
WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG is an all-in-one lighting design software tool with CAD, data, visualization, and virtual show control features.
Full Pricing Breakdown
Key Capabilities
Technical Audit
The Pros
- Incredible realism
- Accurate beams
- Industry standard for shows
The Cons
- High subscription cost
- Heavy hardware demand
- Steep learning curve
CADGuide Verdict
Final Professional Conclusion
"The only software you need to design and pre-program a world-class concert."

Expert Q&A
?What is WYSIWYG used for?
The standard for lighting design and pre-visualization. WYSIWYG is a visualization and rendering solution widely adopted in Event Design, Theatre, Concerts.
?How much does WYSIWYG cost?
WYSIWYG starts at $1,200 per seat on a subscription license. Volume, network, and educational tiers are typically available — contact the vendor for an enterprise quote.
?Is there a free version of WYSIWYG?
WYSIWYG is a commercial product without a free permanent tier. Most vendors offer a 15-30 day evaluation on request; verified educational seats are typically free for students.
?What operating systems does WYSIWYG support?
WYSIWYG runs on Windows.
?Which file formats does WYSIWYG support?
WYSIWYG works with standard visualization and rendering interchange formats including FBX, OBJ, glTF, and USD. Check the vendor's official documentation for the complete list of supported import and export options.
?What are the best alternatives to WYSIWYG?
The closest alternatives within the Specialized space are AVEVA Marine, exocad DentalCAD, CLO 3D. The right fit depends on whether you prioritise file-format compatibility, geometry kernel, ecosystem of plugins, or pricing model — compare them side-by-side using the CADGuide comparison tool.
