What is a Light Plot?

A light plot (also called a lighting plot or lighting plan) is a scale drawing of a stage and venue showing where every lighting fixture is hung, with its type, colour, channel and control address, used to build the rig. It is the lighting crew's map for the load-in.

How a light plot is made and used

A light plot comes together in stages:

  1. Venue drawing: the lighting designer starts from a scale plan of the stage and hanging positions.
  2. Fixture placement: each light is drawn in position on bars, truss or the floor, using a symbol for its type.
  3. Details: each fixture is labelled with its channel, DMX address and colour or gel.
  4. Paperwork: a channel list or hook-up sheet is produced alongside the drawing.
  5. Build: during the load-in, crew hang, cable and focus each light from the plot.

Touring acts send their light plot with the technical rider, and venues send theirs to visiting acts. Many keep these drawings with each show by sharing documents in Crescat.

Light plot vs stage plot

A light plot shows where the lighting fixtures go. A stage plot shows where the band's instruments, amps and microphones go on stage. Touring acts usually provide both.

What a light plot shows

  • Scale drawing of the stage and hanging positions
  • Each fixture's position and type, with a key to the symbols
  • Channel number and DMX address
  • Colour or gel for each fixture
  • Power and dimmer or data connections
  • Notes such as focus areas and special effects positions

Frequently asked questions

Does a light plot include the lighting cues?

No. A light plot shows where the lights are. The lighting cues, meaning what each light does and when, are kept in the lighting desk and in a cue sheet.

What software is used to draw a light plot?

Most lighting designers use CAD software, such as Vectorworks, or specialist lighting design and visualisation programs. Small shows are sometimes still drawn by hand.

Do small bands need a light plot?

Usually not. Small and mid-sized acts often use the venue's house lighting rig and simply send notes on colours and moods. A light plot is needed when an act tours its own lighting.

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