16.4
Free planWebmacOSWindows
Best Lighting Design Software in 2026
Lighting design software can map fixtures, create three-dimensional scenes, produce plots and paperwork, preview a show in real time, and connect with console protocols. Review device compatibility first. Entries span Windows, macOS, web, Linux, iOS and Android, so verify that the needed release works on your phone or tablet.
26.2
Free planWebWindows
36.1
DIALux is Windows software for lighting design, with core lighting design functions on its free plan.
Free planWindows
- 4
LuminaPlot
Free planWeb6.1From €90 a year - 5
Setplot
Free planWeb6.1From $79 a year - 6
L8
Free planWindows6.0€200 one-time - 7
Lightkey
Free planmacOS5.5Free plan - 8
Capture
macOSWindows5.4€395 one-time - 9
Visual Lighting
WebWindows5.4From $300 a year - 10
Beamplex Visualizer
Free planWindows5.3Free plan - 11
FocusTrack
macOSWindows5.3$55 one-time - 12
Augment3d
AndroidiOSmacOSWindows5.2 - 13
SoftPlot
Windows5.2From $99 a year - 14
Vectorworks Spotlight
macOSWindows4.9 - 15
Depence
Windows4.8 - 16
Radiance
LinuxmacOSWindows4.8 - 17
SuperStage
Windows4.8 - 18
Vectorworks Vision
macOSWindows4.8 - 19
WYSIWYG
Windows4.8 - 20
BlenderDMX
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 21
Carbon for Unreal
macOSWindows4.6 - 22
grandMA3 onPC
macOSWindows4.6 - 23
Lightwright
macOSWindows4.6 - 24
ReluxDesktop
Windows4.6 - 25
AGi32
Windows4.5
Choosing well
Check where it runs
Confirm support for the device you plan to use. Desktop-focused tools may list Windows or macOS, while other entries may offer web, Linux, iOS or Android access.
For Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones or tablets, verify Android support on the product page before installing or paying.
Compare free and paid access
A free plan can help you start without a purchase. Listed paid starting points include $12 per month for BeamSync, €19.99 per month for DIALux, €200 for L8 and €395 for Capture.
Check whether a trial is included and what the paid tier unlocks. BeamSync and FocusTrack show 14-day trials, while DIALux shows a 30-day trial.
Match the visual workflow
Compare 3D visualization with live previsualization. Carbon for Unreal is marked for 3D visualization, while the chart records live preview support as a separate comparison point.
If you need to prepare technical documents, check the plot and paperwork coverage before choosing.
Match control and fixture needs
Review each tool's listed console protocols and fixture-library size. These details matter when your equipment or show file depends on particular fixtures or control systems.
Questions people ask
Does any lighting design software run on Android?
Android is one of the platforms represented in the category, but support varies by product. Check the listing or maker's site for Android compatibility before choosing.
Are there free ways to begin lighting design?
Yes. Free-plan entries include Augment3d, Beamplex Visualizer, BlenderDMX and grandMA3 onPC, among others.
Which comparison covers 3D work?
The chart treats 3D visualization and live previsualization as separate fields. Carbon for Unreal is listed with 3D visualization.
How do I verify console control compatibility?
Use each software entry's protocol list and see whether those protocols match the control system and fixtures planned for your project.
Are starting prices shown for paid tools?
Several entries show them: BeamSync starts at $12 per month, DIALux at €19.99 per month, L8 at €200 and Capture from €395.