We deliver solutions to your requirements

AutoSTAGE is an efficient tool for the cost-effective and easy creation of professional CAD plans, engineering designs and visual images for trade shows, exhibitions, theatres, events and live entertainment venues.

AutoSTAGE provides the technical simulation of reality. This is based on an extensive library of over 20,000 2D and 3D symbols in areas such as lighting, audio, video, stage, trusses, rigging, studio and theatre as well as banquet and catering.

An integral component of AutoSTAGE is the large collection of tools. This allows for designs of great accuracy in the shortest time, even with complex trussing or lighting plans.  Apart from the actual design, the clever combination of information allows a variety of other data planning functions, like stock lists for example, to be created. These can be viewed, changed and displayed at any time.

Despite the complexity of the CAD software, AutoSTAGE is suitable for CAD beginners as well. After a short training period, due to the intuitive design of AutoSTAGE, the user can create professional CAD plans without prior extensive knowledge of CAD.

AutoSTAGE is a plug-in for Autodesk AutoCAD®, which is the world's leading CAD tool for 2D and 3D design and documentation. AutoCAD® provides powerful and flexible drawing and visualization capabilities for the high-end user.


Products


AutoSTAGE 2022

AutoSTAGE 2022 is our complete package based on the latest Autodesk AutoCAD® OEM technology. You receive from us a complete package for the processing of DWG files. You do not need additional CAD software like Autodesk AutoCAD® when working with AutoSTAGE 2022.

All modules of AutoSTAGE can be used with

AutoSTAGE 2022 if necessary.

AutoSTAGE App

AutoSTAGE App is our plug-in for Autodesk AutoCAD® 2017-2022, making it the ideal tool for users already using AutoCAD®. A full version of AutoCAD® must be available, but operation with AutoCAD LT® is not possible for technical reasons.

 

All modules of AutoSTAGE can be used with

AutoSTAGE App if necessary. 



Modules


AutoSTAGE is divided into a total of 28 modules. Each module with the corresponding functions provides you with a solution for specific tasks in the respective area (or trades) of the trade show, theater and event technology.

The price for AutoSTAGE depends on the number of selected modules. This allows you to influence the price for AutoSTAGE by the number of modules selected. Likewise, you only pay for the modules and features you actually need.

If required or project-related, you can book individual modules for a defined period of time. This allows you to achieve a high level of flexibility when using AutoSTAGE with manageable and transparent costs. With our service subscription, terms of 1, 3, 6, 12 or 24 months are possible for individual modules. We offer you maximum flexibility in using different modules.

Combining different modules gives you a bundle discount. The amount of the discount depends on the number of selected modules. The bundle discount will be shown in our offer.

With AutoSTAGE you can choose from the following trades modules: 

The static calculation with Analysis is licensed separately from the other trades modules and can be used independently of specific module combinations of the trades: 

For the Analysis module, bundle discounts can not be granted.


Function Scopes


Furthermore, you have the choice between three different functionalities within each trade (except Analysis).

Basic 2D

With Basic 2D you can add 2D symbols from the AutoSTAGE Design Center into the drawing and count the added symbols.

Basic 2D is for anyone who just likes to add symbols into a drawing and might also generate a material list for dispatch.

All functions that go beyond inserting and counting 2D symbol can be found in the Expert module of the trades (modules).

3D

For a variety of symbols from the AutoSTAGE Design Center, 3D models are also available. With the 3D function scope, you can insert a 3D model of the symbol (availability provided) in addition to the 2D symbol from the basic 2D function scope and render accordingly.

The depiction depends on the viewing angle in the drawing: In the top view, 2D objects are displayed; for all other viewing angles, 3D objects are displayed.

This gives you a 2D execution plan in plan view for printing and project documentation. In all other views, you get a technical visualization that helps you with project planning or presentation to the customer.

Expert

Expert is a comprehensive collection of functions for technical planning and visualization for the design specialist in trade shows, theater and event technology.

The Expert functional scope is aimed at the technical design specialist, who creates extensive plans and technical planning and who works with a large number of planning data.



Operating Systems


AutoSTAGE  is a Windows software and works with:

For technical reasons Apple Mac OS X is not supported. Use Parallels Desktop to work with AutoSTAGE within Windows on your Mac!



System Requirements


To work smoothly your system should meet at least the following criteria: 

  • for AutoSTAGE App: full Version from AutoCAD® 2017 to AutoCAD® 2022
    (AutoCAD
    ® LT versions are not programmable and are therefore not supported)
  • minimum of 5 GB free hard drive space
  • Work in 2D
    CPU Intel® /AMD® 2 GHz >> or higher (recommended)
    4 GB RAM >> 
    or more (recommended)
  • Work in 3D
    CPU Intel® /AMD® 3 GHz >> or higher (recommended)
    8 GB RAM >> or more (recommended)
  • 1280x1024 VGA mit True Color >> or better (recommended)
  • Microsoft® Windows 10™ 64 bit
  • Microsoft® Windows 8™/8.1™ 64 bit
  • Microsoft® Windows 7™ 64 bit
  • Apple® MacBook/iMac/MacPro with Bootcamp/Parallels for Windows®
  • Microsoft® .NET-Framework 4.5
  • Attention! Only 64 bit systems are supported!

The Philosophie of AutoSTAGE


AutoSTAGE  is an application for technical planning, visualization and information modeling for trade show, theater and event technology.

What is information modeling?

It is understood that the term information modeling, among other topics, includes

  • to enter and import
  • to edit and change
  • to evaluate
  • to process and export

planning data.

What is planning data?

Examples of planning data are:

  • positions and angles of spot lights, speakers, stage elements, trusses 
  • weight and performance specifications 
  • colors, spot light numbers, DMX addresses, position and comment information
  • as well as all other data needed for a project

The graphical presentation through drawing is the best way to make our brain and mind understand the planning data in a meaningful way. Thus drawing is the graphical presentation of the planning data in a project.

AutoSTAGE is responsible for the processing and administration of the planning data. The basis for drawing with AutoSTAGE app is AutoCAD®, at AutoSTAGE 2020 the latest Autodesk AutoCAD® OEM technology is used for drawing. If you think of drawing as a car, then AutoCAD® is the "engine" and AutoSTAGE is the "body" for information modeling in trade show, theater and event technology.

AutoSTAGE achieves an exact image of reality. The basis for this is the graphical user interface of AutoCAD®. When working with AutoSTAGE, all necessary technical data for a project are generated and entered during the planning phase. Thus, even in the run-up to a project, when planning in the drawing, a realistic replication of the project is created, just as it would be executed at a later date. Changes and optimizations in the drawing are possible at any time and automatically update the corresponding material lists, planning or general information. The drawing becomes the information master, meaning the place where all technical information about the project is stored.


Working in the World of 2D and 3D


Generally, you can work with CAD (Computer Aided Design) in a 2D or in a 3D world. Both worlds have their specific advantages and disadvantages and should therefore be used according to the requirements of the project. Choosing the right world for a project must always be based on the task that needs to be done. The motto for this must be: The right tool for the job.

The 2D world is ideally suited for technical planning and design drawings for a project. The big advantage of the 2D world is the small amount of data through 2D symbols. As a result, a 2D drawing still has a good performance, even with a large number of drawing elements. By implication, 2D also means that the drawing is inevitably very technical and abstract. This is for outsiders, such as end consumer, often difficult to understand. Many people, especially inexperienced viewers, often have problems imagining an abstract 2D drawing in the real 3D world.

Through 3D modeling and visualization in the 3D world, the abstraction of the 2D world can be circumvented. The use of 3D creates a drawing that is more visually and intuitively understood and perceived as a 2D drawing. 3D drawings are not very abstract and correspond more to a natural perception of human reality. It should be noted, however, that the file size of 3D symbols is on average ten times greater than that of comparable 2D symbols. This has a big impact on the performance of a drawing: the more 3D symbols in a drawing, the more the computer has to calculate. It may be very difficult to handle a large 3D drawing that contains many 3D drawing elements.

For technical planning and design drawings, a 2D drawing is certainly the more suitable tool. But when it comes to, for example, winning a customer for a technical concept, you should work in the 3D world. The three-dimensional representation allows the natural visual experience and perception of a technical concept or design.


AutoSTAGE in 2D and 3D


With AutoSTAGE you can work both in the 2D and in the 3D world.

AutoSTAGE 2D enables technical planning and construction in the 2D world. AutoSTAGE 2D is intended for the technical planner who has to implement technical concepts in event technology. A technical planner can be, for example, the chief lighting technician, sound engineer or rigger.

AutoSTAGE 3D is used for 3D modeling and visualization to provide visual and intuitive design and planning. The three-dimensional construction with AutoSTAGE 3D allows a natural perception of the construction in the drawing. Thus, the visualizations created with AutoSTAGE 3D can be used to present or sell a technical concept.

The two modules AutoSTAGE 2D and AutoSTAGE 3D can be compared with the two sides of a medal. Each module has its specific advantages and disadvantages due to the specific characteristics of the 2D and 3D worlds. For the professional technical planning and drawing AutoSTAGE 2D is the right tool. To convince a customer of a technical concept, AutoSTAGE 3D should be used.

In doing so, a bridge between the worlds is struck with AutoSTAGE. All planning data and project information exist regardless of whether you are currently working in the 2D or 3D world. With a simple command, it is possible to create a two-dimensional engineering plan with AutoSTAGE 2D from a visualization created with AutoSTAGE 3D. Or conversely, to create a three-dimensional visualization from a two-dimensional technical planning.

User-entered planning data and planning information are always retained when switching between the two worlds. This allows maximum flexibility in the use of 2D and 3D drawings and can fully exploit the advantages of both worlds while avoiding the disadvantages.