Lightwright Unveils Platform Overhaul, Introducing Real-Time Collaboration and New Era of Data Management

Lightwright has unveiled the upcoming launch of its completely rebuilt software platform. This release is billed as the most significant technological leap in the company's history, introducing a significant number of new features, including a new paradigm of real-time multi-user collaboration and a redesigned user experience.

The software will make its public debut next week at LDI 2025 in Las Vegas (Dec 7-9) and will be available for purchase starting in January 2026.

"One of our priorities was making the software more intuitive and easier to learn for those who are not our traditional user base," says John McKernon, partner at Lightwright. "While we continue to invest in our theatrical roots, we are excited for the opportunity this new infrastructure gives us to better support the wider lighting industry, including our friends in film/TV, live broadcast, concert touring, and Installations."

The new platform prioritizes a streamlined user experience, reducing the software's learning curve while introducing powerful new features:

Multiple users can now access and edit the same show simultaneously, eliminating the need to merge files and ensuring all collaborators have instant access to accurate data. A new UI features a native dark mode, streamlined navigation, and "at-a-glance" insights for rapid troubleshooting. Comprehensive tools for managing power distribution and cabling, including flexible diagram views, are available. A rebuilt label engine with direct support for roll printers, expanded customization, and dedicated circuit breaker labels. Expanded integration with consoles and visualizers, includes MVR export and built-in grandMA parameter calculations.

To deliver features faster and reduce the upfront cost of the platform, Lightwright is moving to a subscription model. "Real-time collaboration transforms Lightwright from a stand-alone application into a connected service," explains Sam Molitoriss, partner at Lightwright. "A subscription model allows us to release new features the moment they are ready, rather than holding them back for major upgrades."

This shift also addresses a long-standing barrier to entry. By replacing the previous near-$1,000 perpetual license with a lower-cost subscription, Lightwright is now immediately accessible to a wider audience of professionals without the heavy upfront cost.

Attendees of LDI 2025 can receive complimentary early access codes at Booth 2113. A public waitlist is available online starting today at www.lightwright.com. Owners of Lightwright 6 personal licenses are eligible for a 50% discount on annual subscriptions for their first two years. Institutional license holders are eligible for the 50% discount for their first year. To encourage a smooth transition, these offers are valid for redemption until July 1, 2026. The new platform is free for students until July 1.

Lightwright 6 will continue to function indefinitely on compatible operating systems. Bug fixes will be provided until July 1, with technical support continuing thereafter.