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Head-to-head · Lighting Design Software

Vectorworks Vision vs ReluxDesktop

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Vectorworks Vision #3 in Lighting Design Software 8.7/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Vectorworks
ReluxDesktop #5 in Lighting Design Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ReluxDesktop

Vectorworks Vision leads on 0 checks, ReluxDesktop on 2, 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 Vision · 8.7/10
  • Free planonly ReluxDesktop
  • Most featuresReluxDesktop · 3 of 3

Vectorworks Vision scores higher on our rubric for lighting design software: 8.7 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

ReluxDesktop offers free plan; Vectorworks Vision doesn't. ReluxDesktop offers plot & paperwork; Vectorworks Vision doesn't publish it.

Vectorworks Vision is the better fit for previsualizing production lighting before load-in. ReluxDesktop is the better fit for free architectural lighting simulation and planning.

  • Vectorworks Vision fits best

    Previsualizing production lighting before load-in

  • ReluxDesktop fits best

    Free architectural lighting simulation and planning

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

Side by side

Feature Vectorworks Vision 8.7/10 Visit ↗ ReluxDesktop 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 7.9
Ranking #3 in Lighting Design Software #5 in Lighting Design Software
Best for Previsualizing production lighting before load-in Free architectural lighting simulation and planning
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows
Support Email, Phone Tickets
Integrations 4 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Vectorworks Vision 2/3 · ReluxDesktop 3/3
3D visualization ✓ ✓
Plot & paperwork Not published ✓ (best)
Live previsualization ✓ ✓
Specs
Console protocols DMX; MA-Net2; MA-Net3; Multi-Input (specific protocol availability depends on platform) Not published
Platforms macOS 11, 12, 13; Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 Windows 10/11
Fixture library size Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Plans indoor, outdoor, daylight, sensor and emergency lighting.
  • Combines photorealistic 3D visualisation with real-time interactive planning.
  • Exports compliance calculations and supports CAD/BIM formats.
Cons
  • Focuses on visualization and cueing rather than plot paperwork
  • Not sold as a standalone product
  • Vision Plus has four universes, unlike the Unlimited subscription
  • Runs on Windows 10/11 only.
  • Displaying non-Relux member luminaires requires a separate ReluxThirdParty licence.
  • Delivered as desktop software rather than a web-based planning tool.
Our verdict

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 →

ReluxDesktop is desktop software for simulating artificial light and daylight and planning lighting and sensors in indoor and outdoor spaces. It also supports emergency-lighting planning, including automatic luminaire placement. Its…

Read the review →
  1. Vectorworks VisionLighting Design Software 8.7Paid
  2. ReluxDesktopLighting Design Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • ReluxDesktop — where it wins

    • Plans indoor, outdoor, daylight, sensor and emergency lighting.
    • Combines photorealistic 3D visualisation with real-time interactive planning.
    • Exports compliance calculations and supports CAD/BIM formats.

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows 10/11 only.
    • Displaying non-Relux member luminaires requires a separate ReluxThirdParty licence.
    • Delivered as desktop software rather than a web-based planning tool.

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