Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment

Chapter 26

Lighting Design Software

When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I’m sure it made the work seem that much more urgent.—George Carlin

The increasing size and complexity of automated lighting systems are due in part to the ability of computers and software tools to design, manage, and program them quickly and efficiently. We have come to rely on these software tools so much that the industry would be paralyzed without them. Not only do they simplify and speed the task of designing and drawing a lighting plot, but they also save valuable time and money in the preproduction process.

There are a variety of software tools to aid in the design process, but they generally ...