On September 15, Lumion officially announced that it would discontinue the development of Lumion View as a separate program and evolve it into Axogram. Axogram retains all the features introduced with Lumion View, alongside new tools focused on architectural diagramming.
This article explores the transition from Lumion View to Axogram, its new approach to architectural diagramming, and how the latest features expand real-time visualization into a broader design communication workflow.
From Lumion View to Axogram
As we explored in our January article on Lumion View, it was a plug-in for SketchUp and Revit that offered real-time visualization to designers and architects without requiring them to import the model into separate visualization software. This represented a clear move by Lumion towards integrating visualization more closely into the BIM workflow rather than focusing exclusively on visualization.
The decision to discontinue Lumion View and transfer its features into Axogram is not a complete change of direction, but rather an evolution of the software. The new application introduces more tools for architectural diagramming, designed specifically to help architects create and communicate their projects through diagrams.
The new Axogram, differently from Lumion View, is a separate plugin, while LiveSync will focus exclusively on synchronizing models with Lumion Pro.
From Live Visualization to Architectural Diagramming
Right now, the visualization software industry is mainly focusing on two different areas of development. One is AI as a tool for creating materials and supporting post-production, while the other is interoperability between different software. In between these two strategies, Lumion is taking a different approach with Axogram, introducing tools designed specifically for architectural communication.
Axogram works alongside CAD applications and helps designers transform a 3D model into a clear and expressive diagram. Users can apply different styles, materials, colors, annotations, and 3D text to the model. The idea is to connect the CAD or BIM model with Axogram in real time in order to explore different viewpoints and produce clear diagrams that can be shared and interacted with by the team or the client.
The possibilities are varied and offer different levels of detail. Designers can generate anything from simple diagrams to more detailed explanations of how a project works or behaves.
- The Sequence Diagram, for instance, shows how a design develops step by step through a sequence of images.
- The Context Diagram reveals how the project responds to nearby areas and how its surroundings are organized.
- The Section Diagrams show how spaces, levels, structures, and activities relate to each other and to the building itself.
- The Circulation Diagrams trace how people, vehicles, and services move through the area around the project.
What’s New in Axogram 26.1.8
The launch of version 26.1.8 corresponds with the announcement of Axogram and, while maintaining the features introduced with Lumion View, it also comes with some new tools.
New Interface and Workflow
Axogram comes with a completely redesigned visual identity that moves forward from the old Lumion View one.
The new interface uses a purpose-made design system featuring a new Sidebar layout, new typography, a new brand identity and logo, while the secondary interfaces have also been completely rebuilt.
The new software is built around the idea of giving users more control over diagram presentation through the introduction of different elements.
- Users can now save multiple diagrams and apply different diagrammatic styles, allowing them to change the overall treatment of the model, including colors and tinting, surface appearance, shadows, and more.
- The Style Mixer helps control the appearance of individual materials and parts of the design. Users can identify materials by clicking on a surface or select material groups directly from the model. They can then highlight objects using the selected material, apply different colors and diagrammatic textures, and add or adjust edges. The tool also allows users to review and manage previously styled materials.
- Finally, the software comes with tools such as annotations, action shapes, zones, and 3D text.
Axogram 26.1.9
Just six days after the initial release, Lumion published Axogram 26.1.9. The minor update focuses mainly on fixes, addressing font-related issues, material rendering problems, telemetry, and more precise slider controls.
A Different Role for Lumion in the Design Workflow
Lumion is moving one step earlier in the architectural communication workflow. Instead of focusing only on how a finished model is visualized, Axogram focuses on how the model can be explained and communicated during the design process.
The transition from Lumion View to Axogram therefore represents more than a change of name. By introducing dedicated diagramming tools while maintaining the real-time connection with CAD and BIM models, Lumion is expanding the role of visualization from presenting a project to helping designers explain it.
This approach places diagrams, annotations, styles, and different levels of visual abstraction alongside traditional real-time visualization. For architects and designers, the result is a workflow that can move between different ways of communicating the same project, depending on the information that needs to be conveyed.
To find out more, visit the Lumion official Site.
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– article by Giorgio D’Ambrogio
