FAQ
What is DIALux?
Is DIALux really a free software? How is that possible?
What exactly are DIALux Pro Features?
Where can I get luminaire data for planning in DIALux?
Why are there two versions of DIALux available?
What are the hardware requirements for DIALux evo?
Is it possible to run DIALux evo on a Mac?
What is DIALux?
DIALux is a high quality and comprehensive planning tool that provides you with all the necessary functions for professional lighting design free of charge. With DIALux you can calculate and visualize lighting for indoor and outdoor areas. From entire buildings and individual rooms, to parking spaces and road lighting, with artifical lighting and daylight. DIALux supports you in verifying regional or international standards and helps you to document this verification. Learn more about the capabilities of DIALux here.
Is DIALux really a free software? How is that possible?
DIALux is free of charge for users. Anyone can use DIALux for personal, educational and commercial purposes. Licences from luminaire manufacturers, our DIALux partners, fund the development of DIALux. Additionally we sell extensions/add-ons to users by subscription. Learn more about our business model here.
What exactly are DIALux Pro Features?
With DIALux evo 9, we have introduced extensions/add-ons to DIALux for special users or applications, so-called DIALux Pro Features. These allow, for example, workflows for large planning departments to be optimised by tailoring DIALux documentations 100% to the corporate design of the company. The DIALux Pro Features are available in a monthly subscription. You pick what you need. Learn more about DIALux Pro Features here.
Where can I get luminaire data for planning in DIALux?
We cooperate with all leading brands in the lighting industry. You can download their catalogues here to use the products in DIALux. You can support DIALux by using products and data from DIALux partners. Learn more about our business model here.
Why are there two versions of DIALux available?
As the successor to DIALux 4, DIALux evo offers a lot more features, a more convenient GUI and uses the latest technology. DIALux 4 is technically outdated; it was limited to single rooms and therefore unsuitable for contemporary BIM workflows. We still offer support for DIALux 4, but do not maintain the version any further. We recommend using DIALux evo.
What are the hardware requirements for DIALux evo?
As DIALux evo is a 3D CAD application, you benefit from a powerful multi-core CPU and graphics card and a sufficiently large main memory (RAM). The RAM should be at least 4 GB, we recommend 8 to 16 GB for the professional use. Your graphics card should support OpenGL 3.2 and a large memory is also useful here: at least 1 GB, 2 GB+ is recommended. Furthermore, your graphics card should have "own memory" and not use a "shared memory". In our experience, there are often problems with (new) drivers of Intel graphics cards so we recommend a graphics card from Nvdia or AMD. Please hold your drivers as up-to-date as possible. DIALux evo runs in 32/64 Bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
Is it possible to run DIALux evo on a Mac?
We develop DIALux evo for Windows environments and have currently no plans to provide a Mac version in the future. We know that it is possible to run DIALux evo on a Mac by using virtualization software such as Parallels or Fusion. Check out Google and you will find some first-hand information from users who have successfully done so. Please understand that we do not provide support for problems on Mac systems.