Lumion
Dutch real-time rendering tool that connects to CAD and BIM models for images, animations and panoramas
Quick Overview
| Company | Act-3D B.V. |
|---|---|
| Category | 3D Modeling and Rendering Software |
| Headquarters | Sassenheim, Netherlands, Netherlands |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Netherlands (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated on the pages checked |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | LiveSync plug-in, real-time ray tracing preview, asset library, images, animations and 360 panoramas, Lumion Cloud, AI upscaler |
| Pricing | See lumion.com (pricing page not readable in server-rendered text) |
| Best For | Architects and designers who need quick visuals from CAD or BIM models |
| Replaces | Autodesk 3ds Max visualisation, Maya for architectural scenes |
Detailed Review
Lumion turns a CAD or BIM model into images, animations and 360 panoramas. The product page lists real-time ray tracing updates for light, reflections and shadows, and a free LiveSync plugin for live connection to tools such as SketchUp and Revit.
The EULA is that of Act-3D B.V., a Dutch company registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (27343208), and the terms of service state that the customer's relationship is with Lumion B.V. under Dutch law.
Workflow
Users import a model, add terrain, nature and objects from an asset library, apply effects, then render and upload to Lumion Cloud to share with teams and clients. The page also lists an AI image upscaler up to 16K.
Two Dutch entities named
The EULA names Act-3D B.V. and the privacy statement says Act-3D sells under the name Lumion, while the terms of service mention Lumion B.V. Both are Dutch; ask which one invoices you.
Scope
Lumion is a visualisation tool built on existing models. Detailed modelling is done in the source CAD or 3D tool, for example Shapr3D.
Limitations to Consider
Lumion is not a modelling application, so you need a source model from another tool. Price was not readable in the server-rendered page text, and the documents name both Act-3D B.V. and Lumion B.V.
Who Should Use Lumion
Architecture and design teams that want fast real-time visuals from existing models under a Dutch contract.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dutch contracting entity
- LiveSync with CAD and BIM tools
- Real-time ray tracing preview
- Cloud sharing for reviews
- Images, animation and panoramas
Cons
- Needs a model from another tool
- Price not shown in checked text
- Two Dutch entity names in documents
- Focused on architecture
Alternatives to Lumion
Other European 3d modeling and rendering software worth comparing before you decide:
Blender
Netherlands · Free open source 3D suite for modelling, sculpting, animation and rendering
Cinema 4D
Germany · Motion graphics and 3D suite from Maxon, with Redshift rendering
V-Ray
Germany · Production renderer that plugs into CAD and DCC software
Shapr3D
United Kingdom · Direct 3D modelling for desktop and iPad with a free plan
See all European 3d modeling and rendering software or compare them directly against Autodesk 3ds Max visualisation on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Its EULA is issued by Act-3D B.V. of Sassenheim, the Netherlands, and the terms of service apply Dutch law.
No, it renders models from CAD or BIM tools.
Yes, through Lumion Cloud as described on the product page.