosting | Signup | Notable public features | Export / save (vendor-listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RackBuilder | Web app | Optional (design without an account) | Catalog device library; library adds blocked when the rack has no free U for that device height; guest work survives reload; signed-in cloud sync for saved designs | Cloud saves when signed in (free accounts up to three designs). File or PDF export is not listed as a product feature here. |
| Rackula | Web + self-host (Docker) | Not required for browser use | Drag-and-drop rack planning; MIT open source; optional server-side persistence when self-hosted; URL / QR layout sharing listed on the product site | PNG, SVG, or PDF listed on the product site |
| Starlight Tools | Web (local browser processing) | No signup | Front or rear 19-inch elevation planning with U-position validation; templates; optional weight and power limits when you supply values | Print / PDF-friendly view; PNG and SVG diagrams; CSV / JSON import; client-side share links |
| DeployNation | Web | No account required | Multi-rack layouts; custom heights from 1 to 60U; installation cost estimates; editable planning weights described as rough guesses, not manufacturer specs | JSON project, Print / PDF, Excel (XLSX) elevation, PNG image |
| Anavem | Web (client-side) | None listed (no account) | Drag-and-drop placement; live power, heat, weight, and PDU load totals; multi-rack planning listed on the product page | PNG or JSON listed on the product page |
Where RackBuilder fits
RackBuilder is a free browser tool for planning elevations. You choose a rack height, add devices from the catalog, and see empty U while you work. New devices from the library are blocked when the rack has no free U left for that device height. Guests can plan without signup; guest work survives reload. Sign in when you want cloud sync for saved designs across devices.
- Start in the designer without creating an account.
- Place catalog network and server devices by U height in a live elevation.
- Free accounts can save up to three designs; Pro unlocks unlimited saved designs on Pricing.
- RackBuilder does not store chassis weights, so compare vendor weight totals to the rack load rating separately.
Notes on each free rack elevation option
Rackula publishes drag-and-drop planning, MIT licensing, self-hosting, and PNG / SVG / PDF export on its public site. It is a strong fit when you want open-source rack diagram software you can run yourself.
Starlight Tools documents a free rack elevation planner with front and rear faces, U-position validation, local browser processing, and diagram exports. Weight and power totals apply when you enter those values.
DeployNation lists a free server rack planner for arranging equipment, checking available U, building multiple racks, and downloading layouts, plus optional installation estimates tied to their field services.
Anavem lists a free client-side rack designer with live power, heat, weight, and PDU load updates, plus PNG or JSON export. The public page states that nothing is uploaded.
Sources (vendor public pages)
- Rackula product site: https://www.racku.la/
- Rackula quick start (no account, browser use): https://docs.racku.la/getting-started/
- Starlight Tools rack elevation planner: https://starlighttools.org/infrastructure/rack-elevation-planner
- DeployNation server rack planner: https://deploynation.com/server-rack-planner/
- Anavem Rack Designer: https://rackdesigner.anavem.com/
Related RackBuilder guides
For a competitor-name alternatives table covering Rackula, NetBox, Visio, and RackMonkey, see RackBuilder vs Rackula vs NetBox vs Visio. For workflow-focused pages, see the server rack builder, rack planner, network rack builder, and rack configurator guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is free rack diagram software?
Free rack diagram software is a browser or downloadable tool that lets you place equipment into a virtual rack elevation by U height and review the layout before install day. Options on this page include RackBuilder, Rackula, Starlight Tools, DeployNation, and Anavem.
What should I look for in rack elevation software?
Confirm how you place devices by U, whether a device library is included, whether work persists without signup, and which export or save options the vendor lists publicly. Compare power, weight, and multi-rack features only when the vendor documents them.
Is RackBuilder a free rack design tool?
Yes. You can open the designer without an account and place catalog devices by U. Guest work survives reload in the browser. Signed-in users get cloud sync for saved designs. Free accounts can save up to three designs; Pro unlocks unlimited saved designs.
Does free rack diagram software replace a site survey?
No. A layout tool helps you plan U placement and review capacity before install. Confirm rail kits, weight ratings, power, cooling, and facility rules with manufacturers and site owners. RackBuilder does not store chassis weights, so compare vendor weight totals to the rack load rating separately.
Which free data center rack design tool should I start with?
Start with the workflow you need most: a manufacturer-style catalog and cloud saves (RackBuilder), open-source export and self-hosting (Rackula), front and rear elevation planning with local drafts (Starlight Tools), multi-rack downloads and install estimates (DeployNation), or live power and weight totals in the browser (Anavem). Open each vendor page linked below to verify current features.
Try free rack diagram software in your browser
Open the designer and place catalog devices into a live elevation.