LightBuddy

Lighting Control Reimagined

LightBuddy

Professional lighting control software for live events, installations and productions. Available for macOS and Windows.

Pricing
Free
1 universe
Standard
2 universes
Professional
Unlimited
LightBuddy desktop interface with fixture controls and live playback tools

Software Features

Easy to use, but packed with functunality

LightBuddy programmer workspace with fixture groups and attributes

Programming

Build looks quickly with groups, palettes and live attribute editing, keeping the everyday programming workflow in one view.

 LightBuddy customisable layout views with docked panels and workspace controls

Customisable Layouts

Arrange the workspace around the job in front of you, keeping programming, playback and setup tools visible when they matter.

 LightBuddy cue list editor with timing and playback controls

Cue Lists

Sequence looks with timings and playback controls, making repeatable shows easier to run without manually stepping every change.

 LightBuddy MIDI mapping screen with controller assignments and input mapping

Midi Mapping

Connect physical controllers to LightBuddy actions, giving faders, buttons and knobs direct access to live show control.

 LightBuddy effects engine with waveform and attribute controls

Effects Engine

Create movement, colour and intensity effects from structured controls, then reuse them across looks instead of programming every step.

 LightBuddy pixel mapper with layers and mapped output preview

Pixel Mapper

Map layouts, layer visual generators and preview output before sending data, giving LED and matrix looks a faster design loop.

 LightBuddy DMX output routing screen

DMX Output

Route universes to Art-Net or sACN from the same workspace, so output setup stays visible alongside the show.

 LightBuddy fixture editor with channel and mode controls

Fixture Editing

Create and tune fixture personalities inside the app, so custom channels, modes and defaults stay with the show file.

 LightBuddy GDTF Share import screen

GDTF Share Import

Pull fixture definitions from GDTF Share or local files to reduce setup time and avoid rebuilding common profiles by hand.

 PocketBuddy mobile control interface connected to LightBuddy

PocketBuddy

Use a phone or tablet as a local remote for playback and checks, keeping control close while you move around the venue.

Live control

Programming

Program looks from one focused workspace, with fixture selection, groups, attributes and live output feedback kept close together.

  • Edit dimmer, position, colour, beam and strobe values from the same area.
  • Use palettes and groups to make repeated programming faster and more consistent.
  • Keep programmer values visible so it is clear what is currently live or pending.
  • Clear or update attributes deliberately to avoid accidental output changes.
  • Move from rough looks to cue-ready states with fewer context switches.

Workspace control

Customisable Layouts

Shape the LightBuddy workspace around the way you work, with layouts that keep the right tools visible for programming, setup and operation.

  • Arrange panels for programming, playback, fixture setup, output and monitoring.
  • Switch between focused views for building shows, rehearsing and operating live.
  • Make better use of laptops, desktops and external displays without changing the show file.
  • Keep dense controls accessible while reducing visual clutter for the current task.
  • Return to familiar workspace views quickly when moving between show workflows.

Playback

Cue Lists

Turn programmed looks into repeatable sequences with timing, playback and organisation built around live operation.

  • Store show moments as ordered cues that can be replayed consistently.
  • Set fade and timing values for smoother transitions between looks.
  • Organise cue lists for songs, scenes, acts or repeatable show sections.
  • Use playback controls to step through structured sequences during a show.
  • Reduce manual recreation of looks between rehearsals and performances.

Hardware control

Midi Mapping

Map MIDI controllers to LightBuddy controls so live operation can use tactile faders, buttons and knobs alongside the on-screen interface.

  • Assign controller inputs to playback, programming and show actions.
  • Build mappings around the MIDI hardware you already use.
  • Trigger cue lists or common controls without reaching for the mouse.
  • Use physical faders and buttons for faster hands-on operation during a show.
  • Keep mapped control surfaces aligned with the way each production is operated.

Movement and animation

Effects Engine

Create dynamic movement, colour and intensity looks from structured effect controls instead of programming every step by hand.

  • Build repeated movement, dimmer, colour and beam changes from reusable effects.
  • Shape effects with rate, size, phase and attribute controls.
  • Reuse effect setups across cues and playback states for consistency.
  • Experiment with motion and intensity changes while keeping control values visible.
  • Reduce repetitive manual programming for chases, sweeps and animated looks.

LED and matrix output

Pixel Mapper

Design mapped LED and matrix looks with visual layers, layout previews and output-aware controls in the same show environment.

  • Lay out pixel fixtures so visual content maps to the rig structure.
  • Layer generators and looks to build richer LED or matrix effects.
  • Preview mapped output before sending it to fixtures.
  • Blend pixel looks into programming, playback and cue workflows.
  • Create large visual changes without editing every pixel fixture individually.

Network output

DMX Output

Manage output routing from the show file so network DMX setup remains visible, repeatable and tied to the current production.

  • Route any universes to Art-Net, sACN or DMX dongle output.
  • See output configuration alongside the show instead of relying on separate notes.
  • Prepare routing for rehearsals, venues and production machines consistently.
  • Reduce setup mistakes when moving between networks or output targets.
  • Use one workspace for programming, patching and live DMX output checks.

Fixture data

Fixture Editing

Build and refine fixture profiles directly inside LightBuddy, keeping the show file practical even when a manufacturer profile is missing or needs adjustment.

  • Create custom fixture personalities without leaving the application.
  • Define channels, attributes, modes and default values for each fixture type.
  • Adjust imported fixture data when a real unit behaves differently on site.
  • Keep profile changes with the show so another machine opens the same setup.
  • Patch edited fixtures straight into the programming workspace.

Fixture library

GDTF Share Import

Import fixture definitions from GDTF Share or local GDTF files so patching starts from an established profile rather than a blank personality.

  • Search for fixture profiles from GDTF Share inside the workflow.
  • Import local GDTF files when show data is supplied with the production package.
  • Preview fixture details before adding them to the show.
  • Save time on common fixture types that already have public profiles.
  • Use imported profiles as a starting point for further editing.

Mobile remote

PocketBuddy

Use a phone or tablet as a local remote surface for checks and playback, keeping LightBuddy control available away from the main computer.

  • Control selected playback and show actions from a mobile device on the local network.
  • Walk the room while checking fixtures, positions and looks.
  • Give focused remote control to the tasks needed away from the desk.
  • Keep the main LightBuddy show running on the production computer.
  • Use a touch-friendly surface when the operator is away from keyboard and mouse.

Licensing

All of the power, less of the cost

Compare

Choose your edition

Start free, then upgrade only when your shows grow. Every edition uses the same intuitive LightBuddy workflow.

Feature Free Standard Professional
Output universes 1 2 Unlimited
Programming & playback Basic Full Full
Midi Mapping
Cue Lists
Fixture Editing
GDTF Import
Built-in Effects Engine
Pixel Mapping Engine
PocketBuddy Remote Control
Art-Net / sACN outputs 1 output universe 2 output universes Unlimited outputs & routing
Best for Learning and small rigs Small shows and regular users Larger rigs and remote control
Most Popular

Downloads

Installers

Installers are being prepared for public release.

Download for Mac Latest LightBuddy macOS installer Requires macOS Ventura 13 or later. Apple Silicon and Intel Macs supported. Coming Soon
Download for PC Latest LightBuddy Windows installer Requires Windows 10 or later. 64-bit Intel, AMD and Arm64 Windows PCs supported. Coming Soon

Support

Contact

For support, licensing transfers and beta access requests, contact the LightBuddy team.

Email Support