Try Lite for free in demo mode.
Try all the features of Lite, Hobbyist, or Pro.

Which Finale 3D license is right for you?

Lite

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$149.00/year

Key Features

  • Real-time visual simulation
  • Design shows of any size
  • Create your own effects
  • Use thousands of pre-made effects
  • Export scripts for any firing system
  • Print basic reports & labels
See feature comparison
Buy Lite

Hobbyist

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$349.00/year

Everything in Lite plus...

  • Add DMX effects to shows
  • 360° view & camera animation
  • Export 720p MP4 simulation videos
  • Calculate rack quantities
  • Print more kinds of reports & labels
  • Generate SMPTE & FSK timecode
  • Connect to Finale Inventory
See feature comparison
Buy Hobbyist

$1,049.00/year

Everything in Hobbyist plus...

  • Create rack & site layout diagrams
  • Add 2D & 3D Google Maps imagery
  • Import 3D SKP & GLB Models
  • Print fully custom reports & labels
  • Export 4K MP4 simulation videos
  • Advanced addressing options
  • Company-wide effect sharing
  • Drone show visualization
See feature comparison
Buy Pro

For users with multiple computers.

Extra Machine

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$200.00/year

For teams, add more users at a discount.

Additional Hobbyist

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$299.00/year

For teams, add more users at a discount.

Additional Pro

Read More

$682.00/year

Add Pro User

FAQ

  • Lite: Ideal for those just starting out. It features a streamlined interface perfect for designing scripted shows with simple requirements.
  • Hobbyist: A great balance of features and price. It adds DMX support, video export, and tools for larger inventories and complex setups.
  • Pro: The ultimate suite for anyone who wants the best. It adds visual rack layouts, Google Maps integration, drone show visualization, custom reports & labels, and more.
Yes! All versions of Finale 3D export scripts for over 40 major firing systems. The files are properly formatted and ready to load without any modification. We also support generic CSV and Excel formats for do-it-yourself firing systems.
Finale 3D runs on most modern Windows 10 or 11 computers with at least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended). While the software works with standard integrated graphics, we recommend a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA or AMD) for the smoothest 3D performance. It also runs on Mac using Parallels or Boot Camp. For more details, see System requirements.
Yes! You can download Finale 3D to run "Demo Mode" immediately (Lite features, saving and exporting disabled). You can also click the "Start 14-day Free Trial" button at the top of this page to request a full-featured trial of the Lite, Hobbyist, or Pro version.
Yes, absolutely! You can upgrade your license at any time. Simply contact support@finale3d.com when you are ready to make a switch, and we will handle the process for you.
Currently, Finale 3D is only available as an annual subscription, paid in full once per year. We completely understand that monthly payments or installments would make budgeting easier, but for now, yearly payments are the only option.
Each license allows you to work on one computer at a time. While you can install Finale 3D on multiple computers, you are limited to moving your license between them 12 times per year. If you need to use two computers regularly (e.g., a desktop and a laptop), you can purchase an Extra Machine license. To learn about licensing options for teams, Licensing FAQ.

Feature Comparison

  • Lite

  • Hobbyist

  • Pro

Key Features
  • Real-time visual simulation

  • +

    Unlimited effects

  • My effects

  • Create/edit effects by typing Visual Descriptive Language (VDL)

  • Create custom simulations

  • Create wheels, girandolas, line rockets, and lance set pieces

  • Automatically write VDL to create a cake from a selection of single shot effects

  • Break apart cakes

  • Automatically write VDL to create a chain from a selection of shell effects

  • Create chains manually by typing VDL

  • Unlimited positions

  • Unlimited cues

  • +

    Inventory management

  • LIMITED

    Manual inventory management

  • Manual inventory management

  • Import effects and inventory quantities from a spreadsheet, Microsoft Access database, or Show Director EFX file.

  • Finale Inventory integration

  • Requires Finale Inventory subscription

  • Requires Finale Inventory subscription

  • Offline effect databases

  • Shared company effects list

  • Requires 2 users

  • Import effects from Finale Business HBS files

  • Import Quotas

  • +

    Every major firing system

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • ActionBase

  • Apex

  • Cobra

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Dance of Fire

  • Explo

  • FireByWire

  • FireCTRL

  • Fire Control G2

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • FirelinxLT

  • Firemaster

  • FireOne

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Fire Pioneer

  • fireTEK

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Galaxis

  • Jingduan

  • Megafire

  • Merlin

  • Mongoose

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Piroshow

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Pirotex

  • PryoDigiT

  • Pyrodigital
    View documentation →

  • LIMITED

    Export only, no panel download

  • Export or download to panel

  • Export or Download to panel

  • Pryodigy

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • Pyroleda

  • Pyromac

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • PyroMaster

  • Pyromate

  • LIMITED

    Export only, no panel download

  • Export or Download to panel

  • Export or Download to panel

  • Pyroneo

  • PyroSure

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • RFRemotech

  • RJ Equipamentos

  • Pyroseeking

  • PyroSoftware

  • Pyrotronix

  • LIMITED

    Pyro only, no DMX

  • StarFire

  • Generic CSV

  • Pin Board

  • Drone show visualization

  • +

    Racks

  • Add racks for show

  • Add racks individually

  • Add racks for selected events

  • Delete all racks

  • Delete and re-add racks for show

  • Create rack

  • Edit rack

  • Select events missing rack assignments

  • Clear rack assignments of selected events

  • Clear all rack assignments

  • Renumber all racks consecutively

  • Load effects with firing system addresses into racks

  • Re-load selected effects from script into racks

  • Rack counts

  • Rack diagrams (PDF)

  • +

    Reports

  • LIMITED

    5 basic report templates. PDF only

  • 33 comprehensive report templates. PDF, XLSX, TXT, CSV

  • 33 comprehensive report templates. PDF, XLSX, TXT, CSV

  • Pinboard Cue Sheet

  • Product List by Position

  • Product Totals

  • Pull Sheet

  • Wiring Script

  • Chain Specifications

  • Rack List

  • Rack Setup

  • Rack Totals

  • Safety Distance

  • Size Totals

  • Spotter Script

  • Angle Counts Per Module

  • Angle Counts Per Position

  • Angle Counts Per Rack

  • DMX Fixture Setup

  • Effect Collection Product Report

  • Modules Per Position

  • Product List By Position

  • Product List By Storage Location

  • Product List By Storage Location With Addresses

  • Product List By Storage Location With Positions

  • Product Summary Per Position

  • Rack List By Rack Cluster

  • Rack List By Rack Type

  • Setup By Module

  • Setup By Part Number

  • Setup By Position

  • Setup By Position (Finale Business Format)

  • Single-Shot Setup By Module With Pan Tilt Angles

  • Single-Shot Setup By Module With Pitch Roll Angles

  • Single-Shot Setup By Rack With Pan Tilt Angles

  • Single-Shot Setup By Rack With Pitch Roll Angles

  • +

    Labels

  • LIMITED

    15 label templates

  • 45 label templates standard labels + chain and rack labels

  • 45 label templates standard labels + chain and rack labels

  • Austab CL33 A4 25.4mm x 70mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery 5163 2in x 4in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery 5195 2/3in x 1-3/4 in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery 5260 lin x 2-5/8in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery 52671/2in x 1-3/4in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery DPS30-100 A4 29.7mm x 70mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery L4737 A4 29.6mm x 63.5mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery L7158 A4 26.7mm x64mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Avery L7160 A4 38.1mm x 63.5mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Dymo 30252 roll l-l/8in x 3-l/2in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Dymo 30252 roll rotated l-l/8in x3-l/2in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Dymo 30336 roll lin x 2-l/8in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Dymo 30336 roll rotated lin x2-l/8in

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Label Planet LP33/53 A4 22mm x 54mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Label Power LP33 A4 25.4mm x 70mm

  • LIMITED

    sorted by part number only

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • sorted by part number, address, position, or size

  • Custom reports and labels

  • Music & soundtracks

  • LIMITED

    One audio track per show, import a multi-song soundtrack created outside Finale 3D

  • Unlimited audio tracks per show, import individual songs and edit soundtracks directly in Finale 3D

  • Unlimited audio tracks per show, import individual songs and edit soundtracks directly in Finale 3D

  • +

    Timecode

  • LIMITED
  • Add SMPTE timecode to soundtrack

  • Add FSK timecode to soundtrack

  • Mute left or right audio channel during playback

  • Sync timeline to external timecode input

  • Align songs on the timeline based on their timecode

  • Analyze audio file and provide timecode statistics

  • 3D models (SKP & GLB)

  • +

    Background images & scenery

  • LIMITED

    2D backdrop images

  • 2D backdrops, sky dome & ground images, reflective water and terrain

  • 2D backdrops, sky dome & ground images, reflective water and terrain

  • Add a 2D backdrop image

  • Darken images to transform daylight into night

  • Add custom sky dome image

  • Add custom ground image

  • Add reflective water

  • Draw gentle hills

  • Draw steep hills

  • Draw giant mountains

  • Carve valleys in hills

  • Flatten hilly area into plateau

  • MP4 video export

  • LIMITED

    720p Maximum, personal (non-commercial) use only

  • 4k Maximum, unrestricted personal and commercial use

  • Long exposure photos

  • LIMITED

    Photos from front view only

  • Photos from any perspective

  • Photos from any perspective

  • 360° design view

  • 3D camera animation

  • +

    Scripting tools

  • LIMITED

    Limited

  • Insert empty cue

  • Insert effect

  • Replace effect

  • Angles > Make into fan

  • Angles > Mirror angles

  • Angles > Straighten

  • Angles > Rotate cakes 180 degrees

  • Sequences > Make into sequence

  • Sequences > Spread out evenly

  • Time adjustment > Set time

  • Time adjustment > Shift times

  • Time adjustment > Stretch duration

  • Reorder > Reverse order

  • Tracks > Set track

  • Chains > Combine as chain

  • Chains > Break apart chain

  • Chains > Set chain delays

  • Chains > Set chain angles

  • Choose effect

  • Insert multiple effects

  • Angles > Make into forward/backward fan

  • Angles > Make into zigzag

  • Angles > Invert angles

  • Angles > Tilt +5 degrees

  • Angles > Tilt -5 degrees

  • Angles > Rotate +90 degrees

  • Angles >Rotate -90 degrees

  • Sequences > Spread out accelerating

  • Sequences > Spread out with ease in/out

  • Sequences > Spread out based on effect durations

  • Letters > Make into matrix letters

  • Letters > Make into vertical letters

  • Time adjustments > Add time variance

  • Time adjustments > Speed up cadence at end

  • Time adjustments > insert minimum separation

  • Time adjustments > Re-align cues to their event time

  • Reorder > Randomize order

  • Tracks > Set track to next available number

  • Tracks > Set tracks based on groups sequentially

  • Align nearly equal effect times

  • Align at earliest effect time

  • Align at earliest event time

  • Align at latest effect time

  • Align at latest event time

  • Align event times to frame rate

  • Align effect times to frame rate

  • Hide/unhide items in script

  • Duplicate selected effect(s)

  • Duplicate into pairs

  • Duplicate into flights

  • Duplicate into chains

  • Duplicate with offsets

  • Duplicate again with same offsets

  • Group items to organize the timeline and script

  • +

    Import script functions

  • LIMITED

    Limited

  • Import scripts from Cobra CSV, Generic CSV, Finale Business HBS

  • Import scripts from Explo SHW, FireOne FIR, Galaxis GS2, Pyromate SmartShow, Pyrotronix PTX and Show Director SCX

  • +

    Export functions

  • LIMITED

    Limited

  • Export soundtracks (WAV)

  • Export any report as a PDF, XLSX, TXT or CSV file.

  • LIMITED

    PDF only

  • PDF, XLSX, TXT, CSV

  • PDF, XLSX, TXT, CSV

  • Export any window as XLSX, CSV, or TXT file

  • Export voice cues track

  • Export effects in multiple formats including Finale 3D, Finale Inventory, XLSX, CSV and TXT

  • Export script as Show Director CSV

  • Export all show data tables as combined CSV

  • +

    Addressing

  • LIMITED

    30 sorting options + 1 wiring option for modules

  • LIMITED

    Wiring options limited by lack of graphical rack layout

  • Limitless sorting options, wiring options for modules, stats, pins and racks

  • Allow multiple e-matches on each pin

  • Choose start module

  • Lock & unlock addresses

  • Re-address selected positions

  • Fill down addresses in script window

  • Set custom module specification

  • Universes (unique firing systems)

  • Sections (set of positions that share modules)

  • Multiple module types

  • Create addressing blueprint

  • Edit addressing blueprint

  • Address show using single blueprint

  • Address show using blueprints assigned to positions

  • Multi-lingual support

Workflow & Productivity Features
  • Show startup template

  • Window layout presets

  • LIMITED

    1 window layout, no custom presets

  • 3 built-in layouts + 3 custom presets

  • 3 built-in layouts + 3 custom presets

  • Custom table layouts

  • LIMITED

    No custom table layouts

  • Unlimited custom table layouts

  • Unlimited custom table layouts

  • Print batches of PDF reports, labels, & diagrams

  • Update Per-show effects

  • Paste clipboard into effects window, add or update

  • Delete unreferenced Per-show effects

  • Custom Effect collection presets

  • +

    Inventory productivity features

  • Copy on hand quantities to quotas

  • Copy available quantities to quotas

  • Subtract used quantities from available

  • Subtract used quantities from quotas

  • Break apart assortment quotas

  • Clear quotas

Editing Features
  • Unlimited Undo/Redo

  • Cut, Copy and Paste, Select all

  • 7 'Paste special' commands for events, songs and models

  • 5 'Select special' commands for events and positions

Show Settings
  • Set show information

  • Set show duration

  • 5 Effect time formats

  • 8 Timeline snap-to resolutions

  • 4 Angle format conventions

  • Display addresses with dash between rail and pin

  • 11 Position layout snap-to resolutions

  • 10 Cue flag and script row color mapping options

  • 4 Module counts and pin warning dot label options

  • 7 Pin counts on positions label options

  • 4 Module counts on position label options

  • Hide trajectory dots when not selected

  • Draw trajectory dots instead of effect simulations

  • Draw chains on timeline as multiple rows

  • Hide playback clock

  • Snap cues and events

  • Disable speed of sound delay

  • Disable price indicator in design view

  • Loop playback

  • Automatically create position groups

  • Hide all position rulers

  • Hide position arrow in rack layout view

Position Features
  • Add a position

  • Rename positions

  • Add multiple positions simultaneously

  • Rotate and orient positions in any direction

  • Straighten line of positions

  • Lengthen or shorten line of positions

  • Scale arrangement of positions

  • Project positions on their down axis to nearest surface

  • Raise positions to match the highest

  • Set position heights

  • Raise position heights

  • Arrange positions into a line, circle, square or grid

  • Select next position

  • Select previous position

  • Select positions by name

  • Create position group

  • Lock positions in place

  • Hide position name labels

  • Fix position names (invisible effects)

  • Render settings

  • 9 different currency symbols

  • Chain price is for entire chain

  • Chains count as one in 'used' and 'quantity' columns

  • Show ruler distances in feet instead of meters

  • Use A4 page size for all reports and diagrams

  • Easy racks settings

  • Set click action for effects window

  • Set click action for other windows

  • Set timeline playback scrolling margin

  • Set timeline right margin for editing

  • Set timeline response for clicking row in script

  • Turn voice cues ON for playback

  • One voice cue per track

  • Disable UI sound effects

  • Paste events with rail, pin, and rack addresses

  • Use 'cost' instead of 'price' for total amount shown in 3D view

  • Swap insert empty cue and play keys (i and space)

  • Add racks with smallest on the left

  • Disable automatic rack part number annotations

  • Reverse tube loading order on alternating racks

  • Hide cue flags entirely unless selected or hovered over

  • Hide cue flag numbers unless selected or hovered over

  • Timeline waveform uses flat colors