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Lumion

Real-time 3D architectural rendering and visualization software

Desktop 3D rendering software by Act-3D B.V. that turns CAD and BIM models into photorealistic images, videos, and 360° panoramas. Used by architects and designers in 180+ countries, Lumion offers real-time GPU rendering, LiveSync bi-directional model sync with major CAD software, AI-powered upscaling and PBR material generation, and a built-in library of 6,000+ objects and materials.

Not publicly disclosed (private company) raisedMarket Leader
Founded 2010 · Hundreds of thousands of users in 180+ countries; 3 out of 4 top-100 architecture firms (Lumion official claim)
Website →← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Architects using traditional rendering pipelines spend hours exporting geometry, rebuilding materials in separate software, and waiting for long render times — often 30-60 minutes per frame. Design changes during presentations require re-export and re-render cycles that break live client review sessions. Students and smaller firms with limited budgets have historically been priced out of professional-grade visualization tools.

The Solution

Lumion provides real-time GPU-accelerated rendering directly integrated with CAD software via LiveSync plugins for SketchUp, Revit, Archicad, Rhino, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, BricsCAD, Allplan, and FormIT. Design changes appear instantly in rendered form without re-exporting geometry. AI upscaling produces outputs up to 16K resolution from standard renders in seconds. Students and faculty receive full-featured Pro licenses at no cost.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
Desktop Application (Windows)Plugin (Lumion View for SketchUp/Revit/Archicad)Web/Cloud (Lumion Cloud collaboration platform)
Integrations
SketchUpAutodesk RevitArchicadRhinoAutoCADVectorworksBricsCADAutodesk FormITAllplanLumion Cloud
Disciplines
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning
Workflows
Visualization & Presentation
Project Phases
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Marketing & Presentations
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Healthcare, Education, Institutional, Landscape, Urban Design
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:3D model from CAD/BIM software
Optional:Site survey data, Custom material textures (PBR maps), Reference photos for AI material generation
Formats:.skp, .fbx, .dae, .dwg, .dxf, .3ds, .max, .obj, .gltf, .glb
Output
What you get
Format:Photorealistic rendered images, videos, and panoramas
Fields:Still renders (JPEG/PNG/EXR), Animations/videos (MP4), 360° panoramas (equirectangular JPEG), AI-upscaled images up to 16K, Normal and depth maps
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Proprietary real-time render engine combining GPU rasterization with ray tracing (not a neural network inference model)
Accuracy:Not publicly benchmarked; real-time ray tracing may sacrifice physical accuracy vs. offline path tracers like V-Ray or Corona
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Account data retained for 1 year after subscription ends or last login; invoice/tax data retained 7 years per EU law; AI-processed images deleted immediately after output generation
Training:AI partner images are NOT used to train AI models (per Lumion privacy statement)
Compliance:GDPR compliant (EU-based company, full GDPR framework)
API
Integration
Endpoint:No public developer API available (as of research date)
Method:Not publicly documented
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Real-time design review with clients using live model-to-render sync (no re-export needed)
  • ·Rapid production of photorealistic project images and flythrough videos for design development presentations
  • ·360° panorama generation for VR walkthroughs and client immersive experiences
  • ·AI-upscaled marketing renders at up to 16K resolution for print and digital media
  • ·Student and academic visualization training with free full-featured Pro licenses
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Free 14-day trial (full Pro features); Free Student and Faculty license (full Pro features, non-commercial, annual renewal)
Pro
Lumion View: ~$229/year (lightweight real-time plugin for SketchUp/Revit/Archicad); Lumion Pro: ~$1,149/year (full desktop application)
Enterprise
Lumion Studio: ~$1,499/year (Pro + View bundle); 3-year plans save approx. 20% vs annual; Custom/volume pricing available for larger firms
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-07-08
Data Sources (9)
Fields Checked (19)
name, vendor, website, yearFounded, maturityStage, customerBase, deliveryMethod, integrations, input-formats, output-formats, privacy-gdpr, privacy-training, privacy-retention, pricing-plans, useCases, algorithm-approach, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes
Not Found (7)
funding-total, soc2-certification, iso27001-certification, api-developer-access, exact-server-regions, algorithm-accuracy-benchmarks, enterprise-exact-pricing
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.