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Head-to-head · Lighting Design Software

Vectorworks Spotlight vs Augment3d

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Vectorworks Spotlight #1 in Lighting Design Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Vectorworks
Augment3d #4 in Lighting Design Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit ETC

Vectorworks Spotlight leads on 1 check, Augment3d on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreVectorworks Spotlight · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly Augment3d
  • Most featuresVectorworks Spotlight · 3 of 3

Vectorworks Spotlight scores higher on our rubric for lighting design software: 9.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Augment3d offers free plan; Vectorworks Spotlight doesn't. Vectorworks Spotlight offers plot & paperwork; Augment3d doesn't publish it.

Vectorworks Spotlight is the better fit for lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow. Augment3d is the better fit for ETC Eos users previewing cues in a 3D venue.

  • Vectorworks Spotlight fits best

    Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow

  • Augment3d fits best

    ETC Eos users previewing cues in a 3D venue

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

Side by side

Feature Vectorworks Spotlight 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Augment3d 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.9
Ranking #1 in Lighting Design Software #4 in Lighting Design Software
Best for Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow ETC Eos users previewing cues in a 3D venue
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Cloud Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 7 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Vectorworks Spotlight 3/3 · Augment3d 2/3
3D visualization ✓ ✓
Plot & paperwork ✓ (best) Not published
Live previsualization ✓ ✓
Specs
Console protocols MA-Net3, Art-Net, sACN, PosiStageNet, NDI, GDTF, MVR Not published
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS; iOS and Android remote-app AR feature
Fixture library size Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Combines 2D drafting, 3D modeling, DMX patching, and production paperwork
  • Showcase supports real-time previsualization with live DMX control
  • Imports and exports GDTF and MVR, with Project Sharing for collaboration
  • Preview the next cue’s look in a virtual venue
  • Click-to-focus and edit fixture position, orientation and beam properties
  • Import scenic models and lighting data, including Vectorworks MVR
Cons
  • Paid subscriptions only; no free plan
  • The annual plan costs $1,530.00 billed annually
  • Its breadth may be more than needed for designers focused only on plots
  • Focused on Eos workflows rather than full plotting or paperwork
  • Computer control of a lighting system requires ETCnomad USB hardware
  • Mobile augmented-reality focus-wand features run through ETC remote apps
Our verdict

Vectorworks Spotlight brings lighting and scenic design into a desktop CAD workflow for entertainment professionals. It covers 2D drafting and 3D modeling, lighting layouts, instrument and truss libraries, DMX patching, and production…

Read the review →

Augment3d gives ETC Eos lighting programmers and production teams a 3D environment for visualizing fixtures, scenery and cue looks. It is aimed at users who want to work with a virtual venue alongside Eos, rather than replace a broader…

Read the review →
  1. Vectorworks SpotlightLighting Design Software 9.2Paid
  2. Augment3dLighting Design Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Vectorworks Spotlight — where it wins

    • Combines 2D drafting, 3D modeling, DMX patching, and production paperwork
    • Showcase supports real-time previsualization with live DMX control
    • Imports and exports GDTF and MVR, with Project Sharing for collaboration

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid subscriptions only; no free plan
    • The annual plan costs $1,530.00 billed annually
    • Its breadth may be more than needed for designers focused only on plots

  • Augment3d — where it wins

    • Preview the next cue’s look in a virtual venue
    • Click-to-focus and edit fixture position, orientation and beam properties
    • Import scenic models and lighting data, including Vectorworks MVR

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on Eos workflows rather than full plotting or paperwork
    • Computer control of a lighting system requires ETCnomad USB hardware
    • Mobile augmented-reality focus-wand features run through ETC remote apps
  • Vectorworks Spotlight9.2/10 · Paid

    An end-to-end CAD workflow for lighting design, from drafting to DMX previsualization.

    Visit VectorworksFull verdict →
  • Augment3d7.9/10 · Free plan

    A free Eos-linked 3D preview tool for cue looks, fixture focus and positioning.

    Visit ETCFull 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