Types

• Lighting software may be a form of specialized drafting software that is used to design light plots that tell the production workers everything they need to know to get the lighting ready for a show. This type of software generates reports known as instrument schedules and other types of paperwork that offer details on each light, such as type, wattage, placement, focus, color and where the light is plugged in. Lighting control software--often called offline editing software--allows designers to program a particular type of light board via a standard computer so they can set most of their lighting looks before they have access to the theater and its equipment. A third type of software integrates these two functions to allow drafting functions to integrate with programming.
  
  

Limitations

• Drafting-specific software can generally be used in any theater, regardless of equipment, because the drafted light plot and its accompanying paperwork can be printed and read anywhere on paper or converted to PDF files for viewing on the theater's computers or the designer's laptop. Control software tends to be specific to a particular model of lighting console, so while it can be used from most standard computers, it can only be used to control lights in theaters that have the appropriate lighting control console. Other limitations on both types of software include platform-specific programming, meaning each software brand may only run in a Mac environment or a PC environment, but not both.
  
  

Uses

• Independent designers often make use of drafting software to bring light plots into a variety of theaters. Theaters that produce plays or events in-house may opt for control software because they are always working with the same control system. This allows them greater flexibility for programming and storing shows that they know will use the compatible hardware for the lighting software. Independent designers will only find control software useful if they repeatedly work in theaters with the same hardware.
  
  

Considerations

• Drafting software in particular takes time to learn to use proficiently, although experience in any drafting software is extremely useful when trying to learn lighting design software. The basic functions are the same across drafting software although specific commands and functionality may vary. The major difference is that lighting software has built-in libraries of commonly used lighting objects and a built-in database of theatrical lighting instruments. Control software may be confusing for beginners, but because it is generally designed to mimic the light board interface as closely as possible, it is easy to learn for those already familiar with the control console.
  
  

Cost

• Lighting design software ranges from $69 to around $1700 as of 2010, with cost depending on functionality and licensing. Most companies offer a free trial version so you can test out the software before purchase. Control software is often available as a free download from the lighting console manufacturer's website. Integrated software is available through some lighting console manufacturers and may be custom priced depending on the type of installation and number of users or included with the lighting console purchase without additional charge.