Follow this article to learn about the core functionalities of Lumion, the overall workflow, and other essential topics. Ideal for those looking to quickly grasp what Lumion is all about.
So what is Lumion?
Lumion is a Visualization Software designed for creating realistic and immersive renderings, providing solutions for Architects, Landscapers, Urban Planners, and Interior Designers. It allows users to showcase and communicate Projects by transforming their models into captivating and lifelike images and videos.
Boasting a revamped Raytracing rendering engine, real-time model Import, a diverse asset Library, and a wide selection of Output options, you have all the tools and flexibility you need for seamless Project execution.
Here's how it works in 5 Simple Steps:
Step ① Import your 3D Model
You begin by integrating your 3D Models into Lumion. Models crafted using all popular 3D modeling
software (such as SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, or Rhino) can be effortlessly imported into Lumion
through traditional file import as a Compatible format or by leveraging our LiveSync plugins for
Real-Time Import.
Step ② Apply Materials
Once the model is imported, you can assign and modify Materials from Lumion's rich and varied Library
or import your own Custom Textures. It's easy to adjust all aspects of the Material, such as Reflectivity,
Roughness, and Weathering, empowering you to create visually captivating surface finishes in your models.
Step ③ Populate the Scene
After your model is all setup, it's time to fill the Scene with Objects like Characters, Furniture, Cars, Plants,
and other contextual elements from the extensive Library. You can also shape and customize the terrain
using a variety of Landscaping Tools to create a realistic, natural environment.
Step ④ Set Up Cameras and add Effects
When you are done editing the scene in Build Mode, the next step is to head over to the Output Modes
and explore different perspectives for your renderings by adding static Camera Viewpoints or dynamic
Camera Paths. Then, refine the details of your visuals by adjusting lighting and other aspects using
Lumion's broad range of Effects.
Step ⑤ Render!
Select the desired Output settings and render high-quality Photos, cinematic Movies, or interactive
Panoramas for presentations or sharing with clients and stakeholders. It's that easy!
Now that you've learned how Lumion works, here's all you need to know to get things up and running:
To run Lumion you'll need:
① A PC that meets the System Requirements
For starters, you'll need a Computer or Laptop with a dedicated Graphics Card with recent drivers, a CPU that is fast enough for that graphics card, and at least 32GB of RAM, as it heavily relies on real-time rendering and large 3D models. For desktop PCs, it's important to have a suitable Power Supply as well.
Additionally, a compatible Operating System (Windows), a monitor with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080, and sufficient Storage Space are necessary to download, install, and run the software effectively.
When Lumion is started for the first time, a Benchmark will run automatically that will indicate how suitable your hardware is for the software. It's simple: the longer the bars are, the better Lumion will perform.
Note: While working in Lumion, Imported Models, Custom Materials, and other important Project data will be automatically stored by default in the Documents/Lumion folder on your PC. However, this can be changed at any time directly via the Lumion Settings > System screen.
② A License Key and Lumion Account
Once you've confirmed your PC is capable of running Lumion, you'll need a License Key and a Lumion Account to download and install the software.
There are different types of License Keys :
Commercial License Keys
These are Subscription-based and came in two Editions:
- Lumion Pro: Includes all features and content.
- Lumion Standard (no longer a separate product, automatic upgrade (free ) to Lumion Pro with release of Lumion 2025.0, 29 April 2025): Comes with 1/3 of the Lumion Library , limited render Effects , and features.
To see the exact differences between versions, click here.
Subscription License Keys provide access to the latest version of Lumion for the duration of the selected period (1 or 3 Years). They are Floating licenses, which means they can be installed on as many PCs as you own, however, only one instance of Lumion can be started per License Key Seat.
Educational Licenses
These are meant to be used for educational purposes and are only available in certain regions. There are two Editions:
- Lumion Student: For individual Students. Lasts for 1 Year.
- Lumion Faculty: For University Labs. Last 3 Years.
Trial License Keys
In certain countries, companies can request a Free 14-day Trial version of Lumion for evaluation purposes. Project files created in this version can be loaded in the full commercial version of Lumion but only on the PC on which the file was created.
After you have purchased or requested a license, you will receive a Getting Started with Lumion email.
You can then create a Lumion Account where you will find your License Key number and an Activation Code, which you'll need to Download and install Lumion.
The license will be automatically registered if you created the account with the same email that was used to place the order. Otherwise, you can register it manually.
Once you have a license registered, you'll get access to the Lumion Installer .
Lumion can also be Deployed Silently on multiple PCs at once. It's worth noting that the download and installation process requires Administrator permissions and sufficient free storage space.
After Lumion is installed, you are ready to go. The Welcome screen will notify you if there are any Updates available.
They can easily be downloaded and installed with the click of a button, ensuring you are always up to date and enjoying the Latest Features.
Lumion is designed to be as simple as possible for new users and made in a way so that someone can easily self-learn.
It even has Built-in Tutorials, as well as preconfigured Templates for scenes and Effects to help minimize the already-short learning curve. With these, you can easily have Photos and Clips ready for rendering.
There's also an extensive Knowledge Base that covers common questions on the software and troubleshooting solutions.
Here is our starting guide to point you in the direction of available learning resources:
- Knowledge Base: How can you learn to use Lumion?
To take your Lumion skills to the next level, we recommend watching Tutorials keeping an eye out for our insightful Blog Posts, and connecting with the Lumion Community.
Tutorials
For beginners, we recommend watching this short tutorial video:
This is a how-to guide that provides a general overview of the software and shows how to create your first quality render in Lumion.
If you have more time to spare, watch this one as well:
It's a 20-minute video that will take you through the entire software, covering Navigation, Materials, Content Library, Output Modes, and more.
And for a complete guide on how to create impacting renders from scratch, watch this video by Show It Better:
Our Support Team is available 24/7 on weekdays with limited coverage on weekends. It consists of friendly, qualified technical and architectural experienced people from around the world in different Time Zones.
The team will provide quick and efficient responses via our email support system, helping you resolve questions or problems with the software as well as valuable rendering advice.
- If you need help with the software, contact Technical Support.
- If you have questions related to your Lumion Account , License Key , or payment issues, contact Sales.
- For onboarding and demos, contact Customer Success.
You can also get help in other languages from our official Lumion Partners.
If you are ready to work with Lumion, use this article to help you get started:
- Knowledge Base: Do you have a Getting Started checklist?
See Also:
