Capture 2025.1.15

Capture

Capture is a powerful yet intuitive lighting design, documentation, and visualization software that seamlessly integrates the entire creative workflow—from initial concept to final documentation. Native to both macOS and Windows, Capture goes beyond traditional lighting design tools by supporting multiple effect types including lighting fixtures, video projection, lasers, moving scenery, and water effects—all within a unified environment. What truly distinguishes Capture is its unprecedented ease of use and the ability to fluidly switch between design, documentation, and visualization modes without disrupting creative flow. This flexibility encourages designers to experiment with new workflows, discover faster working methods, and maintain creative momentum throughout the project lifecycle. Version 2025.1.15 introduces significant usability enhancements including descriptive undo/redo commands, automatic recovery of unsaved changes, and improved 3D navigation hardware support.

💡🎭 Primary Users

This professional lighting design software is designed for:

• Lighting Designers & Consultants creating comprehensive lighting plans for architectural, theatrical, and event applications.

• Entertainment & Stage Lighting Professionals designing shows, concerts, and theatrical productions.

• Architectural Lighting Specialists integrating lighting into building designs with precise documentation.

• Event & Exhibition Designers planning temporary installations with lighting, video, and scenic elements.

• Lighting Programmers & Technicians visualizing and pre-programming complex lighting systems before installation.

⚡ Key Features & Capabilities

🎨 Integrated Design Environment

Comprehensive Element Support:

• Lighting Fixtures: Extensive library of theatrical, architectural, and entertainment lighting

• Video Systems: Projectors, LED screens, and media servers with video mapping

• Laser Effects: Beam and aerial laser effects with accurate physics simulation

• Moving Scenery: Automated scenic elements with motion control

• Water Effects: Fountains, water screens, and interactive water features

Seamless Mode Switching:

• Effortlessly transition between design, documentation, and visualization

• Maintain context and creative flow across all project phases

• Real-time updates across all views

📐 Powerful Design Tools

2D Documentation:

• Professional-quality lighting plots and plans

• Automatic symbol generation and labeling

• Layer-based organization for complex projects

• Dimensioning and annotation tools

3D Visualization:

• Real-time 3D rendering of lighting effects

• Accurate photometric calculations

• Beam visualization and light distribution analysis

• Camera-based view creation for presentations

🔄 Flexible Workflow Support

• Adaptable to different design processes and methodologies

• Encourage experimentation with new workflow approaches

• Support for both top-down design and bottom-up programming

• Integration with industry-standard file formats

📊 Professional Documentation

• Automated paperwork generation (instrument schedules, channel hookups)

• Custom report creation

• PDF and printed output

• Integration with Vectorworks and other CAD platforms

🚀 Performance & Reliability

New in 2025.1.15:

• Descriptive Undo/Redo: Clear, contextual menu descriptions (e.g., “Undo Delete,” “Redo Hide Grid”)

• Unsaved Changes Recovery: Automatic backup and recovery in case of unexpected shutdown

• Optimized Memory Usage: Undo/redo data stored on disk instead of RAM for lower memory footprint

• Improved 3D Navigation: Updated 3Dconnexion device support with modern API for advanced navigation

🆕 What’s New in Version 2025.1.15

• Descriptive Undo/Redo Commands – Clear, contextual descriptions in menu (e.g., “Undo Delete,” “Redo Hide Grid”)

• Unsaved Changes Recovery – Automatic recovery after unexpected shutdown with disk-based undo/redo storage

• Reduced Memory Usage – Undo/redo data stored on disk instead of RAM

• Updated 3Dconnexion Support – Modern API integration for advanced 3D navigation

• Import Options from Capture 2024 – Automatic option import when first launching Capture 2025 with existing 2024 installation

Additional Improvements

• Enhanced stability and performance optimizations

• Refined user interface for improved workflow efficiency

• Expanded fixture library with latest manufacturer profiles