WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG: Windows CAD and paperwork with 3D visualization and console features by tier. Ranked #7 of 28 in Lighting Design Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: 10-day trial; best for production designers wanting CAD, paperwork and previz.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- Pricing10-day trial
- Best forProduction designers wanting CAD, paperwork and previz
- Free planNo
- 3D visualizationYes
- Facts checked4 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- 2D/3D CAD, lighting plots, reports and fixture patching in one workflow
- Fixture database provides access to 8,000+ fixtures
- Perform tiers add real-time visualization and console connectivity
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop software
- Live visualization and console features depend on the tier
- Core costs $49/month billed annually or $99 month to month
Our verdict on WYSIWYG
For lighting designers and production teams working across concerts, theatre, film, television and corporate events, WYSIWYG brings entertainment-focused CAD, lighting documentation and previsualization into a Windows desktop application. It combines 2D and 3D drawing with fixture patching, technical data, customizable plots, legends, charts and reports. Its range suits solo designers through larger production companies, venues, AV teams and educational institutions that need both design paperwork and a path toward show visualization.
The plan structure separates documentation from visualization and show control. Core includes CAD and lighting documentation, access to 8,000+ fixtures, and custom layouts, legends, charts and plots. The vendor lists Core at $49 per month billed annually, or $99 per month for monthly billing. Design adds advanced 3D visualization and rendering alongside design, documentation and presentation features. Perform Lite adds real-time visualization, console support for cueing and programming, and 10 DMX universes; Perform adds real-time DMX control, console connectivity and full simulation tools. A 10-day trial is available subject to eligibility; current Perform and Perform Lite license holders do not qualify.
WYSIWYG’s ecosystem is geared to production workflows rather than general-purpose modeling: it imports and merges common CAD and 3D model formats, and Perform tiers connect to consoles through Art-Net, sACN and supported proprietary drivers. Other listed integrations include NDI, CITP, RTTrPM, PSN and laser protocols. The software can simulate particle effects such as smoke, fire, sparks and fireworks, and create and record lighting looks and cue lists. Choose it if production paperwork and previz need to live in the same tool, especially when console-linked programming matters. A team seeking a non-Windows option or needing live visualization in its entry tier should look elsewhere.
WYSIWYG pricing
All 4 WYSIWYG plans and prices →
WYSIWYG fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| 3D visualization | Yes |
| Plot & paperwork | Yes |
| Live previsualization | Yes |
| Console protocols | Art-Net, sACN, proprietary connectivity drivers (including GrandMA viz-key), RTTrPM, PSN |
| Platforms | Windows 11 64-bit; Windows 11 ARM-64 in Parallels on Apple Mac with Cloud License |
| Fixture library size | 8000 fixtures |
| Free trial | 10 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Art-Net, sACN, GrandMA viz-key, RTTrPM, PSN, Pangolin laser systems … |
| Pricing | 10-day trial (source) |
| Website | cast-soft.com |
| Facts checked | 4 Oct 2026 |
WYSIWYG integrations
WYSIWYG lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Art-Net
- sACN
- GrandMA viz-key
- RTTrPM
- PSN
- Pangolin laser systems
- Sollinger laser protocol
- MadMapper laser protocol
- NDI
- CITP
Alternatives to WYSIWYG
- Vectorworks SpotlightAn end-to-end CAD workflow for lighting design, from drafting to DMX previsualization.9.2
- DIALuxA Windows lighting design tool with a free core and paid BIM and export features.8.8
- Vectorworks VisionA console-connected 3D workspace for reviewing production lighting before load-in.8.7
See all WYSIWYG alternatives →
WYSIWYG vs the competition
- WYSIWYG vs Vectorworks Spotlight
- WYSIWYG vs DIALux
- WYSIWYG vs Vectorworks Vision
- WYSIWYG vs Augment3d
- WYSIWYG vs ReluxDesktop
- WYSIWYG vs Capture
Compare WYSIWYG with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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