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Innovation Lab

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Reserve a Computer

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.

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

apl-innovate@austin.tx.libanswers.com

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. 

  1. For same-day reservations:
    Text Austin Library Innovate to 512-898-7734
  2. 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 via monthly 3D printing programs. Check out our program calendar to find an upcoming 3D printing program.

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)