LightWave 3D

3D modeling, animation, visual effects, simulation, and rendering software for Windows and macOS.

License: proprietary
Open source: No

Editorial review

LightWave 3D has not yet been editorially reviewed. User reviews and published field data below are unaffected — we say so rather than implying an editorial verdict.

Facts & attributes

Every value carries its evidence state. “—” means unknown — never a silent default (P-02).

Identity · Taxonomy

Tags(open-source;cloud-native): 3d animation, modeling, rendering, vfx, proprietaryVerification pending

Platform · Deployment

Delivery model(SaaS;self-hosted;desktop;mobile;embedded;managed-cloud;appliance): desktopVerification pending
Desktop apps(Windows;macOS;Linux): Windows, macOSVerification pending

Pricing · Licensing

License model(proprietary;open-source;source-available;dual-license): proprietaryVerification pending

Features · Product · Fit

Core capabilities(authoring;automation;analytics): 3D modeling, Animation, Visual effects, Simulation, Rendering, Single-application pipelineVerification pending

Audience · Use · Case

Best for(Neutral editorial summary): LightWave 3D combines modeling, animation, visual effects, simulation, and rendering in a single application for Windows and macOS.Verification pending
Primary use cases(build;monitor;automate): Visual effects and cinematic scenes, Motion graphics and broadcast graphics, Product and architectural visualizationVerification pending
Skill level(beginner;intermediate;advanced;specialist): intermediateVerification pending

Lifecycle · Versioning

Current version(1.12.3): 2026Verification pending
Maintenance status(active;maintenance;deprecated;EOL;archived): activeVerification pending

Vendor · Maintainer

Founded year(2012): 1990Verification pending
Headquarters country(US): United KingdomVerification pending
Vendor type(commercial;foundation;community;government;consortium;individual): commercialVerification pending

User reviews

Review policy

No published reviews yet.