Innovation Lab
APL Innovate is Austin Public Library’s digital makerspace for collaboration and creation. We provide community access to state-of-the-art computer hardware and software to create digital content such as:
- podcasts
- videos
- 3D renderings
- music
- content creation
From Apple to Windows, Adobe to Audacity, APL Innovate gives you the tech tools to polish your digital content and upskill your digital craft.
- Innovation Lab Frequently Asked Questions
- Check out our upcoming programs.
After you visit, tell us what you #MadeAtAPL
Location & Hours
Location & Hours
The digital makerspace is comprised of the Innovation Studio (Room 523) and the Innovation Lab, both located on the 5th floor of the Central Library.
Address
Central Library - 5th Floor
710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, Texas 78701
Google Map | Parking
Operating Hours
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 AM - 7 PM
Friday - Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Please contact the Library's Makerspace staff with any questions:
512-974-7442
apl-innovate@austin.tx.libanswers.com
Copy link to sectionReserve a Makerspace Computer
Reserve a Makerspace Computer
The Library's Use Rules apply to the Innovation Studio (Room 523) and Innovation Lab or when using any resources related to APL Innovate.
Innovation Lab
Computers in the Innovation Lab are available on a first-come, first-serve basis during Innovate's hours of operation. No reservations are needed to use the Innovation Lab.
- Apple M1 iMac (4)
- Dell Windows Desktop (8)
Innovation Studio (Room 523)
- Apple Mac Pro Tower (2)
- Room capacity: 4
- If the reserving party is more than 15 minutes late, they forfeit the reservation.
The Innovation Studio is available by reservation. Drop-in use is accepted in the event of an empty or forfeit reservation.
Reservations are available for 2 hours. You can make a studio reservation by using our reservation portal.
Copy link to section3D Printing
3D Printing
Interested in 3D printing? Currently APL Innovate offers free 3D printing opportunities for all via our monthly 3D printing programs.
Additionally, Austin residents with a full access library card in good standing may request one free 3D print per month via our new 3D printing services. For more information, check out our request form. Note: due recent high demand, print jobs may take longer than expected.
Don't have a library card? Read more about how to get a library card. Otherwise, check out our program calendar to find an upcoming 3D printing program.
If you have questions about our 3D printing services, don't hesitate to send us an email at apl-innovate@austin.tx.libanswers.com.
Copy link to sectionSoftware Available
Software Available
We encourage you to review the Software List for the Innovation Studio (Room 523) and Innovation Lab ahead of your visit.
Select applications from the Adobe Creative Cloud are available on all computers in the Innovation Studio (Room 523) and Innovation Lab. Used for Photography, Illustrations, Graphics, Videos, Visual Effects, Music, Podcasts, Animation, etc
- Adobe Premiere
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe InCopy
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Media Encoder
Software available in the Innovation Studio (Room 523)
2D Graphics Editor
- Krita
3D Modeling and Animation
- Blender
Audio
- Ableton 11
- Audacity
- GarageBand
- Logic Pro
- Reaper
Game Development
- Unity
Game Engine
- Unreal Engine (Epic Games Launcher)
Graphic Design and Photography
- Gimp
Streaming
- OBS: Open Broadcaster Software
Video
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
- iMovie
Software Available on the Macs the Innovation Lab
2D Graphics Editor
- Krita
3D Modeling and Animation
- Blender
Audio
- Audacity
- GarageBand
- Reaper
Game Development
- Unity
Graphic Design and Photography
- Gimp
- Photopea (Adobe Photoshop Alternative)
Text, Draw and Import Projects
- FreeForm
Video
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
- iMovie
- Lightworks (Adobe Premiere Alternative)
Software Available on the Windows Desktops in the Innovation Lab
2D Graphics Editor
- Krita
3D Modeling and Animation
- Blender
Audio
- Audacity
Game Development
- Unity
Game Engine
- Unreal Engine (Epic Games Launcher)
Graphic Design and Photography
- Gimp
- Photopea (Adobe Photoshop Alternative)
APL Volumes Podcast
APL Volumes Podcast
The podcast for book lovers, APL Volumes, is produced and edited in the Innovation Lab. New episodes have been released on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other podcast platforms since March 2023.
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