Active Directory Planning Tool: Mapping Structures and Delegations with SMAD-X

This article provides a technical overview of SMAD-X, an open-source Active Directory planning tool designed to visualize complex AD environments. It highlights the newly released version 0.3.5, which introduces features like Domain Timeline tracking, enhanced delegation management with graph filters, refined user experience with improved text filtering and GPO link views, and core technical improvements including a standardized JSON export format. The article also compares SMAD-X against other AD utilities such as BloodHound, PingCastle, and ADExplorer, focusing on its use for structure, delegation, and visual hierarchy mapping. This content is relevant to IT professionals managing Active Directory.