Source-backed software comparison
Lighting Studio vs ReluxDesktop
ReluxDesktop is free professional desktop software for planning indoor, outdoor, road, sports and emergency lighting. Lighting Studio is browser-based photometric layout software focused on quick manufacturer, distributor and sales-team workflows.
Last reviewed: August 6, 2026
Quick comparison
| Decision factor | Lighting Studio | ReluxDesktop |
|---|---|---|
| Primary workflow | Preliminary layouts and branded sales reports | Professional lighting and sensor planning |
| Access | Web browser | Installed desktop software |
| Documented scope | Indoor, warehouse, parking lot, outdoor and wall-mounted workflows | Indoor, outdoor, road, sports, emergency and sensor planning |
| Product content | Tenant-specific manufacturer catalogs and IES uploads | Manufacturer data through ReluxNet and supported imports |
| Modeling emphasis | Fast input and customer communication | Standards-based planning, BIM and detailed project work |
Best fit for Lighting Studio
Lighting Studio fits organizations that want a branded, controlled layout experience around their fixture catalog. The browser workflow is convenient for distributed sales teams and for customer conversations where installing a design package would slow the process.
Its strength is the repeated first-pass workflow, not the claim that it replaces every professional planning tool.
Best fit for ReluxDesktop
ReluxDesktop is a better fit when a designer needs its broader documented planning scope, standards workflows, BIM support or detailed professional modeling. Relux describes the desktop application as free and connects it to manufacturer data through ReluxNet.
A team already using that ecosystem may prefer its depth and established desktop process, especially for projects beyond preliminary sales support.
The decision boundary
Use the required deliverable to decide. If the result is a preliminary option or branded discussion document, Lighting Studio may reduce friction. If the result must support detailed professional planning, standards analysis or BIM coordination, ReluxDesktop may be more appropriate. Higher-risk projects should receive qualified design review regardless of the first tool used.
Sources and change notice
Relux facts were reviewed against relux.com and relux.com/lighting-planning/reluxdesktop. Lighting Studio facts reflect the public product as of the review date. Features, supported formats and commercial terms can change; confirm current information with each vendor.
Frequently asked questions
Is ReluxDesktop free?
Relux currently describes ReluxDesktop as free professional software. Verify the current download, module and service terms on the official Relux site.
Does Lighting Studio run in a browser?
Yes. Lighting Studio is delivered through a web browser and does not require a desktop installation for end users.
Can Lighting Studio replace ReluxDesktop?
It can simplify some preliminary sales layouts, but it is not presented as a replacement for every detailed planning, BIM, road, sports, emergency or standards workflow in ReluxDesktop.
Related
See whether the browser workflow fits
Try Lighting Studio with a real preliminary project before deciding how it belongs in your process.