Fixture Editor
Last updated
Last updated
Fixture Editor is a tool for creating virtual models based on physical lighting fixtures. These models are typically used for texture mapping, in projects where transmitting DMX lighting data is key.
You can find the DMX Fixture Editor window under Tools -> Fixture Editor, under the DMX section.
Fixture Editor has two main parts. The left-hand part is meant for visualization, while the right-hand part is meant for managing and customizing your fixtures.
To create a new fixture, click Create new button under the fixtures section. Next, give the fixture a valid name and click Create.
If you now expand the dropdown menu named Templates, you should be able to see the newly created fixture, along with all other fixture templates. The fixture chosen in the Template dropdown will be visualized on the left-hand side of the Fixture Editor.
Once you have selected a fixture in the dropdown menu, a few new sections on the right-hand side of the window will appear, displaying properties unique to the selected fixture.
In the General properties section, you can enter some basic information about your physical lighting fixture.
Under Pixel properties, you can select one of many pre-determined Pixel types. If your physical lighting fixture has a configuration different from the ones suggested, you can choose Custom pixel type and apply the suitable pixel formation.
In the Fixture properties section, you can choose a pixel Arrangement that fits your physical fixture, such as Grid, Circle or Custom.
With Custom Arrangement, you have the option to add, move or remove pixels from the Fixture Model. To add a pixel, either double click somewhere on the Fixture model or choose Add pixel from the right-click menu. To move a pixel around, simply click on it and drag it to the desired location. Finally, you can delete a pixel by right-clicking on it and choosing Delete pixel.
Each physical lighting Fixture is made up of multiple LEDs, or pixels. These LEDs are arranged in some kind of order, often determined by the wiring of the Fixture itself.
Similarly, in our virtual Fixture model, each grey dot represents a Pixel. As our last task, we have to specify in what order we will transport Fixture pixel values via the network, so we correctly map each Pixel value from our virtual Fixture model to its corresponding LED of the physical lighting Fixture.
To connect the pixels of your Fixture manually, right-click on it, select Manual connect, and then Start. Click on each Pixel individually to include it in the connection. If you need to disconnect the most recently connected pixel, press Backspace.
Depending on the kind of pixel Arrangement you have chosen under Pixel properties section, you may get the option to Smart connect, where LightAct will automatically connect all pixels for you.
In the case of a Grid arrangement, there are 4 available patterns where R means right, L means left, DL is down left and DR is down right.
With Circle pixel arrangement, Smart connect will offer a Clockwise or Counterclockwise connection order.
Under the Fixtures section, you will find a few options available for Fixture Model management.
Always make sure to click Save after you are done customizing your Fixture model. Otherwise, you might lose all your progress upon closing the program.
