Best Lighting Design Software for Nonprofit

Established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, Coohom is a leading global cloud-based, 3D design platform that provides all-in-one software and services to empower designers and businesses to design a professional project in minutes, and get photo-realistic 3D visualizations in seconds. With a presence spanning the United States, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, Coohom's innovative solutions have garnered the trust of over 10 million customers from 200 countries. With the aim of facilitating the digital transformation of customers in the interior design, furniture & home decor, and Kitchen & Bath industry, Coohom provides a comprehensive suit of software encompassing design, rendering, marketing, production, and construction, helping to streamline their workflows and achieve success. Coohom solutions have been featured in world-renowned publications like Forbes and TechNode, as well as industry-specific magazines including Panels & Furniture Asia, FurnitureToday, HomeAccents, and Kitchen & Bath Business. Furthermore, Coohom is a proud industry partner of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), demonstrating its commitment to the design community.

At Revalize, we empower businesses to design, model, develop, and sell effectively, enhancing outcomes across the value chain. Our solutions ensure efficiency from idea to cash, even in volatile markets. With best-in-class CAD, PLM, and CPQ solutions, supported globally, we're your partner in reducing costs and simplifying complexity. Our advanced CPQ platforms optimize your sales-to-production process, setting you apart from competitors. Focus on revenue growth and simplifying operations with a polished customer experience. We cater to various industries, from hospital equipment planning to infrastructure lighting design. Our tools aid architects and designers in crucial projects, streamlining the design-to-cash process for specialty manufacturers. Revalize offers leading CPQ, product, and design solutions to manage inventories, visualize product configurations, and meet specific industry needs. Wherever your business journey starts, greater outcomes start with Revalize.

ReluxDesktop, a high-performance, intuitively operated application that simulates artificial light and daylight, is highly-efficient. It can provide quick and efficient support for all aspects of large and small projects without any unnecessary loops. Simulating lighting and sensors in real time! Calculation of absolute values, national, and international standards, compatible CAD and BIM systems. And much more. Thanks to our industry partners, the application is free to you. ReluxDesktop will become your daily tool. You'll be amazed at how much time you can save! Add-on for other applications Autodesk Revit functions. Add-on to ReluxDesktop Based on current standards, real tunnel calculation.

No matter if your focus is on lighting, scenic, film, event, or exhibit design, Vectorworks stands out as the sole solution that provides the versatility needed to enhance your entire workflow. You can sketch, model, and document your creative concepts with unparalleled precision thanks to advanced drafting features and the most adaptable 3D modeling engine, which is supported by SIEMENS Parasolid technology. With access to a vast library filled with content from lighting, audio, video, scenic, and rigging manufacturers, you'll be able to create detailed light plots and streamline paperwork to adhere to tight schedules. Our platform boasts the most comprehensive import/export functionality, allowing you to seamlessly integrate design and technical production data from various sources. Additionally, project sharing functionality allows your whole team to collaborate on the same Vectorworks file in real-time. You can also utilize Vectorworks Cloud Services for mobile viewing and sharing, which includes rendering, storage, and file sharing capabilities. By incorporating Vision into Spotlight, you can effortlessly assess adjustments to your designs, impressing your clients in the process while ensuring a smooth and efficient design experience. This adaptability makes Vectorworks an essential tool for professionals aiming for excellence in their projects.

GreenScapes is an intuitive program designed for landscape, hardscape, and lighting design, offering the most comprehensive features available. You can generate stunning landscape designs in just a few minutes, complete with photo-realistic visuals that showcase all elements integrated into the project. The program includes helpful training videos tailored to each command, as well as a sequential tutorial that guides users through the entire design process, eliminating the need for tedious manuals. Additionally, advanced techniques are also available for those looking to expand their skills. GreenScapes enables you to impress potential clients by allowing them to visualize their home as if the project were already completed, significantly increasing your chances of closing deals. We invite you to experience it for yourself. Although primarily designed for Windows, it is compatible with Mac through virtual environments like Parallels/Windows, allowing users to effortlessly toggle between macOS and Windows, thus providing a versatile experience. With GreenScapes, you can craft exquisite, photo-realistic designs that incorporate a variety of landscape content. Enjoy the ease and creativity that come with using this powerful design tool.

The SweetLight DMX controller system is equipped with robust lighting control software alongside a variety of DMX interfaces tailored to meet your needs. Maximize the potential of your lighting setup using this user-friendly DMX control system, allowing the software to autonomously deliver diverse shows for extended durations. You can easily choose a collection of par cans and modify channel levels, as well as fade modes and durations for each step in the sequence. For moving lights, simply select the desired channels, load or draw a curve, and set the timing delays between all fixtures. You can apply various effects such as rainbow, text scrolling, and animated pictures to your selected fixtures. Additionally, personalize your interface by customizing pages, buttons, and sliders to your liking. By connecting a MIDI control surface, you can operate everything with color control from the MIDI buttons. To craft your show, drag and drop light, audio, and video files at precise moments. Enhance your stage design utilizing our collection of 3D objects, arrange your fixtures, and preview your light show through our 3D rendering feature, which adds another layer of interactivity to your production experience. This comprehensive system makes it easy to create captivating performances that leave a lasting impression.

Explore the innovative features of ChalmLite 6.0, which includes stunning 3D realistic renders, support for multiple languages, and enhanced CAD layer management. This version boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface based on Windows, making it easier than ever for users to craft both simple and intricate lighting designs. Experience your lighting concepts in lifelike 3D visualizations, and take advantage of a robust collection of quick estimators tailored for your projects, with the option to download results in convenient single-page reports. Additionally, the upgraded luminaire selection tools cater specifically to hazardous environments, and the reports now feature direct links to online product resources for effortless access to additional information. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your lighting design capabilities with ChalmLite 6.0!

To create truly realistic 3D lighting, one must draw inspiration from real-world lighting examples. In the realm of 3D design, HDRI lighting plays a crucial role in mimicking natural lighting conditions. The choice of HDRI map significantly impacts the effectiveness of this lighting technique. Traditionally, the process of crafting your own HDRI maps involves using a camera to capture images of actual environments. This reliance on pre-made stock HDRI maps is common among many 3D artists, yet it limits their creative potential, much like a photographer using a uniform lighting setup for varying subjects such as motorcycles and cars. Each 3D scene deserves a tailored lighting approach, as the essence of perfect lighting lies in positioning the right lights appropriately. HDR Light Studio has been specifically designed to facilitate this process, earning its reputation as the premier tool for 3D lighting design, allowing artists to swiftly and effectively produce their own HDRI maps. By embracing this innovative software, artists can elevate their work and bring a distinctiveness to each project, ensuring that the lighting enhances the overall aesthetic.

OptiWin 3D Pro is a proprietary lighting calculation software that we provide at no cost to our clients and collaborators. This application enables users to perform detailed lighting assessments for intricate and extensive projects. Accurate lighting calculations are crucial in maritime as well as oil and gas industries to meet various standards and lux level requirements. Additionally, these calculations facilitate the identification and implementation of corrective actions during the initial phases of a project. Users receive comprehensive reports detailing the results of OptiWin 3D Pro's calculations. The program also allows for quick and straightforward lighting assessments using CAD drawings, significantly enhancing project efficiency. By streamlining the calculation process, it helps ensure that lighting design complies with regulatory demands and industry best practices.

Transform your lighting design process with the Cooper Lighting Solutions augmented reality application, which allows you to seamlessly visualize lighting fixtures in any location or scenario. This innovative AR tool empowers you to explore our top-selling products, assisting you in selecting the ideal luminaires for your project. You can personalize your journey by modifying aspects like orientation, color, and shape to fit your vision. Experience a comprehensive 360-degree view of the fixtures from any perspective, and instantly capture a screenshot that includes detailed product information. In today’s educational environments, it's essential to create healthy spaces that foster learning, boost student productivity, and enhance overall student satisfaction. Effective lighting and control systems not only meet these requirements but also deliver considerable energy efficiency and cost reductions, making them a smart choice for modern campuses.

ElumTools® stands out as the first and only fully integrated lighting calculation add-in specifically designed for Autodesk® Revit®. This innovative tool allows for precise point-by-point illuminance calculations on any surface or workplane by leveraging existing lighting fixture families and surface geometry within the Revit model. Operating entirely within Revit, ElumTools features its own ribbon toolbar, which facilitates swift access to analytical tools tailored for Revit Rooms, Spaces, Regions, and Views. The calculation process generates an interactive Radiosity-based visualization, enabling designers to conduct immersive walk-throughs that enhance their comprehension of how light interacts with surfaces. User-friendly and straightforward, ElumTools simplifies the process of performing lighting computations regularly. By streamlining the workflow, ElumTools significantly reduces the time and effort previously spent exporting geometry to external software and reconciling results with Revit sheets, thereby enhancing overall productivity. This tool not only boosts efficiency but also empowers designers to create more informed lighting designs.

The Remote Player is particularly appealing for professionals involved in long-term productions, permanent setups, and various fixed environment applications, as it operates as a network-based player that enables centralized control over multiple servers from one location on the network. With its built-in encoder, users can assign Cue Lists to different applications, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, integrating an Elgato Stream Deck can further streamline workflows by providing quick access to sources and outputs as required. MediaMaster Pro now includes the innovative Video Mapper Extension, which simplifies the process of projecting video onto surfaces with irregular shapes and across multiple outputs. ArKaos’ control solutions are designed with a core philosophy that aligns video surfaces and screens to function similarly to moving lights. This approach aims to empower lighting designers, programmers, and operators by facilitating the incorporation of video and pixel light sources into their lighting designs through DMX control, without the need for an additional video controller, ultimately making the creative process more intuitive and cohesive. By integrating these technologies, users can achieve a more dynamic and engaging visual experience in their productions.

Radiance is designed to assist lighting designers and architects in forecasting the illumination levels and visual characteristics of a space before it is built. This software package comprises tools for modeling and converting scene geometry, luminaire specifications, and material attributes, all essential for the simulation process. Utilizing ray tracing techniques, the lighting simulation calculates radiance values—representing the amount of light that travels through a specific point in a designated direction—and typically presents these values in a high-quality photographic image format. Users can analyze, view, and modify the resulting images within the software, as well as export them to various widely-used image file formats, thus enabling the creation of printed outputs. Of particular importance to users is the primary component of the Radiance package: the lighting simulation engine, which not only determines light levels but also generates detailed images, allowing for enhanced visualization and assessment of lighting designs. Furthermore, this capability aids in refining the design process by offering insights into potential adjustments before actual construction begins.

DIALux stands out as the premier software for lighting design, serving as an essential marketing tool for luminaire manufacturers. This software is available free of cost and supports 25 different languages. With over 750,000 professionals globally, including engineers, electricians, and lighting designers, DIALux enables users to plan, calculate, and visualize lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces, utilizing actual products from more than 190 distinguished luminaire manufacturers. Whether designing for entire buildings, specific rooms, parking lots, or street and emergency lighting, DIALux allows for the creation of distinctive atmospheres using real products from its members. By becoming a DIALux member, businesses can significantly enhance their brand visibility, broaden their audience, and attract high-quality leads while engaging potential customers throughout the digital planning stages. Additionally, members can take advantage of exclusive benefits that come with the DIALux membership. Join now to redefine your lighting projects and elevate your design capabilities.

Lighting can be a challenging subject to master, and even after gaining knowledge, executing effective lighting plans can be a cumbersome task. Interior designers, architects, and kitchen and bath designers often seek to manage their lighting designs independently, yet they may lack the essential technical expertise and the time required for intricate calculations. LightCalc was developed to address these challenges effectively. With this innovative tool, there is no need for extensive mathematical knowledge! It utilizes readily available information from designers, such as ceiling height, room dimensions, counter height, and color schemes. Once this data is inputted, LightCalc efficiently calculates the ideal footcandle levels and fixture spacing, while also recommending a ceiling layout for the lighting fixtures. Designers will appreciate the intuitive point-and-click interface, along with the visual representations that illustrate the impact of the lighting design. This user-friendly program empowers designers to create tailored lighting solutions with ease and confidence.

Set a Light 3D transforms the planning process for contemporary photographers and filmmakers, allowing them to express their creativity more swiftly and effectively while eliminating uncertainty. Whether working on a straightforward portrait or an intricate photo shoot, this tool opens up a realm of endless possibilities, enabling users to elevate their projects with ease. Achieving stunning results has never been simpler, making it an invaluable resource for both cinematography and photography enthusiasts. The platform fosters a vibrant community that connects all users, enhancing their creative experiences and maximizing their potential. A key focus during its development was the creation of highly realistic models, which blend seamlessly with the innovative lighting calculations, further enhancing the overall user experience. This collaborative environment not only addresses common challenges but also inspires users to push the boundaries of their artistic endeavors.

Incorporate dynamic lighting, media, and movement into your visual presentations. You'll be immediately captivated by the exceptional color fidelity and impressive performance of our rendering engine! With an extensive collection of lighting equipment, trusses, LED displays, and video projectors at your disposal, you can effortlessly transform your concepts into reality. After finalizing your design, you have the option to render it into high-quality images and videos. Additionally, you can create unique, stand-alone presentations using Capture that provide full interactivity with your design. Our rendering engine utilizes DirectX and Metalnative technologies, along with a comprehensive ACEScg color pipeline, to guarantee that the rendering process and colors are as accurate as feasible. Enhance your interaction with your lighting console, including features like DMX talkback for focusing fixtures, selecting fixtures for programming, and exchanging patches for efficient setup. This comprehensive approach ensures that your visualizations not only look stunning but also function seamlessly in real-world applications.

Our software is primarily designed for Windows but is compatible with Mac systems through virtual environments such as Parallels, allowing users to seamlessly transition between macOS and Windows with just one click, thereby providing Mac users with an optimal experience. Additionally, it’s important to check the FAQ page for further information. We will be incorporating a manufacturer option on the Landscape Lighting Site, allowing customized software tailored specifically for fixtures from a single manufacturer. Our intuitive lighting tool enables users to adjust the light's width, intensity, and spread according to their needs. Don't forget to take advantage of the training videos available to enhance your understanding of the software. This ensures you can maximize the potential of our features effectively.

Integrating Monte Carlo ray tracing, analytical methods, CAD import/export capabilities, and optimization techniques, this system employs a comprehensive macro language to tackle various challenges in illumination design and optical analysis effectively. With TracePro’s intuitive 3D CAD interface, users can build models by either importing lens design or CAD files or by directly generating solid geometries. The software leverages a true solid modeling engine to deliver reliable and consistent models for various applications. Moreover, TracePro features a swift and precise ray tracing engine that accurately traces rays to all surfaces, including imported splines, ensuring that no intersections are overlooked and preventing the occurrence of “leaky” rays. One of the standout features of TracePro is its Analysis Mode, which provides a highly interactive environment for in-depth examination. In this mode, users can evaluate every surface and object both visually and quantitatively, enhancing the overall analytical experience. This blend of capabilities makes TracePro a powerful tool for professionals in the field.

This application is designed for the planning of street lighting and illumination in public spaces, serving as a mobile solution for designers and lighting professionals. It assists purchasers of lighting equipment in selecting appropriate fixtures by allowing users to input the specifications of the area or roadway to be illuminated. Users can choose different fixtures and installation methods tailored to their needs. After completing the calculations, a detailed visual 3D representation of the scene will be generated, showcasing the distribution of light. Additionally, users have the option to save the lighting calculation results and scene parameters in a comprehensive report. Furthermore, the inclusion of sample projects crafted by experienced lighting technicians offers users the opportunity to not only explore the software's capabilities but also to create their own unique lighting designs inspired by these examples. This blend of functionality and inspiration makes the tool invaluable for both novice and seasoned lighting designers alike.

LightStanza is a reliable and precise software solution that empowers users to accurately forecast lighting scenarios across numerous applications. With its user-friendly interface, team members can communicate swiftly through integrated instant messaging features within the design tool. You can either import existing projects or create new ones by simply dragging and dropping ies files to initiate your calculations. In just a few minutes, you can set up and begin your work. The software is capable of processing intricate geometries without causing any lag on your computer, allowing for continuous productivity. Users can delve into a diverse range of daylight products, which include skylights, translucent glazing, dynamic glass, automated shading systems, and several others. The platform offers extensive customization options, providing point-in-time, annual metric, daylight factor, energy map, and glare assessments. You can utilize Room and Space tags while also having the flexibility to create your own calculation grids for various applications such as verticals, slopes, stairs, exteriors, and beyond. Furthermore, the ability to dynamically select and transmit families to LightStanza enhances your model by streamlining details and adjustments as needed. This comprehensive functionality ensures that every aspect of lighting design is meticulously addressed.

Easily and swiftly design reflector or lens geometries using LucidShape FunGeo, which utilizes innovative algorithms to automatically generate optical shapes tailored to specified illuminance and intensity patterns. This distinctive and practical method allows you to prioritize overall design goals instead of getting bogged down by the complexities of intricate optical elements. By utilizing GPUTrace, you can significantly speed up LucidShape illumination simulations, achieving remarkable enhancements in processing speed. As the pioneering optical simulation software harnessing the power of graphics processing units, LucidShape offers speed improvements that far exceed traditional multithreading methods. Additionally, LucidShape's visualization tool provides a platform to showcase luminance effects when various light sources interact within a model, allowing for a comprehensive depiction of the interplay between system geometry and illumination. This combination of powerful features makes LucidShape an invaluable asset for designers and engineers in the optical field.

Visual programs offer an extensive range of lighting software tailored for professionals in the industry. The desktop applications, Visual Lighting and Visual Controls, enhance efficiency and precision through user-friendly interfaces that streamline the design workflow. Visual Lighting serves as an accessible tool for crafting lighting designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. This robust modeling software integrates lighting and energy calculation functionalities, enabling users to devise sophisticated lighting designs while delivering in-depth intelligence and analysis for complex projects. Meanwhile, Visual Controls provides an all-encompassing solution for designing lighting control systems within different spaces. Its user-friendly nature simplifies the process by offering product suggestions, facilitating product placement, and automating various design aspects, ultimately making it an indispensable asset for lighting professionals. Together, these software applications represent a significant advancement in the realm of lighting design and control.

Dialight proudly presents a robust lighting layout solution that encompasses an extensive range of features, such as straightforward room design and comprehensive 3D rendering capabilities, ensuring the creation of professional lighting layout designs. With just 10 minutes of your time, you can generate industry-standard reports that take into account various factors, accompanied by a step-by-step workflow to guarantee precision in your designs. This user-friendly software seamlessly integrates with the Dialight Catalog of IES Files, enabling the effortless import of Dialight fixtures into your projects. The Dialight Catalog, being a cloud-based platform, facilitates swift access to the most up-to-date IES files. You can search by product type, certification, lumen output, and color temperature, making it easy to integrate IES files into the Dialight lighting layout software or to export files for use in other applications. Additionally, the combination of these tools empowers users to achieve optimal lighting solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Capture a photo of any outdoor scene and activate Night Mode to achieve a sophisticated nighttime lighting visualization using My Design. This complimentary tool streamlines the lighting design process, allowing you to impress clients and expedite sales. With just a free account, you can embark on your journey to becoming a skilled lighting designer. Transform into a valuable resource for your clients by creating intricate and visually appealing design proposals that are conveniently stored in the cloud. My Design is user-friendly, effectively merging the capabilities of My List with actual images of your project's location. The intuitive controls in Night Mode enable you to depict the nighttime lighting ambiance, showcasing the direction and brightness of each fixture. Just snap images of the site, upload them into the platform, and easily position lighting products over the images and specific areas of the property. This innovative approach ensures that your proposals not only meet but exceed client expectations.