Innovation Lab
The APL Innovation Lab is Austin Public Library’s digital makerspace for collaboration and creation. We are providing community access to innovate using 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 link
The digital makerspace is comprised of the Innovation Lab (Room 523) and the Innovation Lounge, 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
Reserve a Makerspace Computer
Reserve a Makerspace Computer link
The Library's Use Rules apply to the Innovation Lab (Room 523) and Innovation Lounge or when using any resources related to APL Innovate.
Reservations available for 2 hours and can be made in advance by text or online.
- For same-day reservations:
Text Austin Library Innovate to 512-898-7734 - For same-day and future reservations: Reserve Online
Innovation Lab (Room 523)
- Apple Mac Pro Tower (2)
- Room capacity: 4
- If the reserving party is more than 15 minutes late, they forfeit the reservation.
Innovation Lounge
- Apple M1 iMac (5)
- Dell Windows Desktop (8)
3D Printing
3D Printing link
Interested in 3D printing? Currently APL Innovate offers free 3D printing opportunities for all via our monthly 3D printing programs.
Additionally, Austin Public Library cardholders may request one free 3D print per month via our new 3D printing services. For more information, check out our request form.
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.
Software Available
Software Available link
We encourage you to review the Software List for the Innovation Lab (Room 523) and Innovation Lounge ahead of your visit.
Adobe Creative Cloud: A Family of Software for Multimedia Creation is available on all computers in the Innovation Lab (Room 523) and Innovation Lounge. Used for Photography, Illustrations, Graphics, Videos, Visual Effects, Music, Podcasts, Animation, etc
- Adobe Photoshop 2023: photo and art composition, editing, and sharing
- Adobe Illustrator: create vector art and illustrations
- Adobe InDesign: design and publish graphics and page layouts for print and digital media
- Adobe Premiere Pro: professional film and video editing
- Adobe XD: web and mobile voice sharing and design
- Adobe After Effects 2023: visual effects and motion graphics
- Adobe Audition: multi-track digital audio workstation
- Adobe Animate: designing vector graphics and animation for digital art projects
- Adobe InCopy: general word processing, write, edit, and design documents
- Adobe Dimension: 3D rendering and design software
- Adobe Lightroom: image organization and image processing software
- Adobe Character Animator: live motion and multitrack animation software
- Adobe Media Encoder: export videos to video sharing websites
- Adobe Dreamweaver 2021: build, design and publish websites
Software available in the Innovation Lab (Room 523)
2D Graphics Editor
- Krita
3D Modeling and Animation
- Blender
- Maxon Cinema 4D
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
Text, Draw and Import Projects
- FreeForm
Video
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
- iMovie
Software Available on the Macs the Innovation Lounge
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 Lounge
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)
Video
- Lightworks (Adobe Premiere Alternative)
APL Volumes Podcast
APL Volumes Podcast link
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.
