As a lighting designer, one of the most important aspects of your work is the ability to create accurate and detailed lighting plots. From weddings to concerts to theatrical productions, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall experience for audience members. However, with so many different lighting fixtures and setups to choose from, it can be a daunting task to ensure that everything is accounted for and properly aligned.
This is where Lightwright comes in. Developed by John McKernon, Lightwright is a software tool designed specifically for lighting designers to streamline their workflow and simplify the process of creating detailed lighting plots. In this review, we will take a closer look at what Lightwright has to offer, including its features, price, pros and cons, and how it compares to other similar software tools.
Video Tutorial:
What is Lightwright?
Lightwright is a software tool designed for lighting designers to create, manage, and organize their lighting plots. It allows designers to input and track information about all of the lighting fixtures in a given production, including their location, wattage, color, and more. This data can then be used to create detailed lighting plots, which can help ensure that all aspects of the lighting design are properly aligned and accounted for.
Price:
Lightwright is available for purchase from the official website for $599. Customers can also purchase upgrades or add-ons for an additional fee.
Basics:
Lightwright offers a range of features specifically tailored to the needs of lighting designers. Some of its basic features include:
- Ability to input and track data about every lighting fixture in a production
- Automatic updates to fixture numbers and labels
- Customizable reports
- Seamless integration with Vectorworks Spotlight
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Easy to use interface
- Customizable reports
- Efficient workflow management
- Seamless integration with Vectorworks Spotlight
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Not compatible with other CAD software tools
- Limited support resources available
Our Thoughts on Lightwright
Overall, we found Lightwright to be a powerful and practical software tool for lighting designers. While the initial price tag may seem steep, the efficiency gains and time savings that Lightwright provides can be well worth the investment. The ability to track and manage every fixture in a production is a game-changer for lighting designers, and the customizable reports make it easy to communicate information to other members of the production team.
That being said, it is important to note that there is a bit of a learning curve with Lightwright. New users may need to spend some time getting familiar with the interface and features before they can use the tool to its full potential. Additionally, some users may find that the lack of compatibility with other CAD software tools is a drawback.
Overall, if you are a lighting designer looking for a powerful and purpose-built software tool to streamline your workflow and simplify the process of creating detailed lighting plots, Lightwright is definitely worth considering.
What Lightwright Identifies
Lightwright is specifically designed to identify and manage every aspect of the lighting design process. It helps designers organize and track every fixture in a given production, as well as the important details about each fixture, such as wattage, color, and location. This information can then be used to create detailed lighting plots that ensure that all aspects of the lighting design are properly aligned and accounted for.
How to Use Lightwright?
Using Lightwright is relatively straightforward, although new users may need to spend some time getting familiar with the interface and features. Here is a step-by-step guide to using Lightwright:
Step 1: Download and install Lightwright from the official website
Start by downloading Lightwright from the official website and following the installation instructions.
Step 2: Input fixture information
Once Lightwright is installed, you can begin inputting information about the fixtures in your production. This includes details such as fixture type, wattage, color, and location.
Step 3: Create lighting plots
With all of the necessary fixture information inputted, you can now create detailed lighting plots that help keep everything organized and aligned.
Step 4: Customizable reports
Finally, you can use Lightwright’s customizable reports to communicate information about the lighting design to other members of the production team.
Alternatives to Lightwright
While Lightwright is a powerful and purpose-built software tool for lighting designers, there are other options available that may be better suited to different needs. Here are three alternatives to Lightwright, along with a brief overview of what they offer:
1. GDTF Builder
GDTF Builder is a free software tool designed specifically for creating fixture profiles for use in lighting design software. It offers a range of features, including the ability to create custom fixture profiles, edit existing profiles, and add new fixtures.
Price: Free
Download Link: Download Link
2. Vectorworks Spotlight
Vectorworks Spotlight is a powerful CAD software tool designed specifically for lighting, set, and stage designers. It offers a range of features, including 3D modeling tools, lighting analysis features, and the ability to create customizable paperwork for production management.
Price: Starting at $2,945 for a perpetual license
Download Link: Download Link
3. Wysiwyg
Wysiwyg is a CAD software tool designed specifically for lighting, video, and laser design. It offers a range of features, including 3D modeling tools, a comprehensive libraries of lighting fixtures and effects, and the ability to create detailed paperwork for use in production.
Price: Starting at $649 for an annual subscription
Download Link: Download Link
5 FAQs about Lightwright
Q1: Is Lightwright compatible with other CAD software tools?
A: Unfortunately, Lightwright is not currently compatible with other CAD software tools. This can be a drawback for users who need to work with other software tools as part of their workflow.
Q2: What is the learning curve like for Lightwright?
A: Lightwright has a relatively steep learning curve for new users. It may take some time to get familiar with the interface and features before you can use the tool to its full potential.
Q3: How much does Lightwright cost?
A: Lightwright is available for purchase from the official website for $599. Customers can also purchase upgrades or add-ons for an additional fee.
Q4: Can Lightwright create customizable reports?
A: Yes, Lightwright offers customizable reports that allow users to communicate information about the lighting design to other members of the production team.
Q5: What kind of support resources are available for Lightwright?
A: Support resources for Lightwright are relatively limited. Customers can contact the support team via email, but there is no live chat or phone support available.
Final Thoughts
As a lighting designer, having the right software tool can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your workflow. While Lightwright may be relatively expensive and have a bit of a learning curve, it offers a range of powerful features that are specifically tailored to the needs of lighting designers. If you are looking for a purpose-built software tool to streamline your workflow and simplify the process of creating detailed lighting plots, Lightwright is certainly worth considering.