[SML] LD cad software

[Mick Alderson]

Kenneth Zinkl wrote:

> 
> I've decided that it time for me to purchase some CAD software for lighting
> design. I would love to buy Vectorworks but for the 2-4 times a year I need
> to do a plot I can't justify the cost. I am looking for other programs and
> would like to hear what other semi regular users of CAD software have been
> using. I'm on Windows and I'd like to spend $500 max on the software. I'm
> not opposed to subscriptions plans pending the cost.

I've been a fan of LXFree for a number of years. It is not exactly a CAD 
program as such (although it has some basic drawing tools). It is mainly 
for building a light plot associated paperwork on top of an imported 
ground plan, much as if you used Vectorworks Spotlight with an imported 
scenic ground plan made elsewhere.

I mostly use the Mac version of LXFree which is a little more polished, 
but there are Java versions for both Windows and Linux. I've tried all 
three versions, and they all work just fine. As the name suggests, the 
program is free. Definitely worth checking out.

There is also Drafty-app.com, which works in a browser. While I haven't 
tried it yet, it appears to use a very similar model to LXFree, i.e 
building a lighting plot on top of an existing ground plan. If I EVER 
need to doing a lighting design on a Chromebook (or on a borrowed 
computer) then a month's subscription of Drafty might be a good solution!

-- 
Mick Alderson
TD Fredric March Theatre
University of Wis. Oshkosh