3D - 2

What CAD program is best for creating theater stage/lighting plots?

I have no CAD experience, so I'm wondering what program would be best to learn? I heard VectorWorks is popular. Are CAD projrams used mainly to create 3D modeling, or are they used for line drawings like this?: http://accad.osu.edu/~elee/D%2BP%20Lighting/Pro5/lightplot.jpeg

Public Comments

1. A lot of lighting manufacturers have lighting software that models photometrics for any kind of lighting, such as Visual (by Lithonia Lighting) or LitePro (Columbia Lighting). If you are in the lighting business and you specify their product, they will usually give you the software. Otherwise, it's usually around $100 to buy it. There is also a very comprehensive lighting software package called AGI that is independent of any manufacturer. Be prepared to pay $3500 for it. Once you model the lighting environment and know the types and placements of lighting fixtures, AutoCad works fine for producing a working drawing.