> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightact.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightact.com/dmx/dmx-in/controlling-timelines-with-dmx.md).

# Controlling Timelines with DMX

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/kWlEDnaGiUjDCCw8SMMH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Every timeline has a set of properties related to DMX. They are visible in the Properties window.

Similarly to how Layer's are controlled with DMX, the first properties you will want to set are the Universe and the starting Channel that will control a particular Timelines.

<figure><img src="/files/NIlDTPf9xkcB7HgT3ked" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The easiest way to set Universe and Channel properties of a Timeline is to drag from the channel to the properties button of the Timeline.

## DMX Personality of a Timeline

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/JhKWc6DJJHmxd1z8bOSo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Every property that can be controlled with DMX takes one channel in the Timeline's footprint. Which channel it is, is determined by the Channel offset column.

### Controlling Play States

Play state of a timeline is governed by one DMX channel determined by the Timeline's starting channel and Channel offset setting.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/84RKY9cjGDxP7n9Akpel" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Which play state is going to be triggered by a particular channel value is determined by the settings in the image above (Timeline state channel value ranges). Each play state is given a particular range of values, which will trigger that state. You should make sure that these ranges do not overlap.

### Triggering Cues

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/o4Gyb8IEj47Ve9W2AUCL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Each Cue, be it a Section or Marker, has three Cue numbers (X, Y and Z).

<div><figure><img src="/files/TcWRPGyZMR9eSUl6eOYj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/TAJ5jsLNy9AKjMhM19ud" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

And each Timeline has 3 DMX channels devoted to Cue triggering.

How Cue triggers work is that if the values of those 3 DMX channels match the CueX, CueY and CueZ values of a particular Cue, that Cue is going to be triggered.

### Exporting DMX Personality of a Timeline

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/WPhCekCCAS1lJQEiAmLG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

To export a GDTF Personality of a Timeline, use **Export GDTF** button.


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