How to Create IES Files

By Matthew Burley

The free Rip3D application "IES Generator" creates Illuminating Engineering Society, or IES, files. These files are typically distributed by manufacturers of lighting materials to display how light from their products is distributed in real life. However, you might need to incorporate an IES file into your own design that does not yet exist. Using the IES Generator, it is possible to design your own IES file, which can then be used in your IES-compatible program.

Step 1

Open a Web browser window and navigate to the Downloads page at Rip3D.net.

Step 2

Click the "IES Generator 4 Software" box at the center of the window. It is the second box from the left on the bottom row.

Step 3

Click the white "Download" button in the center of the window, then save the file to your computer. The downloaded file is in the compressed .RAR file format, which requires an additional application to decompress.

Step 4

Open another Web browser window and navigate to the 7-Zip download site at 7-Zip.org.

Step 5

Click the "Download" button for your operating system at the top of the window and save the file to your computer.

Step 6

Double-click the downloaded 7-Zip file, then follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 7

Right-click the downloaded IES Generator .RAR file, click "7-Zip" and then click "Extract Here."

Step 8

Double-click the extracted "IESGen" file to launch the program.

Step 9

Click in the left side of the window and drag your mouse to draw the desired light pattern. Click "File" at the top of the window, then "Reset" if you choose to start over.

Step 10

Click "File" at the top of the window, then click "Save."

Step 11

Type a name for your IES file into the "File Name" field and click "Save."

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