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Head-to-head · Lighting Design Software

DIALux vs Vectorworks Vision

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score DIALux #2 in Lighting Design Software 8.8/10 Free plan · paid from €19.99/mo · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit DIALux
Vectorworks Vision #3 in Lighting Design Software 8.7/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Vectorworks

DIALux leads on 1 check, Vectorworks Vision on 2, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDIALux · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly DIALux
  • Most featuresVectorworks Vision · 2 of 3

DIALux scores higher on our rubric for lighting design software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

DIALux offers free plan; Vectorworks Vision doesn't. Vectorworks Vision offers 3d visualization; DIALux doesn't publish it. Vectorworks Vision offers live previsualization; DIALux doesn't publish it.

DIALux is the better fit for lighting designers working to standards across project types. Vectorworks Vision is the better fit for previsualizing production lighting before load-in.

  • DIALux fits best

    Lighting designers working to standards across project types

  • Vectorworks Vision fits best

    Previsualizing production lighting before load-in

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature DIALux 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Vectorworks Vision 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #2 in Lighting Design Software #3 in Lighting Design Software
Best for Lighting designers working to standards across project types Previsualizing production lighting before load-in
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS
Support Community, Docs Email, Phone
Integrations 1 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DIALux 0/3 · Vectorworks Vision 2/3
3D visualization Not published ✓ (best)
Plot & paperwork Not published Not published
Live previsualization Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Console protocols Not published DMX; MA-Net2; MA-Net3; Multi-Input (specific protocol availability depends on platform)
Platforms Not published macOS 11, 12, 13; Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11
Fixture library size Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Plans indoor, outdoor, road and emergency lighting with daylight analysis
  • Checks calculations against international norms and assesses energy use
  • Pro adds IFC workflows, office-format exports and custom report layouts
  • Previsualizes lights, video, and effects in a venue context
  • Works with lighting consoles to review cues and looks
  • Edits fixture parameters and saves rendered scenes as video
Cons
  • Desktop software is available for Windows only
  • Free access to luminaires is limited to DIALux Member manufacturers
  • Pro is needed for IFC import and export and custom report layouts
  • Focuses on visualization and cueing rather than plot paperwork
  • Not sold as a standalone product
  • Vision Plus has four universes, unlike the Unlimited subscription
Our verdict

DIALux evo is desktop software for planning, calculating and visualizing lighting in rooms, buildings, streets and outdoor areas. It serves lighting designers, technicians, architects, students and others working on lighting projects, from…

Read the review →

Vectorworks Vision is desktop previsualization software for entertainment design and production professionals. It simulates conventional and moving lights, video, and other effects in an event venue context, helping teams review cues and…

Read the review →
  1. DIALuxLighting Design Software 8.8Free plan · paid from €19.99/mo · 30-day trial
  2. Vectorworks VisionLighting Design Software 8.7Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DIALux — where it wins

    • Plans indoor, outdoor, road and emergency lighting with daylight analysis
    • Checks calculations against international norms and assesses energy use
    • Pro adds IFC workflows, office-format exports and custom report layouts

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop software is available for Windows only
    • Free access to luminaires is limited to DIALux Member manufacturers
    • Pro is needed for IFC import and export and custom report layouts

  • Vectorworks Vision — where it wins

    • Previsualizes lights, video, and effects in a venue context
    • Works with lighting consoles to review cues and looks
    • Edits fixture parameters and saves rendered scenes as video

    Where it doesn't

    • Focuses on visualization and cueing rather than plot paperwork
    • Not sold as a standalone product
    • Vision Plus has four universes, unlike the Unlimited subscription
  • DIALux8.8/10 · Free plan · paid from €19.99/mo · 30-day trial

    A Windows lighting design tool with a free core and paid BIM and export features.

    Visit DIALuxFull verdict →
  • Vectorworks Vision8.7/10 · Paid

    A console-connected 3D workspace for reviewing production lighting before load-in.

    Visit VectorworksFull verdict →

More comparisons

All lighting design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update