The easiest way to Plan, Prelight & Previs Shots

The virtual 3D photo studio for photographers and filmmakers.
No subscription. Lifetime license. For Mac & Windows.

BASIC

For Beginners
+ Community with 10,000+ inspiring lighting setups for download
  • Essential Light Tools
  • Sunlight
  • Export up to Full HD (1920px)
See Full Comparison
Buy BASIC
Lifetime License – No Subscription – Includes 1 Year of Free Updates (renewable)
One license valid for up to 3 computers (Mac & Win)
Bestseller

STUDIO

For Photographers
+ Community with 10,000+ inspiring lighting setups for download
  • All Professional Photo Features
  • Use unlimited Number of Lights
  • Light Meter
  • Export up to 4K (3840px)
See Full Comparison
Buy STUDIO
Lifetime License – No Subscription – Includes 1 Year of Free Updates (renewable)
One license valid for up to 3 computers (Mac & Win)

CINEMA

For Filmmakers & Professionals
+ Community with 10,000+ inspiring lighting setups for download
  • All STUDIO Features plus:
  • Animation Tool
  • Video Export (MP4)
  • 3D Importer (obj, fbx, dae etc.)
  • Create Continuous Light Sources
See Full Comparison
Buy CINEMA
Lifetime License – No Subscription – Includes 1 Year of Free Updates (renewable)
One license valid for up to 3 computers (Mac & Win)

Are you already a set.a.light 3D user? Click here for your UPGRADE prices → 
Please log in to your customer account. There you’ll find all your options and can purchase the upgrade directly.

Students & Educational Institutions receive special discounts on all versions.   LERN MORE

ADD-ON FOR BASIC AND STUDIO (already included in CINEMA)

3D Importer

Import and add 3D objects of your choice to your set.a.light 3D projects and expand your set design possibilities to infinity. Import for example furniture, decorative elements or even entire houses. This way you can make your setups even more realistic and perfectly match your needs. All details are available in the Documentation (please read before buying).

ADD-ON FOR BASIC AND STUDIO (already included in CINEMA)

Animation Tool

Bring your scenes to life with the Animation Tool Add-on and create impressive camera movements, light changes, and dynamic sequences. Animate your setups step by step, add movement to objects, and visualize complex lighting progressions. This way you can showcase your ideas in a cinematic way and present your projects even more vividly. Finally, export your animations as MP4 files and share them anywhere.

Trusted by Professionals all over the World

João Moraes Barros
Film director, DOP

„I have tried other softwares too for cinema. And I must say that set.a.light 3D is the most professional you can have. So thanks a lot. Because I have been hired on gigs because of that.“

Luke Curtis
Photographer, Gaffer

„I plan every shoot with this and can understand what my lighting is doing before I get on set! If you work with light, invest in this before you invest in anything else!“

Tiffany Detzel
Photographer

„Studio lighting is something that has always intimidated me, but I’ve wanted to learn. Thanks to set.a.light 3D I can learn from home on my computer!“

David Gutierrez Torres
Photographer & DOP

“The greatest software for lighting setups! I spend less time the shooting day because I have a very clear idea of the lighting setups! Thanks @elixxiersoftware !”

Joe Edelman
YouTuber, photographer and educator

“set.a.light 3D is without a doubt the most incredible software tool for learning how to light. You can preplan your setups using Monolights or speedlights and loads of modifiers.”

Libra Cordero
Photographer & Makeup artist

„I TRULY LOVE this program! It helps me to plan my shoots and communicate the visuals to my clients. Thank you for coming up with such a solid program at an extremely fair price. It truly helps me be a better photographer everyday. ❤️“

Version comparison

Basic
For Photographers & Hobbyists
Studio
For Professional Photographers
Cinema
For Filmmakers & Professionals
Core Features
All Main Functions
Indoor / Outdoor
Studio Size Adjustments
3 Studio Sizes (Small, Medium, Large)
Freely Editable Studio
Freely Editable Studio
Custom Studio Templates
Light & Equipment
Sunlight
Import Custom HDRI Maps
Max. Strobes per Setup
Up to 5
Unlimited
Unlimited
Continuous & Video Lights
Basic
Custom Continuous Lights (with IES import)
Light Meter
Gobo Projector
Picture Wall
Up to 7 (JPGs only, no transparency)
Unlimited (JPG + PNG)
Unlimited (JPG + PNG)
Camera & Export
Storyboard PDF Export
Multicamera (Photo & Video)
Max. Render Resolution
1920px (long edge)
3840px (long edge)
3840px (long edge)
3D Import (FBX, OBJ, DAE, etc.)
(Paid Add-on)
(Paid Add-on)
Animation Tool (MP4 Video Export)
(Paid Add-on)
(Paid Add-on)
Rail System for Film Camera (Dolly)
(Planned for Q4)
BASIC
Buy Now
STUDIO
Buy Now
CINEMA
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The BASIC version is designed for beginners who want to take their first steps and get to know the software. It provides everything you need to create simple setups with flash and to develop a feeling for lighting.
 
The STUDIO version is aimed at photographers. Here you have access to all flash lights and many options to work creatively and professionally. You can build complex setups and achieve highly realistic results.
 
The CINEMA version is the complete package for filmmakers and creatives who want to work with continuous light and all add-ons. It gives you the greatest freedom to realize your projects in full scope.

Your license is valid for a lifetime (no subscription) – you can always continue using your version of set.a.light 3D.

All updates and upgrades are included free of charge for 1 year after purchase.
After this period, you can optionally purchase a renewal in your customer account to keep receiving updates and new features. If you don’t renew, you can still use your current version without any time limit.

The software may be installed and activated on 3 computers, but cannot be used at the same time. So you can install it on your main computer, a second copy on your notebook and for example on your computer in your studio.

Yes, the software runs on Mac and on Windows. After purchase, installers for both systems are available in your customer account.

set.a.light 3D primarily uses the capacity and memory of your graphics card in order to conduct the live-rendering process. For a smooth operation of the software, we recommend current graphics cards with a graphics memory of 8GB RAM or above. For more information check out the minimum system requirements.

Yes! We offer special prices for schools, teachers and students. Please visit our Student and Education page for more information.

Yes, of course! You can upgrade from a smaller to a larger version at any time. You will find the upgrade options and your personal prices in your customer account after purchase.

Yes – you can try the software for free.
On our download page, you’ll find the trial version. Each time you start the software, you can choose whether to test the BASIC, STUDIO, or CINEMA edition – and quickly see which one suits you best.

Any other questions?

Please visit our Knowledge Base oder Contact us.

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