Lumion
Visualize ideas, refine faster with AI, and move teams and clients from concept to sign-off.
About Lumion
Lumion is real-time 3D rendering software for architects, landscape architects, and interior designers that turns CAD and BIM models into images, videos, and 360 panoramas. Its product line includes Lumion Pro for detailed visualization, Axogram for live architectural diagramming inside SketchUp, Revit, and Archicad, and Lumion Cloud for sharing renders, AI editing, and client feedback. It is developed by Act-3D in the Netherlands.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rendering speed is the most frequently praised strength in G2 reviews, letting teams iterate on design options quickly
- Easy to learn compared with general-purpose 3D renderers, with an interface aimed at architects rather than visualization specialists
- Large built-in library of 10,000+ models and materials, with especially strong nature and landscape assets
- Broad compatibility with SketchUp, Revit, Archicad, Rhino, and other CAD/BIM tools
- AI tools and Lumion Cloud review workflow are included with every plan
- Free Axogram plan and a free Lumion Pro trial, plus a 14-day refund window
Cons
- Lumion Pro is a Windows desktop app that needs a powerful GPU and high-end workstation
- Annual billing is paid upfront (€999/year for Lumion Pro), which is expensive for freelancers and small studios
- Reviewers report limited customization of materials and objects compared with V-Ray or other advanced renderers
- Project save files take up large amounts of storage
- No monthly billing option on the public plans; only 1-year and 3-year terms
Key Features
Real-time rendering
Render scenes from imported CAD or BIM models in real time and adjust context, lighting, materials, and atmosphere with immediate feedback.
10,000+ models and materials
A built-in library of objects, fine-detail nature assets, and materials with a full PBR material workflow for populating scenes quickly.
Images, videos, and 360 panoramas
Export still renders, animations with advanced animation effects, and 360 panoramas for VR-style review.
AI tools
AI image enhancer, AI material generator, and AI image upscaler, included with every Lumion plan and run in the browser.
Lumion Cloud collaboration
Upload, organize, and share renders; gather client and team feedback in context; track versions and approvals; and compare versions.
Axogram live diagramming
A plugin for SketchUp, Revit, and Archicad that creates architectural diagrams (sequence, context, section, circulation) connected to the live 3D model, with 8 styles, action shapes, and anchored annotations.
CAD and BIM compatibility
Works with SketchUp, Revit, Archicad, Rhino, AutoCAD, FormIt Pro, Allplan, Vectorworks, BricsCAD, and 3ds Max.
Team project merging
Merge team project files so several people can work on parts of the same visualization.
Floating seat licensing
Pro Floating licenses float across computers and team members, with 24/7 premium support.
Pricing
- Live diagramming plugin for CAD/BIM
- Styles and style mixer
- Action shapes and annotations
- Up to 5 saved diagram views
- Renders up to Full HD (watermarked)
- AI tools and Lumion Cloud collaboration
- Billed upfront at €259 per year
- Unlimited saved diagram views
- Renders up to 4K
- No watermark
- AI tools and Lumion Cloud collaboration
- Billed upfront at €999 per year (€67/mo on a 3-year plan)
- 10,000+ models and materials
- Full PBR material workflow
- Images, videos, 360 panoramas
- Advanced animation effects
- AI image enhancer, material generator, upscaler
- Lumion Cloud collaboration
- Billed upfront at €1,299 per year
- All Lumion Pro features
- Floating seat usable on multiple computers
- Share across teams
- 24/7 premium support
- For practices with 10+ users
- Volume licensing options
- Premium support and onboarding
- Tailored terms and setup
Best For
Client presentation renders
Architects turn SketchUp or Revit models into photorealistic stills and walkthrough videos for concept reviews and client sign-off.
Landscape and urban visualization
Landscape architects and urban planners use the detailed nature assets to show planting, terrain, and public space in context.
Design explanation diagrams
Teams use Axogram to build circulation, context, and sequence diagrams that stay linked to the live BIM model as the design changes.
Remote review and approvals
Studios share renders and VR panoramas in Lumion Cloud, collect comments, and track version approvals with clients and consultants.
Architecture education
Students and schools use Lumion to learn visualization alongside CAD and BIM coursework.
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