1. Install your edition and start the trial
Mac App Store: get the app from the Mac App Store, then launch it. In Account & License, choose Start Free 14-day Trial and confirm the free transaction through Apple. You need your Apple Account and an internet connection to activate it. The trial does not renew or charge automatically.
Direct Mac edition: open the DMG, move Stage Plot Forge to Applications, and launch it. Its 14-day trial starts on first opening. Existing website customers can sign in with the email used for their purchase to restore access. Download the direct edition →
Windows: open Microsoft Store, choose Install, and launch Stage Plot Forge. The 14-day trial starts on first opening, without an account.
Activate the trial or restore your purchase in the edition you installed before creating and editing. Website purchases cannot be restored in the Mac App Store edition; Apple purchases do not unlock Windows. Get help with access →
2. Explore the example and export a PDF
Choose Explore Example in the Welcome window. The example is an unsaved working copy, so you can move symbols, change production data, run preflight, and try every export without affecting a source file.
- Inspect the instruments, microphones, amplifiers, wedges, and power positions.
- Compare the plot labels with the input and monitor lists.
- Open Preflight and review the checks before export.
On Mac: open the Export menu in the toolbar, choose Stage Plot Only PDF…, then Save PDF… in the preview.
On Windows: choose File → Export PDF → Stage plot only… and save the PDF.
Open the saved PDF to check the result. You now have an example of the document you can prepare for your own show.
3. Create your own stage plot
Return to the Welcome window and choose New Stage Plot. Set the stage dimensions and audience edge, place the largest equipment first, then add performers, inputs, monitors, and requirements.
Navigate a zoomed-in plot (version 1.1.1 or later): zoom above Fit, then hold Space and drag to move the view without moving instruments. Scrolling above Fit also moves the view. On Windows, hold Ctrl while scrolling to zoom, or use the middle mouse button to pan. Choose Fit to return to the full stage; your layout and exports stay unchanged.
4. Run preflight and export
Resolve missing labels, duplicate channels, and incomplete show details. Export a vector PDF for the venue, an image for quick sharing, or CSV production lists when the receiving crew needs spreadsheet data.
5. Add a 3D presentation
Choose 3D View in the toolbar. Drag to rotate, zoom in or out, or choose Perspective, Audience or Top view. Use Reset Camera to restore the framing.
Choose Copy Share Image to paste a branded view into a message, Save PNG… to keep an image file, or PDF + 3D… to keep the technical plan on the first page and add a 3D presentation page. Return with Back to 2D to edit your layout.
Equipment heights are illustrative defaults. See a real example and the 3D View limits →
Ready to start?
Choose your Mac or Windows edition and follow its trial activation steps to try every feature free for 14 days.
Download Stage Plot Forge