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Head-to-head · Lighting Design Software

Vectorworks Spotlight vs DIALux

  • 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
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 Spotlight leads on 3 checks, DIALux on 1, and 0 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 DIALux
  • Most featuresVectorworks Spotlight · 3 of 3

Vectorworks Spotlight scores higher on our rubric for lighting design software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

DIALux offers free plan; Vectorworks Spotlight doesn't. Vectorworks Spotlight offers 3d visualization; DIALux doesn't publish it. Vectorworks Spotlight offers plot & paperwork; DIALux doesn't publish it. Vectorworks Spotlight offers live previsualization; DIALux doesn't publish it.

Vectorworks Spotlight is the better fit for lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow. DIALux is the better fit for lighting designers working to standards across project types.

  • Vectorworks Spotlight fits best

    Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow

  • DIALux fits best

    Lighting designers working to standards across project types

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 ↗ DIALux 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #1 in Lighting Design Software #2 in Lighting Design Software
Best for Lighting designers needing an end-to-end CAD workflow Lighting designers working to standards across project types
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Cloud Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Vectorworks Spotlight 3/3 · DIALux 0/3
3D visualization ✓ (best) Not published
Plot & paperwork ✓ (best) Not published
Live previsualization ✓ (best) Not published
Specs
Console protocols MA-Net3, Art-Net, sACN, PosiStageNet, NDI, GDTF, MVR Not published
Platforms Windows, macOS Not published
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
  • 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
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
  • 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
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 →

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 →
  1. Vectorworks SpotlightLighting Design Software 9.2Paid
  2. DIALuxLighting Design Software 8.8Free plan · paid from €19.99/mo · 30-day trial

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

  • 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 Spotlight9.2/10 · Paid

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

    Visit VectorworksFull verdict →
  • 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 →

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