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Head-to-head · Lighting Design Software

Vectorworks Spotlight vs Capture

  • 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
Capture #6 in Lighting Design Software 7.9/10 From €395 ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Capture

Vectorworks Spotlight leads on 0 checks, Capture on 0, and 4 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

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 #6.

Vectorworks Spotlight is the better fit for lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow. Capture is the better fit for production teams needing plots and live visualization.

  • Vectorworks Spotlight fits best

    Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow

  • Capture fits best

    Production teams needing plots and live visualization

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Side by side

Feature Vectorworks Spotlight 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Capture 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.9
Ranking #1 in Lighting Design Software #6 in Lighting Design Software
Best for Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow Production teams needing plots and live visualization
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Cloud Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Docs, Community
Integrations 7 integrations 12 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Vectorworks Spotlight 3/3 · Capture 3/3
3D visualization ✓ ✓
Plot & paperwork ✓ ✓
Live previsualization ✓ ✓
Specs
Console protocols MA-Net3, Art-Net, sACN, PosiStageNet, NDI, GDTF, MVR Art-Net, CITP, Compulite VC, MA-Net2, MA-Net3, sACN, NewTek NDI, Martin P3, PosiStageNet, Blacktrax RTTrP, Kinesys K2, OSC
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS
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
  • Creates 2D sketches and 3D lighting plots with change-updating reports
  • Visualizes lighting, media and motion, with image and video rendering
  • Connects to consoles and show systems through a broad range of protocols
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
  • No free plan; entry starts at €395 as a one-time license
  • Solo is limited to 1 universe, 1 local video, 1 streaming video and 1 laser feed
  • Desktop-only, with Windows and macOS as the supported platforms
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 →

Capture is a desktop application for lighting designers working across stage design, documentation and previsualization. It brings 2D sketches and 3D lighting plots together with fixture and accessory placement, 3D model exchange, and…

Read the review →
  1. Vectorworks SpotlightLighting Design Software 9.2Paid
  2. CaptureLighting Design Software 7.9From €395

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

  • Capture — where it wins

    • Creates 2D sketches and 3D lighting plots with change-updating reports
    • Visualizes lighting, media and motion, with image and video rendering
    • Connects to consoles and show systems through a broad range of protocols

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; entry starts at €395 as a one-time license
    • Solo is limited to 1 universe, 1 local video, 1 streaming video and 1 laser feed
    • Desktop-only, with Windows and macOS as the supported platforms

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