CAPTURE STUDENT EDITION

Capture Student Edition

The Student Edition of Capture is a free version of Capture that may be used for any purpose, educational or not.

Feature-wise it is based on the Solo Edition, with the following differences:

Unlimited number of DMX universes.

Reduced amount of trusses and fixtures in the library. The full list of fixtures is available here.

Motion (DMX movers, DMX rotators and motion constructs) and effects (CO2, fire and water jets) are not available.

Opens and saves Student Edition project files only.

Does not export Capture Presentation files.

All console connectivity options except MA-Net3 are present and fully functional.

DOWNLOAD HERE

What's new in Capture 2026?

With a focused effort on modernising Capture's user interface we have made it easier and faster than ever to edit and manipulate fixtures, universes and layers. New smoke visualisation, improved bloom, a new lens flare effect and the ability to tweak image settings helps make renders even more realistic and appealing 

EDITING

In Capture 2025 we replaced Windows and macOS property lists with our own implementation - in Capture 2026 we are also replacing property tables with our own implementation. Property tables form the foundation of the Fixtures tab as well as the Layers category in the Design tab. With our own implementation of both property lists and property tables we have been able to take editing to a new level.

General refresh

We have aligned the visual appearance of property lists and property tables so that they match each other and between Windows and macOS. This includes a full overhaul of colours and keyboard behaviours.

Property table column headers now support sorting in both directions on Windows.

Multi-select editing

Selecting and editing data across multiple rows is now up to the latest standards of spreadsheet software.

Editing of multiple rows at once with the mouse no longer requires the use of keyboard modifiers on Windows. 

Copying and pasting

Column data of selected rows in a property table can now be copied and pasted to and from other columns, making it easy to move data between columns in fixtures as well as layers.

Copy and paste in property tables is now integrated with the system clipboard. This means that you can now copy and paste data in and out of Capture, into and from other softwares, such as text editors or spreadsheet software.

When copying and pasting layer colour data, colours are automatically converted to and from text form, such as #FF0000 or (255, 0, 0) for red.

LAYERS

We have made it a lot easier to deal with larger amounts of layers. It is now possible to group layers, collapse layers groups and move layers between groups.

Grouping

Any set of layers can be selected and grouped. If all selected layers start with a common text, this text automatically becomes the group name.

Groups can be renamed and collapsed as needed. Groups are always presented in alphabetic order and layers can be dragged between groups.

Group importing

When you import files from other software that include layers, such as DWG or SketchUp files, the (top level) folder structure of layers is imported in groups.

You can also have imported layers automatically be placed in a group named after the file they were imported from.

Colouring

With the new copy and paste capabilities it is now easy to copy layer colours between layers, as well as between colour types.

Group editing

Sometimes you want to edit all layers in a group at once. Holding the Alt or Option key while clicking on a row selects all rows in the layer group.

FIXTURES

A new type of incremental editing, combined with copy and paste, and automatic "next value" suggestions, has turned the Fixtures tab into a powerful spreadsheet editor.

The new Fixture Details command allows you to bring up a mini version of it on demand, providing a new and faster workflow for bulk data input.

Incremental editing

If the = sign is shown, the same value will be applied to all rows. By holding the shift key you can toggle between the = and the + sign. When the + sign is shown, each row gets assigned the entered value, incremented by one.

After editing, when editing another row in a Unit, Channel, Circuit or Patch column, the next value is automatically suggested. This memory also interacts with that of the Sequential commands.

More columns

The new column chooser lets you choose which columns you wish to see. You can also reorder columns using drag and drop in the column chooser. Several new columns, that are not visible by default, are now available.

Group assignment

The Group property of a fixture is now editable, letting you add and remove fixtures from groups by text input. If you enter the number of a group that doesn't exist, it will be created on the fly.

Patch assistance

It is now easy to tell whether a fixture is patched overlapping another fixture, or in a way that its last channels fall outside any universe.

Fixture details

The new Fixture Details command opens a mini version of the Fixtures tab on demand. It only contains the currently selected fixtures, all selected by default.

Use it to inspect fixtures as well as inputting bulk data using the new incremental editing and next value suggestion mechanisms.

Multi-point patching

There are now dedicated columns for secondary patch points, with a "#2" suffix.

The Sequential Patch command now lets you choose which patch point you wish to patch. Reports and fixture data import as well as export now also have dedicated secondary patch point columns.

Pan and tilt ranges

The pan and tilt ranges of a moving head can now be overridden. This accommodates for fixtures that are not restricted to a factory pan and tilt range, but allow it to be configured on-board.

Also...

Focus simulation is now based on a "near to far" rather than a "0% to 100%" concept. This means that when focus simulation is enabled, the footprint of a beam looks sharpest when the focus parameter is set to 50%.

It is now possible to create zoom response curve corrections for soft edge fixtures.

LED STRIPS

We are introducing a new generic LED Strip fixture. It replaces previous workflows involving texture generators combined with imported UV-mapped objects.

Bézier curve spline editor

By default the LED Strip is straight, with a single start and end point. By selecting, moving and rotating the points you can shape the LED Strip as you need. You can use the Spilt command to add additional points.

The LED Strip is not restricted to two-dimensional shapes - points can be moved and rotated in all axis, for roller coaster like shapes.

DMX control

LED Strips can be controlled both as a whole, or pixel by pixel. The layout of the control channels is freely editable, supporting Intensity, R, G, B, White (6500K) and Amber (3200K).

The number of pixels is automatically calculated from the length and pixel pitch of the LED strip. Both 8-bit and 16-bit control is available.

CUSTOM FIXTURES

For the first time it is now possible to expand the fixture library with your own custom build fixtures. We begin by allowing you to import IES files, which is important for a multitude of architectural applications.

Import IES files

Import an IES file to create a custom library fixture in your project. Edit and tweak its options and drag and drop the fixture into your design, just as you would from the regular library.

Custom fixture library

Each project file has its own custom fixture library. You can import custom fixtures from other projects using the Import Project Content command.

UNIVERSES

We have redesigned universe naming and numbering. The universe number is now the primary universe identifier, with the name being optional.

Thanks to the improvements in property tables, it is now easy to renumber and remap universes to external universes.

Universe numbering

Previously known as Patch Base, the universe Number is now what uniquely identifies a universe. A name can still be assigned, but is optional. Gaps in universe number ranges are allowed.

Patch across universe boundaries

Fixtures can now be patched across universe boundaries. This enables designs that are not bound by physical DMX cable signal distribution.

Bulk changes

Incremental editing makes bulk changes easy. You can use it to renumber universes as well as remap universes to external universes.

More DMX channels

Fixture modes that require more than 512 DMX channels are now supported.

RIGGING

We are enabling more advanced rigging workflows through the introduction of slings, including an integration with Production Assist for performing structural calculations.

Truss appearance

Static trusses now have the same solid appearance as our dynamic library trusses.

Slings

Use the new Sling object to model chains, wires and ropes. Their annotations can show the load on the sling as well as its 3D coordinate.

Production Assist

Send your project directly to Production Assist to perform structural calculations. Read back all slings' load data automatically for inclusion in your plots and reports.

Also...

The density and variation of patched smoke boxes can be recorded in and played back from snapshots.

Position and orientation of motion constructs (from Kinesys, PosiStageNet or BlackTrax) can now be recorded in and played back from snapshots.

DESIGN

The following improvements make it easier to place objects with accuracy and confidence.

Distribution

The object distribution algorithm has been improved to handle object boundaries better, eliminating drift or overshoot when distributing objects.

Panel orientation

The orientation reference arrow, which was previously only available for fixtures, is now also shown for LED panels.

Transparent images

Transparent images can now be loaded into image objects.

Rotation anchor placement

The default placement of the rotation anchor is now at an object's reference point.

Replacing objects

Static truss can now be replaced with dynamic truss and vice versa. You can also replace imported objects with LED panels, report items and plot symbols.

Also...

Groups can now be locked, making them behave as a single object.

Imported objects can be set to render as solid in Plot mode.

A new dedicated "Duplicate and replace .." command is available for library materials and symbols.

PLOTS AND REPORTS

Documentation has always been important to us. In Capture 2026 we are following up on the most commonly requested improvements.

Annotations in 3D

Annotations are now visible in all types of views - not just orthographic front, top and section views. Plot Styles apply as usual.

DMX modes in symbol keys

The DMX modes of all patched fixtures with more than one DMX mode can now be shown automatically in plot symbol keys. This can be complemented or replaced with the number of channels used.

Transparent images

Transparent images can now be loaded in plot image insets.

Right and left views

The Section view type has now been replaced with dedicated Left and Right view types, both of which support plot adjustments.

PDF export improvements

Non plot view-content is no longer exported to PDF rasterised (as images). This improves the quality and selectability of text in plot headers and keys.

Also, in reports...

A new column showing the number of channels used by a fixture has been added.

Effect fixtures are now included.

Report items can be set listed under the Accessory section.

VISUALISATION

We have taken the simulation of smoke to a whole new level, with a physically correct participating media simulation.

Combined with an improved bloom effect and the addition of lens flares, you can almost touch the smoke on screen.

Obscuring smoke

Until now smoke only made a difference in the appearance of beams. Smoke now absorbs all light, which gives it a whole new level of presence and realism.

Bloom effect

The Bloom effect simulates optical camera lens and sensor imperfections and limitations. It recreates the look we are used to seeing from digital photography and helps us understand the brightness of light.

Thanks to faster video cards we have been able to increase the quality of the bloom effect.

Lens flares

You can now simulate the streak effect caused by internal reflections against a camera's iris blades. You can configure the number of streaks, their size and intensity, as well as their rotation.

Image controls

In addition to Hue Clamping, it is now also possible to adjust the Contrast and Saturation of the visualisation.

Designing with Capture

Whether you're looking to create a simple 2D sketch or a full-blown 3D plot, Capture has you covered. Try as many fixtures as you need, at different hanging positions and with different gels or gobos. Adapt easily to any set design changes or sudden new restrictions. Do even more with Capture's impressive 3D model import capabilities and excellent integration with other lighting control and design products.

Innovative Design Tools

The powerful control pane combined with fixture groups for easy fixture selection makes conceptualisation a breeze.

The specialised focus plane tool helps you plan an even coverage.

Our filter concept lets your organise your design by layers and DMX universes.

Model Import and Export

When the built-in parametric forms are not enough, you can import 3D models from a wide selection of 3D file formats including glTF, SketchUp, DWG, Cinema 4D.

Capture embraces the Physical-Based Rendering approach to materials, ensuring the highest possible level of realism in lighting interaction.

For a full list of file formats supported for model import and export, see the specifications table at the bottom of this page.

Connectivity

Capture supports a wide range of network protocols and methods of communication with lighting console and other control systems.

With our own CITP protocol extension you can exchange DMX values for focusing, the full patch with fixture positions and much more with lighting consoles.

Lighting

Choose from a wide range of fixtures.

Capture supports conventionals as well as moving lights, but also yokes, scrollers, laser- and video projectors, pixel tubes and much more.

With our industry leading fast library support from AtlaBase, no fixture is missed!

Motion Control

You can use DMX as well dedicated motion control protocols such as PosiStageNet and Blacktrax RTTrP to control objects in Capture.

LED Panels

Capture simulates LED panels down to the correct pixel pitch. The library contains all LED panels on the market, both solid and semi transparent ones.

Special Effects

Incorporate particle-based special effects such as flame-, water- and CO2 jets in your designs.

They can all be controlled using DMX in several different modes combining output and movement in different ways.

Specifications related to Design

Model file import formats:

glTF

DWG/DXF

MVR

Cinema 4D

SketchUp

OBJ

3DS

Model file export formats:

DWG/DXF

glTF

MVR

Data file import formats:

CSV

CSV, ETC EOS flavour

Data file export formats:

CSV

XML for Hog

XML for grandMA 2

USB devices:

3Dconnexion Space Mouse

Documentation comes easy

Great plots and reports are never more than a click away in Capture! Design changes are instantly reflected in your plots and reports. Plot information like patch, filters, gobos and other accessories appears automatically for all fixture types.

Capture documentation is clear and easy to read, with a wide range of configuration options that give you total control. All that is missing is your personal touch!

Plots

Create any number of plots in different sizes and with different contents. All insets offer plenty of configurability, ranging from text sizes and colours to filters that dictate what to include in the views.

Copying contents across plots is also easy. The underlay concept makes it easy to work with plot templates.

Plot Headers

Start off with any of the header templates that come out of the box. Break them apart, rearrange them and customise them according to your needs.

A set of special keywords allow you to centrally edit key pieces of information shared across all plots and reports.

Reports

Hit the ground running with our premade report templates. Customise the columns, sorting, grouping and filtering as required.

Apart from fixtures, Capture reports also cover your fixture groups, custom gel strings, rigging points and cabling information.

Export to PDF

Documentation is meant to be shared!

Both plots and reports can be exported directly to PDF, either one by one or together as a documenation package in a single PDF.

Measuring Mode

The dedicated measuring mode is ideal for quick positioning and one-off measurements.

You can also use it to quickly add dimensions to your plots

Custom Plot Symbols

Capture comes with a rich library of fixture and informative symbols. You can also import your own symbols using the SVG format.

Imported symbols can be used for fixture, or as objects by themselves. Symbols are centered by default, but a vertical offset can be added as well.

Visualise with brilliance

Bring lighting, media and motion into your visualisation. Our rendering engine's outstanding colour accuracy and amazing performance will impress you right away! With a complete library of lighting fixtures, trusses, LED panels and video projectors you have everything you need to make your ideas come to life. When your design is complete you can render it to high quality image and video files. You can also export Capture's unique, stand-alone, presentations which deliver full interactivity with your design.

Physical Based Rendering

Lighting design is all about the interaction of the light from your fixtures with the materials on set.

Capture embraces the PBR material model, with support for several property textures, including metallic, roughness, normal, alpha. As an industry first you can even work with fluorescent materials.

Any imported scenery can be enhanced with PBR materials.

Renders

Create high quality offline renders at any point, watermarked with your logo and project information.

By recording movie snapshots that include DMX, media and motion you can render movies in up to 4K 60fps.

Presentations

Share your design by exporting an interactive presentation of your Capture project with others that don't have Capture, on either Windows or macOS.

In a presentation you can browse through design snapshots and view them from different angles.

Reflections

Adding a planar surface with reflections is way of enhancing the realism of your visualisation.

Capture supports reflections on flat surfaces by combining a reflection plane with a smooth material.

HDR

Capture supports and makes full use of HDR monitors out of the box.

Using the latest dynamic tone mapping from ACES, Capture automatically adjusts the HDR experience to the maximum brightness of your display.

On macOS, Capture also supports rendering movie snapshots to HDR.

Specifications related to Visualisation:

Video capture devices:

Any with Windows (Media Foundation) drivers

Any with macOS drivers

Ethernet DMX protocols:

Art-Net

CITP

Compulite VC

High End Hog visualizer connectivity

ETC Net 2

MA-Net2 (Windows only, MA software version 2.9+)

MA-Net3 (grandMA3 viz-key)

sACN

USB DMX devices:

EntTec DMX USB Pro

EntTec DMX USB Pro Mk2

Streaming video media protocols:

NewTek NDI

CITP/MSEX

Green Hippo HMap 3

Streaming laser media protocols:

CITP/CAEX

LaserAnimation

Pangolin Beyond

Motion tracking protocols:

Blacktrax RTTrP

Kinesys K2

PosiStageNet

Camera control protocols:

OSC

For educational institutions

Educational institutions may use one license of any edition on an unlimited number of seats per location. In order to be eligible for this offer we require that you purchase your license using an educational institution e-mail address and notify us by e-mail to sales@capture.se after completing your purchase. Your institution must be a secondary school, college, university or career state-accredited school.