Released in early 2020, DIALux evo 9 introduced a redesigned documentation workflow featuring a project-centric tree structure, integrated room lists, and enhanced calculation stability. The version overhauled report generation and improved BIM/CAD data exchange while utilizing photon mapping for complex lighting simulations. For more details, visit DIALux. DIALux evo 9 Tutorial: New documentation
DIALux evo 9 is a powerful, free, and industry-standard tool for professional lighting design. Its new hybrid calculation engine, enhanced outdoor tools, and BIM readiness make it suitable for projects ranging from single-room lighting to large-scale urban infrastructure. While it lacks native macOS support and has a learning curve, its zero-cost model and continuous updates from DIAL GmbH ensure it remains the go-to solution for lighting designers worldwide.
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Software version reviewed: DIALux evo 9.0.4 (latest as of report date)
Redefining Lighting Documentation: What’s New in DIALux evo 9 dialux evo 9
The release of DIALux evo 9 marked a significant milestone for lighting designers, focusing heavily on streamlining the transition from complex technical simulations to professional, client-ready documentation. While newer versions like DIALux evo 13 are now available, version 9 introduced the foundational "Documentation 2.0" workflow that remains central to the software's modern identity. A Complete Documentation Overhaul
The most prominent change in version 9 was the complete redesign of the project documentation. The software moved away from a rigid, page-by-page setup to a more flexible, visual-centric approach.
Revised Project Mode: A new dedicated project mode allows users to input global information—such as project names, descriptions, and participant contact details—in one central hub. Released in early 2020, DIALux evo 9 introduced
Visual Enhancements: Documentation now features larger fonts, more attractive cover pages, and better-structured project trees.
Integrated Room Lists: Designers can now generate a compact room list for an entire story, eliminating the need to create separate output pages for every individual room. Interactive Design Tools
Beyond reporting, DIALux evo 9 introduced tools to help designers refine their projects in real-time. 9) Evaluate results
Light Visualization Tool: A standout feature is the "show light visualization" tool. It allows users to see the light output of a single selected luminaire instantly. This is particularly useful for aiming adjustable downlights or track spots without waiting for a full project calculation.
Multi-Scene Management: Users can now select or deselect multiple light scenes directly within the project tree, removing the tedious need to switch back and forth between the light scenes tool and the documentation view.
Layout Alternatives: Many output pages now offer flexible layout options, allowing designers to combine images, value charts, and isoline curves into a single, cohesive floor plan view. Stability and Performance
To improve reliability with large-scale projects, DIALux evo 9 transitioned its internal graphic handling from vector to raster graphics. While this may lead to slightly larger PDF file sizes, it significantly increased the software's stability during the export process. Users can still manage file sizes by adjusting image quality settings before saving. Educational Impact
Since its release, DIALux evo 9 has been widely adopted in academic and professional studies to optimize energy consumption and visual comfort. Its simulation accuracy has been used to analyze everything from architectural studios to pedestrian path lighting, proving its versatility across different lighting standards.