How to Read AV Drawings: A Beginner’s Guide

When you first look at an AV drawing, it can feel like trying to read a foreign language. Symbols, lines, arrows, and notes all over the page—where do you even start? The good news is that once you learn the basics, AV drawings become an incredibly powerful tool for understanding and installing systems correctly.

At Black Mountain Technologies, we live and breathe drawings. They’re the roadmap that keeps projects on track, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures everyone—from designers to installers—is on the same page. Here’s a simple guide to help you read AV drawings with confidence.

Common Types of AV Drawings

Not all AV drawings are the same. Each one serves a different purpose:

• Floor Plans – Show where equipment like displays, speakers, and microphones will be located in the room.

• Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) – Focus on items mounted in the ceiling: projectors, speakers, microphones, and cameras.

• Rack Elevations – Detail how equipment will be arranged in racks or cabinets.

• Single-Line Diagrams – High-level overviews of how major system components connect.

• Detailed Wiring Diagrams / Schematics – Show exact ports, cable types, and signal connections.

Learn the Symbols and Legends

Every drawing includes a legend—your dictionary for decoding the page. A few common symbols you’ll encounter:

• 🔊 Speakers (circles or rectangles with lines)

• 📺 Displays or projectors (rectangles or trapezoids)

• 🎤 Microphones (small circles with stems)

• 🎛 Rack equipment (stacked rectangles)

• 🔌 Outlets and connection points (triangles or hexagons)

Follow the Lines

Lines are the lifeblood of AV drawings. They represent the cables and signals that tie the system together:

• Solid lines: Physical cable runs.

• Dashed lines: Control, network, or future provisions.

• Arrows: Signal flow direction.

• Labels: Cable type (HDMI, CAT6, XLR, fiber).

Device Labels and IDs

Every device will have a unique label (e.g., DSP-01, AMP-02, MIC-03). These identifiers show up across different drawings—floor plans, schematics, rack layouts—helping you connect the dots between systems.

Notes and Schedules Matter

Never skip the fine print. Drawings usually include:

• Equipment schedules – Lists of gear and model numbers.

• General notes – Instructions on mounting height, cable types, or conduit size.

These details are critical to avoid mistakes in the field.

Cross-Reference Across Drawings

A display in the floor plan isn’t just a box on paper—it will also appear in the wiring schematic and rack elevation. Cross-referencing helps you see how every part of the system connects.

Tips for Success

• Start with the legend before looking at anything else.

• Trace one system at a time (audio first, then video, then control).

• Use highlighters (digital or physical) to follow signal paths.

• Ask questions—drawings are communication tools, not puzzles.

Final Thoughts

Reading AV drawings is a skill that takes practice, but once mastered, it makes every project smoother and more predictable. They’re the blueprint that turns ideas into reliable, functional systems.

At Black Mountain Technologies, we know the value of proper documentation. If you need help with AV consulting, engineering, or design services, reach out—we’ll make sure your next project starts on paper and finishes without panic.