Quick Overview
- 1#1: DIALux - Comprehensive free software for professional lighting design, calculation, and documentation ideal for energy audits and system evaluations.
- 2#2: ReluxDesktop - Advanced lighting planning software with photometric calculations, BIM support, and detailed reporting for lighting audits.
- 3#3: AGi32 - High-precision lighting simulation tool for analyzing illuminance, glare, and energy use in complex indoor and outdoor audits.
- 4#4: RetroLux - Specialized lighting retrofit audit software that calculates energy savings, incentives, and upgrade proposals for commercial buildings.
- 5#5: Visual Lighting - Cloud-based lighting design and calculation platform for quick layouts, photometric analysis, and audit reports.
- 6#6: ElumTools - Revit-native plugin for point-by-point lighting calculations, renderings, and energy modeling in BIM-based audits.
- 7#7: IESVE - Whole-building performance simulation software featuring detailed lighting analysis, daylighting, and energy auditing capabilities.
- 8#8: Radiance - Open-source physically accurate rendering engine for advanced lighting simulations and detailed illuminance audits.
- 9#9: Beaver Solutions Lighting Audit - Field-ready digital tool for capturing lighting inventory, calculating savings, and generating retrofit audit reports.
- 10#10: LightTools - Optical engineering software for illumination system design, optimization, and stray light analysis applicable to audits.
Tools were chosen based on technical capability, user-friendliness, comprehensive feature sets (including photometry, energy modeling, and reporting), and practical value, ensuring alignment with both simple assessments and complex, multi-faceted auditing needs.
Comparison Table
Lighting audit software simplifies energy efficiency and design workflows, with tools like DIALux, ReluxDesktop, AGi32, RetroLux, and Visual Lighting offering diverse solutions. This comparison table outlines core features, performance, and usability to help readers identify the right fit for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIALux Comprehensive free software for professional lighting design, calculation, and documentation ideal for energy audits and system evaluations. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | ReluxDesktop Advanced lighting planning software with photometric calculations, BIM support, and detailed reporting for lighting audits. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | AGi32 High-precision lighting simulation tool for analyzing illuminance, glare, and energy use in complex indoor and outdoor audits. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | RetroLux Specialized lighting retrofit audit software that calculates energy savings, incentives, and upgrade proposals for commercial buildings. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | Visual Lighting Cloud-based lighting design and calculation platform for quick layouts, photometric analysis, and audit reports. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | ElumTools Revit-native plugin for point-by-point lighting calculations, renderings, and energy modeling in BIM-based audits. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | IESVE Whole-building performance simulation software featuring detailed lighting analysis, daylighting, and energy auditing capabilities. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Radiance Open-source physically accurate rendering engine for advanced lighting simulations and detailed illuminance audits. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 2.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Beaver Solutions Lighting Audit Field-ready digital tool for capturing lighting inventory, calculating savings, and generating retrofit audit reports. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | LightTools Optical engineering software for illumination system design, optimization, and stray light analysis applicable to audits. | enterprise | 6.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 4.5/10 | 4.2/10 |
Comprehensive free software for professional lighting design, calculation, and documentation ideal for energy audits and system evaluations.
Advanced lighting planning software with photometric calculations, BIM support, and detailed reporting for lighting audits.
High-precision lighting simulation tool for analyzing illuminance, glare, and energy use in complex indoor and outdoor audits.
Specialized lighting retrofit audit software that calculates energy savings, incentives, and upgrade proposals for commercial buildings.
Cloud-based lighting design and calculation platform for quick layouts, photometric analysis, and audit reports.
Revit-native plugin for point-by-point lighting calculations, renderings, and energy modeling in BIM-based audits.
Whole-building performance simulation software featuring detailed lighting analysis, daylighting, and energy auditing capabilities.
Open-source physically accurate rendering engine for advanced lighting simulations and detailed illuminance audits.
Field-ready digital tool for capturing lighting inventory, calculating savings, and generating retrofit audit reports.
Optical engineering software for illumination system design, optimization, and stray light analysis applicable to audits.
DIALux
specializedComprehensive free software for professional lighting design, calculation, and documentation ideal for energy audits and system evaluations.
Seamless integration of certified photometric data from global manufacturers for hyper-realistic lighting simulations and audits
DIALux is a professional, industry-standard lighting design and simulation software that enables precise calculation of illuminance, luminance, glare, and energy use in indoor and outdoor spaces. For lighting audits, it allows importing or modeling existing installations to evaluate current performance against standards like EN 12464, simulate retrofits, and generate compliance reports. Widely used by lighting engineers, it supports 3D visualization and integrates photometric data from thousands of manufacturers for accurate assessments.
Pros
- Vast database of over 175,000 luminaires from 1,750+ manufacturers
- Compliant with international standards for precise audit calculations
- Powerful 3D modeling and visualization for retrofit planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- High system resource demands for complex projects
- Rendering times can be lengthy on standard hardware
Best For
Professional lighting engineers and facility managers performing detailed, standards-compliant lighting audits in commercial, industrial, and architectural projects.
Pricing
Completely free core software; optional premium plugins or manufacturer data packs may incur costs.
ReluxDesktop
specializedAdvanced lighting planning software with photometric calculations, BIM support, and detailed reporting for lighting audits.
Integration with over 150,000 certified luminaires from 1,200+ manufacturers for unmatched simulation accuracy
ReluxDesktop is a powerful, professional-grade lighting design and simulation software that excels in photometric calculations for indoor and outdoor spaces, making it highly suitable for lighting audits by modeling existing installations and evaluating illuminance, uniformity, and energy efficiency. Users can import CAD plans, access an extensive database of over 150,000 luminaires from global manufacturers, and generate detailed compliance reports against standards like EN 12464. Its advanced rendering and analysis tools provide precise data for audit recommendations and retrofitting proposals.
Pros
- Vast luminaire database with manufacturer-certified photometric data for accurate audits
- Comprehensive calculation engines for lux levels, glare, and energy metrics
- Robust reporting and export options for professional audit documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users due to complex interface
- Requires a powerful computer for large-scale simulations
- Limited mobile or cloud-based access compared to newer SaaS tools
Best For
Professional lighting engineers and auditors conducting detailed, standards-compliant assessments of commercial and industrial installations.
Pricing
Free to download and use indefinitely with optional paid manufacturer data packs; no subscription required.
AGi32
specializedHigh-precision lighting simulation tool for analyzing illuminance, glare, and energy use in complex indoor and outdoor audits.
Integrated radiosity calculation engine delivering photometrically accurate predictions unmatched in audit precision
AGi32 is a professional lighting simulation software renowned for its precise calculation of illuminance, luminance, glare, and energy metrics in architectural, roadway, and sports lighting applications. It enables detailed 3D modeling of spaces, fixtures, and surfaces to evaluate existing installations during lighting audits for compliance, uniformity, and efficiency. While powerful for in-depth analysis, it's primarily design-oriented with robust audit capabilities through customizable reports and IES file integration.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate radiosity and ray-tracing engines for reliable audit simulations
- Comprehensive reporting tools including isolux plots, glare analysis, and energy calculations
- Versatile support for international standards and extensive luminaire database
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for non-experts
- High upfront cost with ongoing maintenance fees
- Resource-intensive performance on complex models demands powerful hardware
Best For
Professional lighting engineers and consultants conducting detailed audits on large-scale or complex installations.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$3,495 for base version, up to $5,000+ for full features; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
RetroLux
specializedSpecialized lighting retrofit audit software that calculates energy savings, incentives, and upgrade proposals for commercial buildings.
Integrated rebate estimator that pulls real-time utility incentive data for accurate ROI projections
RetroLux (retrolux.com) provides an online Savings Calculator tool designed for quick preliminary lighting audits and retrofit estimates. Users input basic details like facility size, operating hours, and current lighting types to generate energy savings projections, payback periods, and rebate estimates for LED upgrades. While not a full-featured audit software with on-site measurement capabilities, it serves as an entry point to RetroLux's professional audit and installation services.
Pros
- Completely free to use with no subscription required
- Provides instant savings estimates and rebate calculations
- Simple, intuitive web-based interface accessible on any device
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like lux meter integration or detailed fixture inventories
- Relies on user-input estimates rather than site-specific data collection
- Limited customization and reporting compared to dedicated audit platforms
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking quick, no-cost preliminary lighting retrofit estimates before committing to professional services.
Pricing
Free online tool; professional audits and installations quoted separately.
Visual Lighting
specializedCloud-based lighting design and calculation platform for quick layouts, photometric analysis, and audit reports.
Integrated Radiance rendering engine for photorealistic visualizations during audits
Visual Lighting by Acuity Brands is a powerful photometric design and analysis software leveraging the AGI32 calculation engine for precise lighting simulations and audits. It allows users to model 3D spaces, import floor plans, calculate illuminance, uniformity, energy consumption, and generate professional reports for retrofit proposals. While versatile for both new designs and existing audits, it excels in detailed point-by-point analysis and rendering.
Pros
- Advanced AGI32 engine for highly accurate photometric calculations
- Extensive Acuity Brands fixture library for realistic modeling
- Comprehensive reporting tools including energy savings analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- High system requirements and resource-intensive
- Lacks quick-scan audit wizards found in simpler tools
Best For
Experienced lighting engineers and designers performing in-depth audits for commercial and industrial facilities.
Pricing
Perpetual license around $2,500 or annual subscription starting at $1,200; volume discounts for enterprises (contact Acuity Brands for quotes).
ElumTools
specializedRevit-native plugin for point-by-point lighting calculations, renderings, and energy modeling in BIM-based audits.
Native Revit integration with Radiance engine for real-time, model-based lighting audits and simulations
ElumTools is a Revit plugin designed for advanced lighting design and analysis, including detailed photometric calculations, daylight simulations, and energy audits within BIM models. It enables lighting professionals to perform accurate illuminance mapping, glare analysis, and compliance reporting for building audits. The software leverages the Radiance engine for high-fidelity simulations, making it suitable for optimizing lighting efficiency and retrofits.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk Revit for BIM-based audits
- Advanced Radiance engine for precise point-by-point calculations and daylight analysis
- Comprehensive reporting tools for energy compliance and rebate programs
Cons
- Requires existing Revit models and proficiency, limiting quick standalone audits
- Steep learning curve for non-Revit users
- Higher pricing compared to simpler audit tools
Best For
Revit-proficient architects, engineers, and lighting designers in firms performing detailed BIM-integrated lighting audits and retrofits.
Pricing
Subscription-based: LT plan ~$595/year, Pro ~$1,495/year, with enterprise options available.
IESVE
enterpriseWhole-building performance simulation software featuring detailed lighting analysis, daylighting, and energy auditing capabilities.
Integrated Radiance-based lighting simulation within a full building energy modeling environment for holistic audit insights
IESVE (Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment) is a comprehensive building performance simulation software suite used by architects and engineers for sustainable design and analysis. In the context of lighting audits, it offers advanced modules for daylighting simulation, electric lighting design, glare analysis, and energy performance evaluation using the industry-standard Radiance engine. It enables detailed modeling of lighting systems within full building contexts to assess efficiency, compliance with standards like LEED or BREEAM, and optimization opportunities.
Pros
- Highly accurate lighting and daylighting simulations powered by Radiance engine
- Seamless integration with BIM models and whole-building energy analysis
- Comprehensive reporting for compliance and audit documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and multi-module structure
- Overkill and expensive for simple lighting audits only
- Limited automation for quick field audits compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Architects and engineering firms conducting integrated lighting audits as part of broader sustainable building performance assessments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions starting at around $5,000+, scaling based on modules and user seats; quote-based.
Radiance
specializedOpen-source physically accurate rendering engine for advanced lighting simulations and detailed illuminance audits.
Backward ray tracing engine for unbiased, physically accurate global illumination simulations
Radiance is a free, open-source suite of tools for physically accurate lighting simulation and rendering, primarily used for creating realistic images of light transport in complex scenes. It excels in backward ray tracing to model global illumination, daylighting, and artificial lighting with high fidelity, making it suitable for advanced lighting analysis in architecture and design. While powerful for simulation-based lighting audits, it lacks built-in tools for inventory tracking, energy cost calculations, or compliance reporting typical in commercial audit software.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate physically-based rendering for precise illuminance and daylight simulations
- Completely free and open-source with extensive customization
- Integrates well with tools like EnergyPlus for comprehensive building performance analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve with command-line interface and no intuitive GUI
- Lacks audit-specific features like fixture inventories, retrofit calculators, or automated reports
- Time-intensive setup for simple audits compared to user-friendly alternatives
Best For
Experienced architects, researchers, or engineers needing high-fidelity lighting simulations for daylighting studies rather than routine commercial audits.
Pricing
Free and open-source (no licensing costs).
Beaver Solutions Lighting Audit
specializedField-ready digital tool for capturing lighting inventory, calculating savings, and generating retrofit audit reports.
Rapid Audit Mode that claims to audit 100+ fixtures in under 30 minutes with voice-to-text input
Beaver Solutions Lighting Audit is a specialized software platform designed for energy professionals to perform quick and accurate lighting audits in commercial and industrial spaces. It enables users to inventory existing fixtures via mobile app, calculate energy consumption and retrofit savings using extensive fixture databases, and generate customizable reports with rebate recommendations. The tool emphasizes field efficiency, cloud synchronization, and compliance with utility programs for lighting upgrades.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for rapid on-site data collection
- Comprehensive fixture library with manufacturer data
- Automated savings calculations and rebate matching
Cons
- Limited to lighting audits without broader energy features
- Subscription model can be costly for small users
- Reporting customization lacks advanced analytics
Best For
Lighting retrofit contractors and energy auditors focused on commercial spaces seeking efficient field tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plan; enterprise tiers with volume discounts available.
LightTools
enterpriseOptical engineering software for illumination system design, optimization, and stray light analysis applicable to audits.
Integrated bulk scatter modeling for realistic simulation of diffusers and textured surfaces in lighting systems
LightTools by Synopsys is an advanced optical design and simulation software specialized in illumination systems, enabling detailed modeling of light sources, optics, and photometric performance. For lighting audits, it excels in simulating and optimizing lighting distributions, stray light analysis, and compliance with standards like IESNA through precise ray tracing. However, it is primarily a design tool rather than a field audit solution, lacking built-in tools for on-site measurements or automated energy reporting.
Pros
- Highly accurate Monte Carlo ray tracing for photometric simulations
- Comprehensive LED and luminaire modeling for design optimization
- Supports tolerancing and sensitivity analysis for reliable audit predictions
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring optical engineering expertise
- Prohibitively expensive for small audit firms
- No native support for field data import or quick energy audit reports
Best For
Optical engineers or large firms conducting simulation-based lighting audits for complex installations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; annual subscriptions start at ~$10,000+ per seat (quote required).
Conclusion
The reviewed lighting audit software provides robust options catering to varied needs, from free professional design to advanced integration. DIALux takes the top spot as a comprehensive tool, ideal for energy audits and system evaluations. Though leading, ReluxDesktop stands out with its photometric calculations and BIM support, and AGi32 excels in complex indoor and outdoor analysis, ensuring all top choices are strong for different audit scenarios.
Dive into lighting audit efficiency—begin with DIALux, its free, professional tools simplify design, calculation, and reporting to suit both seasoned users and new needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.