PatchMate – Professional Rack System Designer & Simulator

PatchMate is a specialized desktop application designed for visual rack cabinet engineering, device management, and cable documentation (Cable Schedules).

What is PatchMate ?

PatchMate is the ideal tool for AV engineers, IT administrators, and low-voltage system designers, bridging the gap between simple drawing tools and complex database-driven engineering software.

Key Features:

1. Rack Cabinet Simulator

  • Dynamic Scaling: Create multiple racks with customizable heights (U units).
  • Dual-View System: Instant toggle between Front and Rear views using a priority hotkey (Tab) for seamless patch planning.
  • Multi-Rack Environment: Add, remove, and arrange multiple rack enclosures and surfaces within a single infinite workspace.

2. Intelligent Device Library

  • JSON-Based Database: Store device templates including precise dimensions, high-res graphics, and exact port coordinates.
  • Drag & Drop Workflow: Quickly populate racks by dragging components from the library panel directly into the cabinets.
  • Built-in Device Creator: A dedicated tool to design custom hardware templates from scratch, defining port counts, signal types, and directions.

3. Advanced Connectivity (Cabling)

  • Virtual Patching: Visual point-to-point connections between device ports.
  • Cable Physics: Support for straight lines or Gravity Cables (curved paths simulating natural slack and cable weight).
  • Automated Cable Schedule: A real-time connection table that tracks Source, Destination, and Signal Type, allowing for easy sorting and auditing.

4. Professional UI (Docking System)

  • Flexible Layout: A "Dock Widget" system allowing users to detach, move, or hide panels (Library, Tools, Connections) to optimize workspace for multi-monitor setups.
  • Application-Level Hotkeys: Priority shortcuts (like Tab for flipping views) that work regardless of which panel is currently focused.
  • Undo/Redo Stack: A complete action history for risk-free designing and easy error correction.

5. Documentation & Export

  • Rack Templates: Export fully configured racks (including devices and internal cabling) as reusable templates for future projects.
  • PDF Report Generation: Generate professional documentation including high-resolution rack elevations and full cable schedules.
  • Automatic Thumbnails: The software automatically generates visual snapshots of your rack designs for easy identification in the library.