The Unofficial Lightforge Wiki - User contributions [en]

Training Videos

2022-08-27T17:01:33Z

LightForge:

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWw21A5CZ-g YouTube: Timeline and Cues Tutorial]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UKlHVrhlbw YouTube: Palettes Tutorial]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R51bpMXKxR8 YouTube: Effects Tutorial]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWw21A5CZ-g YouTube: Timeline and Cues Tutorial]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Ryo-av0x8 YouTube: Lightforge Groups Panel and Patching Tutorial]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F__Pl9FdWgw YouTube: Attributes Panel]
* [[Detailed Lightforge Training]]
[[Category:LightForge]]

Training Videos

2022-04-19T00:55:11Z

LightForge: +cat

Timeline Panel

2022-04-19T00:55:07Z

LightForge: +cat

All lighting cues in Lightforge are created on a timeline, this allows you to easily, and visually adjust your cue timing, fades, and effects. With Lightforge you can also add an audio track to easily write cues that are synchronized to music, or live bands using click tracks. This allows you to create cuelists at an unprecedented speed. You can also see how your various effects are tracking through your cuelist.

==Time Scales==
===Time===
The default time scale in Lightforge is "Time". This measures your progression through time in hours, minutes, and seconds.

===Beats===
The Beats time scale allows you to specify a tempo (beats per minute), and number of beats per measure. You can then record your cues and set your timings to this time scale. Adjusting your tempo will automatically scale the playback of your cues and effects to the new tempo. You can enable beats mode by clicking on the "Beats" toggle button in the time section of the Timeline panel. Once selected you can adjust your tempo by clicking the "bpm" button below the "Beats" button

==Cues==
===Important Concepts===
By default, cues in Lightforge function in a '''tracking system'''. What this means is that for each cue you create the only thing that is being saved is the changes since your last cue. In short, if you turn a light on, it stays on until you tell it to turn off in a later cue. It's important to understand this because there are various positive and potentially negative ramifications to this approach.

'''The Positive:'''
If you forgot to add something into your show and it's supposed to be in every cue, all you have to do is add it to the first cue, and it will track through the rest of your cues until it's told to do otherwise.

'''The Negative:'''
If you want to add something to a single cue you will need to remove it in the following cue otherwise it will continue tracking throughout the rest of your show.

In general the tracking approach creates simpler shows, with less to manage. Instead of having to look through every channel on a cue to make an adjustment you only need to deal with what has been changed in that particular cue.

===Cue Attributes===
*'''Cue Length'''
*:The length of a cue is adjusted by clicking and dragging on either the left or right edge of a cue.

*'''Fade In'''
*:You can adjust your fade in time by clicking and dragging on the upper left corner of a cue.

*'''Fade Out'''
*:You can adjust your fade out time by clicking and dragging on the upper right corner of a cue.

*'''Moving Cues'''
*:To rearrange a cue, click on the middle of the cue and drag it to where you would like it to go. When you release the cue all other cues will snap into position around it.

*'''Nesting'''
*:You can nest cues inside one another by dragging a cue below another cue.

*'''Subdivide'''
*:Subdivide takes an existing cue, and creates two nested cues inside of itself. You can subdivide a cue by right clicking on it and selecting subdivide.

*'''Collapse'''
*:Collapse flattens the nested structure of the selected cue. You can collapse a cue by right clicking on it and selecting collapse.

*'''Load Held Values'''
*:Double clicking a cue will copy the cue values back onto the rig in the state they were saved in.

==Cue Types==
*'''Hold'''
*:When playback reaches a cue set as a hold cue playback will stop and wait for the user to start the next cue

*'''Follow'''
*:When playback reaches a follow cue it continues playback.

*'''Tracking'''
*:This is the default cue type, it uses the tracking system to combine the changes made in this cue with changes made in previous cues.

*'''Non-Tracking'''
*:Non-Tracking cues take a snapshot of the overall look created by all cues at this point in time. A non-tracking cue will maintain it's values regardless of changes made to cues before it.

==Audio==
The audio track allows you to load in audio files for synchronizing cues to music. Audio files are manipulated in the same manner as cues with the exception of there being no fade ins or outs on audio tracks. Audio tracks do not rescale on changing of tempo in beats mode.

==Command Markers==
Command markers allow you to execute commands as playback passes a certain point in time.

===Positioning Modes===
Command markers have two different positioning modes. These are chosen individually on markers by right clicking the marker and checking or unchecking “Relative”.

* '''Relative Positioning:'''
*:When set to relative (default), changes in cue timings will automatically shift marker positions with the cues.

*'''Absolute Positioning'''
*:When set to absolute, cue timing will not affect markers.

===Command Marker Types===

*'''Go To Time:'''
*:Goes to the specified time and continues playback.

*'''Pause:'''
*:Pauses at the marker time.

*'''Midi Show Control:'''
*:Executes a [[Midi Show Control]] command.

==Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts==
{{Section Link |Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts |Timeline Panel}} 

==Training Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWw21A5CZ-g YouTube: Timeline and Cues Tutorial]
[[Category:LightForge]]

Submasters Panel

2022-04-19T00:55:04Z

LightForge: +cat

[[File:Submaster.jpg |thumb |right]]
[[Submasters Panel]] allows you to record intensity information from multiple groups and fixtures at different intensities onto a single fader. Values set using '''submasters''' are not saved into cues. Generally used to add/layer on top of an existing cue.

==Controls==
Can be controlled by:
* Directly clicking on a target value (will fade using the default fade time)
* Using an external trigger, such as a MIDI input device
* Clicking on the left or right icon below the submaster which will fade out or fade to full, respectively.
[[Category:LightForge]]

Show safe

2022-04-19T00:55:01Z

LightForge: +cat

'''Show Safe''' or '''Safe''' is the concept of a process that can be safely performed while there is an audience is present.

===Not Show Safe===
Conversely, things that are '''not show safe''' are things that might result in unexpected changes to the DMX output which might be seen by others. In general '''not show safe''' things can be done during programming but might result in the replaying of cues during the update process, but when complete the look will be correct. However, to make

===Blind Mode===
A related concept is in some consoles referred to editing in blind mode. LightForge does not directly support editing in blind, and any changes are generally considered not show safe. Typically on other consoles you can have one cue that is controlling the actual DMX output (known as LIVE) while also going into a BLIND mode so you can view and edit other cues (on the screen only, without affecting DMX output) and make changes. And then returning back to the LIVE mode without any unintended output to DMX.
[[Category:LightForge]]

Show file

2022-04-19T00:54:58Z

LightForge: +cat

A show file contains a rollup of the following:
* [[Cuelists]] that contain groups of cues
* [[Fixture patching]]
* [[Subgroups]]
* [[Effects]]
* [[Pallets]]

However, it does not contain any audio files. It will only save a link to the file location of the file. To also capture the audio files for sending off site, use [[Bundle Show]] instead.
[[Category:LightForge]]

Show List Panel

2022-04-19T00:54:52Z

LightForge: +cat

The Show List panel allows you to create multiple cuelists and move between them in a single show.

'''Adding a Cuelist:'''
To add a new cuelist, right click on an area of the show list panel that doesn't contain a cuelist, then select "New" from the menu.

'''Deleting a Cuelist:'''
To delete a cuelist, right click on it and select delete.

'''Clearing All Cuelists:'''
To clear all cuelists, right click on the show list panel and select "Clear All"

'''Renaming a Cuelist:'''
To rename a cue right click on it and select "Rename"

'''Rearranging Cuelists:'''
To rearrange cuelists, click and drag them to the position you'd like them to occupy.
[[Category:LightForge]]

Show Control Panel

2022-04-19T00:54:49Z

LightForge: +cat

The Show Controls Panel gives you various functions used to create and run your show.

==Previous Cue==
Moves playback time to the start time of the previous cue.

==Play Backward/Pause==
Starts playing backward from the current position. If currently playing backwards then pause.

==Play/Pause==
Starts playing forward from the current position. If currently playing forward then pause.

==Pause==
Pauses playback.

==Next Cue==
Moves playback time to the start time of the next cue.

==Add Audio==
Adds an audio file to the timeline.

==Add Cue==
Creates a cue from all the held values in groups.

It is important note that the '''Add Cue''' process is not [[Show Safe]] (it may result in unexpected content change in a live environment).

==Update Cue==
Opens a dialog prompting you to either:

'''Add to Selected Cue'''
Add the held values to the current tracking data in the cue.

'''Add as keyframes'''
THis will add the held values as a new [[keyframe]].

'''Overwrite Selected Cue'''
Overwrite the tracking data in the cue with the held values in the groups panel.

It is important note that the '''Update Cue''' process is not [[Show Safe]] (it may result in unexpected content change in a live environment).

==Delete==
Deletes the selected cues or audio files.

==Crossfade==
Toggles crossfading on intensity presets, palettes, and showlist changes.

==Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts==
{{Section Link |Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts|Global}} 
{{Global Keyboard Shortcuts}}
[[Category:LightForge]]

Release 2022-04-18

2022-04-19T00:54:44Z

LightForge: +cat

Bugfixes and Improvements:
* Fixes for using high Artnet and ESPnet universe numbers
* API Command Markers
* Various API improvements
* Function keys for executing Addons
* Bug fix on the IfEqual node
* Minor bug fix on Attributes Panel
* The effect keyframe timeline now properly hides itself and does not accept input when keyframes are not available
* [[MIDI Show Control]] dialog now properly allows you to specify dropdown items by keypress
* UDP Clients for Artnet and ESPnet no longer throw initialization errors before properly initializing
* Settings dialog now properly handles switching focus and maintaining user input while updating universes
* Command markers can no longer be assigned a position less than zero
* Cue handles are no longer visible behind the track label panel on the timeline
* Initiating a drag action on the timeline and releasing it now properly releases in all situations
* Starting a multi select and then releasing shift off of the timeline no longer inadvertently maintains multi select
* Right and middle mouse buttons will no longer recall or drag palettes

New Key Shortcuts:
* {{Button|Shift}} + {{Button|A}} will now add a new cue
* {{Button|Shift}} + {{Button|U}} will now update the selected cue
* {{Button|Page Down}} will advance to the next cuelist
* {{Button|Page Up}} will advance to the previous cuelist
[[Category:LightForge]]

Profile Node System

2022-04-19T00:54:15Z

LightForge: +cat

The Profile Node System is a means of translating Lightforge's input values into values compatible with whatever lighting fixtures you may be using.

==Nodes==
A node is a container that executes predefined function on the data passing through it's inputs and outputs (called pins). A node system works by allowing you to feed a flow of information from one node to the next in order to make adjustments to the data flowing through the system.

A simple example of this is to calculate 3 + 6. You can calculate this with the following node setup:

[Value Node @ 3]
\
\
[Add Node]----[Output = 9]
/
/
[Value Node @ 6]

The value of 3 flows from the top value node into the add node. The value of 6 flows from the bottom value node into the add node. The add node adds Input 1 + Input 2, and the resulting value of 9 flows out the add node.

==Pins==

==Pin Formats==
Each pin has a defined format type that it can accept. The formats may change based on what is connected to certain pins in the node. Pin types include the following.

===8 Bit===
8 Bit pins give you a 0 to 255 range of whole values.

===16 Bit===
16 Bit pins give you a 0 to 65535 range of whole values

===Decimal===
Decimal pins are a 64-bit (8-byte) double-precision floating-point numbers ranging in value from -1.79769313486231570E+308 through -4.94065645841246544E-324 for negative values and from 4.94065645841246544E-324 through 1.79769313486231570E+308 for positive values.

===Color===
Color Pins accept and output a 24bit RGB color structure.

===Auto Detect===
Auto Detect pins will turn into whatever format type you connect to them.

==Working With Nodes==

===Adding Nodes===
To add a node right click on an empty area of the canvas and select the type of node you would like to add.

===Moving Nodes===
To move a node click and drag it to the position you'd like it to be.

===Deleting Nodes===
To delete a node right click on it and press delete on the context menu.

===Connecting Nodes===
To connect node inputs and outputs click and drag from the output of the first node to the input of the second. Multiple connections can be made from one output, but only one connection can go to any input.

===Disconnecting Nodes===
To disconnect a node connection click on the input that the connection is on and drag it off the pin and release it.

==Node Types==
[[Category:LightForge]]

Panels

2022-04-19T00:54:11Z

LightForge: +cat

Panel Types:

[[Groups Panel]]

[[Timeline Panel]]

[[Show List Panel]]

[[Cue Editor Panel]]

[[Palettes Panel]]

[[Effects Panel]]

[[Effect Settings Panel]]

[[Show Controls Panel]]

[[Submasters Panel]]

[[DMX Panel]]

[[Color Picker Panel]]

[[Intensity Panel]]

[[Positioner Panel]]

[[Secondary Attributes Panel]]

[[Audio Player Panel]]

[[Category:LightForge]]

Palettes Panel

2022-04-19T00:54:06Z

LightForge: +cat

[[File:Palettes.jpg |right |thumb]]
Palettes allow you to create preset looks that you can use over and over again throughout your show. Whether this is to define positions of intelligent lights, set up preset intensities, or colors, or really any other sort of preset you'd like to set up, palettes are there to help you.

==Training Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UKlHVrhlbw YouTube: Palettes Tutorial]
[[Category:LightForge]]

Multi-Universe and Multi-Protocol Support

2022-04-19T00:54:03Z

LightForge: +cat

The number of universes Lightforge can support is only limited by the hardware running it. An average modern system can run around 8 universes, and with higher end systems it only goes up from there. Lightforge will output DMX, Artnet, and ESPnet, giving you the power to drive almost any system.

===Compatible ENTTEC Control Devices===
[http://www.enttec.com/ ENTTEC] is the industry leader in lighting control products. In our years of working with their products we have always appreciated their quality, support, and pioneering spirit. Lightforge is designed to work with the following high quality ENTTEC products.

* DMX USB Pro Mk2
* DMX USB Pro
* Open DMX USB
* Open DMX Ethernet
[[Category:LightForge]]

Lightforge Wiki Homepage

2022-04-19T00:54:00Z

LightForge: +cat

[[File:Lightforge.jpg |right |thumb]]
Welcome to the Unofficial LightForge Wiki. This wiki is about LightForge, which is a professional grade lighting control software created by Visual Sorcery. The official documentation, wiki and support are no longer regularly maintained. However to our knowledge the software is still being used by many venues and churches, and currently received hotfixes. Reportedly there is a new major version in the work.

Lightforge is a professional grade lighting control software that allows you to create lighting shows faster and easier than ever before. It's unique suite of innovative tools give you more freedom to focus on the art of lighting while spending less time dealing with the tools to manage it.

Lightforge's design goal was:

* Be Easy Enough For Any Operator.
* Be Powerful Enough For Any Show.

===Getting Started===
* [[Lightforge Features]]
* [[Interface]]
* [[Lightforge System Requirements]]
* [[Training Videos]]
[[Category:LightForge]]

Lightforge System Requirements

2022-04-19T00:53:56Z

LightForge: +cat

* Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10
* 2 GHz processor
* 2 GB RAM
* Microsoft .NET Framework 3.51
* ENTTEC USB DMX Pro Mk 2, USB DMX Pro, or Open USB DMX (for physical DMX output)
[[Category:LightForge]]

Lightforge Features

2022-04-19T00:53:53Z

LightForge: +cat

*Run at least 8 DMX universes (limited only by your system's performance)
*Support for DMX, Artnet and ESPnet
*Control other devices via Midi Show Control and Midi Time Code
*Create powerful keyframable effects via node based architecture, python scripting, or predefined steps.
*Fixture profile system can accomodate any conceivable lighting fixture
*Python API for third party addon development
*Customizable user interface
*Infinite effect creation
*Powerful fixture profiles for any possible fixture
*Timeline synchronized audio playback
*External syncing with Midi Timecode
*Beats timescale with adjustable tempo
*Multiple cuelists per show
*Dozens of built in effects
[[Category:LightForge]]

Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts

2022-04-19T00:53:20Z

LightForge: /* Timeline Editing */ update

==Global==
{{Global Keyboard Shortcuts}}

==Groups Panel==
{{See Also |#Global}}

===Selection===
<ul>
<li> Release - {{Button |R}}
<li> Toggle Edit - {{Button |Enter}}
<li> Toggle Lock - {{Button |L]]
</ul>

===Navigation===
<ul>
<li> Select Previous Fixture - {{Button |,}}
<li> Select Next Fixture - {{Button |.}}
</ul>

===Intensity===
<ul>
<li> Set Intensity Off - {{Button |[}}
<li> Set Intensity Full - {{Button |]}}
</ul>

==Timeline Panel==
{{See Also |#Global}}
===Toggles===
<ul>
<li>Toggle Follow/Hold -{{Button |F}}
<li>Toggle Tracking/Non-Tracking -{{Button |T}}
</ul>

===Timeline Editing===
<ul>
<li>Follow/Hold -{{Button |F}}
<li>Subdivide -{{Button |S}}
<li>Delete Cues/Audio -{{Button |Delete}}
<li>Select All -{{Button |CTRL + A}}
<li>Select None -{{Button | CTRL + D}}
<li>Shift cue split, keeping overall length of both the same -{{Button |Alt + Drag}}
<li>Add a new cue -{{Button|Shift}} + {{Button|A}}
<li>Update selected cue - {{Button|Shift}} + {{Button|U}}
</ul>
[[Category: LightForge]]

Template:Global Keyboard Shortcuts

2022-04-19T00:52:14Z

LightForge: /* Payback Control */ update

===Selection===
<ul>
<li> '''Select Multiple:''' {{Button |Control}} + {{Button |Left Click}}</li>
</ul>

===Navigation===
<ul>
<li>Move Viewport: '''Middle mouse drag'''
<li>Zoom In - '''Mouse Scroll Wheel''' or {{Button |+}}
<li>Zoom Out - '''Mouse Scroll Wheel''' or {{Button |-}}
<li>Home Position/Setting/Parameter - {{Button |Home}}
<li>End Position/Setting/Parameter - {{Button |End}}
</ul>

===Payback Control===
<ul>
<li>Play/Pause - {{Button |Space Bar}}
<li>Play Backwards - {{Button |Backspace}}
<li>Skip to Next Cue - {{Button |Right Arrow}}
<li>Go to Previous Cue - {{Button |Left Arrow}}
<li> {{Button|Page Down}} will advance to the next cuelist
<li> {{Button|Page Up}} will advance to the previous cuelist
</ul>

Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts

2022-04-19T00:51:27Z

LightForge: +cat

Interface

2022-04-19T00:51:22Z

LightForge: +cat

The Lightforge interface is designed to be very customizable and allow you the ability to set up the interface in whatever manner makes the most sense to you, or however makes the most sense for your particular application. The interface is made up of '''panels''' that can be scaled, split into multiple panels, changed to different panels, or removed entirely.

== Menu ==
===File===
* New Show - Creates a brand new [[show file]], without any [[cuelist]]s
* New Cuelist - Creates a new cuelist inside the existing [[show file]]
* Open - Opens a previously saved [[show file]] - ''NOTE:'' that opening may pause UI for several minutes, and even after you regain control it takes a minute or so for the entire cue to rebuild - accessing some cues prematurely may result in unexpected behavior.
* Lead Default Show - Create a brand new [[show file]] based on the [[default show]] as stored.
* Save - saves over the existing [[show file]]
** ''NOTE:'' - LightForge will autosave on every change to a temporary file in AppData - that will be automatically restored when LightForge is reopened, but should not be relied upon for an actual save. Opening another show will delete this temporary file and may result in a loss of changes made after an intentional user-initiated save action.
* Save As - saves the current show as a new [[show file]]
* Asset Manager - Allows you to update [[fixture profiles]] or [[effects]] from the developer and/or share your own back to the developer
* Bundle Show - Packages an entire show including all audio files into a single file that can be imported elsewhere.
* Import: ABility to import a [[fixture profile]], [[effect]], or [[cuelist]] from an XML file
* Export: Ability to export a [[fixture profile]] or [[cuelist]] to an XML file.

===Edit===
* Undo -- do not click but rather hover over this menu item and select the item you want to undo - this may take several seconds to implement and is not [[show safe]]
* Redo -- does not work reliably
* [[Settings Menu]]
* Sync Mobile Device -- displays a QR code for a mobile device to have basic access to the rig
* Value Mode -- allows you to select how you want values displayed on the screen.

=== Addon ===
* [[Addon Settings]]

=== Window ===
* New Window - disabled and not used
* [[Console]] - used primarily for debugging

== Panel Types ==
You have the flexibility to configure your layout however you choose. The following is a list of panels you can use:

===General Panels===
* [[Groups Panel]] is the primary means for managing and selecting your lighting rig.
* [[Submasters Panel]] allows you to record intensity information from multiple groups and fixtures at different intensities onto a single fader.

===Attribute Panels===
* [[Color Picker Panel]] lets you select a color to be applied to groups or fixtures.
* [[Intensity Panel]] lets you set or fade to intensity values on groups or fixtures.
* [[Positioner Panel]] gives you the ability to control the pan and tilt values on groups or fixtures.
* [[Attributes Panel]] lets you adjust all the various attributes that a lighting fixture may utilize.
* [[Effects Panel]] lets you select, create, and modify effects.
* [[Effect Settings Panel]] allows you to adjust settings on effects, and keyframe effect changes over time.
* [[DMX Panel]] gives you the ability to view the DMX control data that is being output by Lightforge. It also allows you to do simple channel checks.

=== Cue Related Panels===
* [[Audio Player Panel]] lets you play back audio tracks without syncing them to your timeline.
* [[Timeline Panel]] is used to manipulate lighting cues and audio files, and position them in time.
* [[Show List Panel]] allows you to move between multiple cue lists in a single show.
* [[Cue Editor Panel]] is used to modify a cue's settings, remove groups or attributes, and keyframe changes over time.
* [[Show Controls Panel]] gives you basic transport control (play, pause, next, previous) as well as the ability to add new cues, and audio files, and enable or disable crossfades on certain attribute changes.
* [[Palettes Panel]] lets you record presets that can be recalled live or recorded into cues.

== Working With Panels ==

Every panel contains two handles. One to divide or remove a panel in the top right corner, and one to change the panel type in the top left corner.

=== Dividing a Panel ===

To divide a panel into two new panels, click and drag the top right handle either left, to divide the panel horizontally, or down to divide it vertically. An overlay will indicate which direction the panel will divide. If you wish to cancel this operation, just move your mouse back to the original handle position.

=== Removing a Panel ===

To remove a panel, click on the top right handle, and drag it outside the bounds of the panel. The panel will highlight in red indicating that it is going to be removed from the interface. To cancel this operation, move your mouse back to the original handle position.

=== Changing the Panel Type ===

To change the panel type, click on the top left handle, and select the type of panel you would like to use from the drop down menu.

=== Resizing Panels ===

To resize a panel, click and drag anywhere on the panel's border and drag the direction you'd like to scale it in.

==Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts==
{{Main |Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts}}
Lightforge has man shortcuts for both keyboard and mouse gestures that are available. Many of these depend on what item you have selected or what panel your mouse is hovering over.

==Video Tutorial==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10yVCWgB_Yw YouTube: Lightforge Panels Tutorial]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Groups Panel

2022-04-19T00:51:15Z

LightForge: +cat

[[File:Groups-panel.gif|right|thumb]]
All lighting fixtures within Lightforge are organized into logical groups. If you want to adjust the intensity of a fixture, or a group of fixtures, all you have to do is select it's group and adjust the intensity. By doing so all lighting fixtures in that group will change to the new value. Want to change multiple groups? Select the parent group that contains the children and make your change, and you are done. This philosophy is consistent with any change you want to make on your lighting rig, from color, to effects, to any other setting. It allows you to easily and visually manage your lighting rig without having to try and remember channel numbers, or addresses.

== Important Concepts ==
Within Lightforge, all lighting fixtures are organized into groups, subgroups, sub-subgroups, etc. Any change made to any group will affect all of the children of that group. If you select a group that contains the entire lighting rig, and change the intensity, it'll change the intensity of all of the children of that group. When cues are stored whatever is select is what is stored. So if a group is selected then it is the group that has those attributes stored, not the individual fixtures.

== The Layout ==
The groups panel contains two types of objects; groups, and fixtures. Groups are rounded rectangles, and fixtures are circles. Fixtures give indications of basic attributes such as intensity, pan, tilt, and color.

== The Toolbar ==
[[FILE:Groups-toolbar.gif|right|thumb]]
'''Home:'''
{{Small Shortcut |Home}}
The Home tool centers your viewport on the lighting rig and zooms to fit it in the viewport.

'''Release:'''
{{Small Shortcut |R}}
The Release tool releases any held values in all selected fixtures or groups.

'''Edit:'''
{{Small Shortcut |Enter}}
The Edit tool toggles edit mode for the selected groups or fixtures. To change positioning of groups, add, delete or edit fixtures, you need to be in edit mode.

'''Lock:'''
The Lock tool toggles lock mode for the selected groups or fixtures. When a group is locked it continues outputting the values it was at when it was locked until you unlock it. This allows you to turn a certain group or fixture on and lock it (house lights for example), and then record all your cues with the houselights off for your show, while still keeping them on while you are programming.

== The Info Bar ==
[[File:Groups-infobar.jpg|right|thumb|Info bar on the bottom showing the Name, Type and Address of the fixture]]
The info bar gives information on the group, fixture, or tool that the mouse cursor is currently over.

==Working with Groups==
'''Adding Groups:'''
To add a group, first place it's parent group in edit mode by selecting it and pressing "Enter" or pressing the edit icon on the toolbar. Once in edit mode right click on the group and select "Add Group" from the context menu. This will bring up a dialog asking you to enter the name of the group and how many columns and rows to assign to it. Each cell in the grid created by this can be assigned a group or a fixture.

'''Editing Groups:'''
To edit a group, first place it in edit mode, then right click on the group and select "Edit" from the context menu. This will bring up a dialog asking you to enter the name of the group and how many columns and rows to assign to it.

'''Adding Fixtures:'''
To add a fixture, place the group you want to add it to in edit mode, then right click on the group, and click "Add Fixture" in the context menu. This will bring up the [[Fixture Dialog]] to allow you to choose how to patch your new fixtures.

'''Editing Fixtures:'''
To edit a fixture, place the fixture you want to edit it to in edit mode, then right click on the fixture, and click "edit" in the context menu. This will bring up the [[Fixture Dialog]] to allow edit your fixture settings.

'''Rearranging and Scaling Groups and Fixtures:'''
To rearrange your group layout, place whatever groups or fixtures you are wanting to rearrange into edit mode, and click and drag the group or fixture to the cell you would like it to occupy. To scale a group click and drag the scaling handles on the group or fixture.

== Color Coding ==
'''Orange Outline''' - The outlined fixture or group is holding values. These values will override any values set in the current cues. When you record a cue, or a palette, these held values get saved into the cue or palette, and then the groups or fixtures are releases.
To set a group or fixture to hold values, select the fixture and change any attribute (pan, tilt, color, intensity, etc. To release the hold either press the R key, or press the release button in the groups panel.

'''Salmon Background''' - These groups or fixtures are currently set to be locked.

==Video Tutorial==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Ryo-av0x8 YouTube: Lightforge Groups Panel and Patching Tutorial]

==See Also==
*[[Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts]]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Fixture Diaglog

2022-04-19T00:51:10Z

LightForge: +cat

[[File:Fixture dialog.jpg |thumb |right]]
The Fixture Dialog is used to patch lighting fixtures to channels and give you the ability to control them. It the way LightForge parameters are mapped to specific [[fixture]] DMX channels. For example, the LightForge profile can map a single Pan Value into a two channel 16-bit pan value (gross/fine control).

==Profiles==
A profile is a system used to convert the information that you input into Lightforge into something that you lighting fixtures can process. There are two methods of creating profiles in Lightforge, node profiles, and scripted profiles.

===Creating Profiles===

[[Profile Node System]]

[[Profile Python Scripting]]

==Name==
The name is used to define what your fixture will be labeled throughout Lightforge.

==Universe==
This is the [[DMX Universe]] that your fixture will be assigned to.

==Address==
This is the [[DMX Channel]] that your fixture will be assigned to.

==Use Multiple Addresses==
This allows you to add multiple addresses or ranges or addresses to a single Lightforge fixture. This is useful for situations where you have multiple real fixtures that you would like to be assigned to a single fixture in Lightforge.

==Count==
The count option gives you the ability to add multiple sequentially addressed lighting fixtures of the same type.

==Offset==
This gives you the option to leave a specified number of empty channels between the sequential fixtures specified in "Count".

==Channel Panel==
The Channel Panel shows how the addresses the selected [[DMX Universe]] are being used.

'''Color Coding:'''

'''White:''' Addresses that are available.

'''Gray:''' Addresses that are taken by other fixtures.

'''Cyan:''' The addresses that your current selection is occupying.

'''Red:''' Addresses that can't be patched because of overlapping channels.
[[Category: LightForge]]

Effects Panel

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LightForge: +cat

==Training Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R51bpMXKxR8 YouTube: Effects Tutorial]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Effect Settings Panel

2022-04-19T00:51:02Z

LightForge: +cat

==Training Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R51bpMXKxR8 YouTube: Effects Tutorial]
[[Category: LightForge]]

DMX Universe

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LightForge: +cat

A DMX universe represents 512 discrete DMX Channels that lighting fixtures can be addressed to. If you are using traditional DMX, a DMX Universe is equivalent to one DMX output. In Lightforge you can create as many universes as you would like through the Settings Menu.
[[Category: LightForge]]

DMX Channel

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LightForge: +cat

A DMX Channel is a value used to control lighting systems via the DMX Lighting Protocol. Each DMX channel has a value range of 0 to 255.
[[Category: LightForge]]

Cue Editor Panel

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LightForge: +cat

==Training Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWw21A5CZ-g YouTube: Timeline and Cues Tutorial]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Change Log

2022-04-19T00:50:33Z

LightForge: +cat

* [[Release 2022-04-18]]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Attributes Panel

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LightForge: +cat

==Videos==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F__Pl9FdWgw YouTube: Attributes Panel]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Addons

2022-04-19T00:50:06Z

LightForge: +cat

=Introduction=
The Lightforge API allows you to create new tools, new input and output methods, automate complex operations, and much more.

Lightforge addons are written in IronPython. IronPython is an open-source implementation of the Python programming language which is tightly integrated with the .NET Framework. It allows you to use both .Net and Python libraries and allows very tight integration between Lightforge and addons. For more information on IronPython you can visit [http://www.ironpython.net www.ironpython.net]. For more information on Python in general you can visit [http://www.python.org/doc/ www.python.org/doc/].

==Your First Addon==
To create an addon go to Addon Menu and click Addon Settings. You will find a button labeled Addon Folder. Clicking this will open up the Lightforge addon folder.

In this folder create a new folder named "Hello World".

Open the Hello World folder and create a new file named base.py. Open this file with your preferred Python editor, or Notepad if you have none.

Type the code:

<syntaxhighlight lang="python">
def onExecute():
print("Hello World!")
</syntaxhighlight>
Save the script, and return to Lightforge.

In the Addon Settings dialog click "Reload Addons", and if all went well, your addon will appear.

Click the check box next to the Hello World addon to enable it, then close the Addon Settings Dialog.

In the Addon menu the Hello World addon should be visible. Clicking on it will run the addon.

Now in the Window menu click "Console", this will open up the python console and you should see the text "Hello World!"

Congratulations! You've made an addon!

==Where To Go From Here==
I would suggest investigating the [[API]] and seeing what all there is to do. Also be sure to check out the [[Sample Addons]].

=Addon Structure=
The file structure of a Lightforge addon is very simple. It consists of a folder with at least one required script file named base.py, and optionally a xml file named addonInfo.xml.

==base.py==
This is the entry point for your addon. It's the script file that Lightforge interacts with directly.

==addonInfo.xml==
This xml file gives Lightforge additional information about your addon. This info will appear in the Addon Settings panel.

The addonInfo.xml file can contain the following information:

===Author===
The author of the addon.
===Version===
The current version number.
===Website===
A website associated with this addon.
===Support===
An email address or website for providing addon support.

===XML Structure===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python">
<addonInfo>
<author>Visual Sorcery</author>
<version>1.0.0</version>
<website>http://www.visualsorcery.com/</website>
<support>support@visualsorcery.com</support>
</addonInfo>
</syntaxhighlight>

=Classes=
==API==
This class contains all access for working with Lightforge.

[[API]]

==Addon==
This class gives you access to information about your addon.

[[Addon]]

=Sample Addons=
On this page you can find sample code for learning how to create addons.
[[Sample Addons]]
[[Category: LightForge]]

Release 2022-04-18

2022-04-19T00:46:56Z

LightForge: create

Template:Button

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LightForge: fix spacing

<noinclude>
Formatting template, do not modify
</noinclude>
{{{text|{{{1|Hello, World!}}}}}}

Template:Button

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LightForge: add post spacing

Change Log

2022-04-19T00:42:23Z

LightForge: crate

* [[Release 2022-04-18]]

Fixture profile

2022-04-03T18:17:19Z

LightForge: Redirected page to Fixture Diaglog

#REDIRECT[[Fixture Diaglog]]

Fixture Diaglog

2022-04-03T18:17:02Z

LightForge: update

Fixture Diaglog

2022-04-03T18:15:23Z

LightForge: +image

[[File:Fixture dialog.jpg |thumb |right]]
The Fixture Dialog is used to patch lighting fixtures to channels and give you the ability to control them.

==Profiles==
A profile is a system used to convert the information that you input into Lightforge into something that you lighting fixtures can process. There are two methods of creating profiles in Lightforge, node profiles, and scripted profiles.

===Creating Profiles===

[[Profile Node System]]

[[Profile Python Scripting]]

==Name==
The name is used to define what your fixture will be labeled throughout Lightforge.

==Universe==
This is the [[DMX Universe]] that your fixture will be assigned to.

==Address==
This is the [[DMX Channel]] that your fixture will be assigned to.

==Use Multiple Addresses==
This allows you to add multiple addresses or ranges or addresses to a single Lightforge fixture. This is useful for situations where you have multiple real fixtures that you would like to be assigned to a single fixture in Lightforge.

==Count==
The count option gives you the ability to add multiple sequentially addressed lighting fixtures of the same type.

==Offset==
This gives you the option to leave a specified number of empty channels between the sequential fixtures specified in "Count".

==Channel Panel==
The Channel Panel shows how the addresses the selected [[DMX Universe]] are being used.

'''Color Coding:'''

'''White:''' Addresses that are available.

'''Gray:''' Addresses that are taken by other fixtures.

'''Cyan:''' The addresses that your current selection is occupying.

'''Red:''' Addresses that can't be patched because of overlapping channels.

File:Fixture dialog.jpg

2022-04-03T18:15:06Z

LightForge:

Submaster

2022-04-03T18:13:01Z

LightForge: creae

#REDIRECT[[Submasters Panel]]

Show file

2022-04-03T18:12:14Z

LightForge: Created page with "A show file contains a rollup of the following: * Cuelists that contain groups of cues * Fixture patching * Subgroups * Effects * Pallets However, it does not contain any audio files. It will only save a link to the file location of the file. To also capture the audio files for sending off site, use Bundle Show instead."

Live mode

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LightForge: create

#REDIRECT[[show safe]]

Blind mode

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LightForge: Redirected page to Show safe

#REDIRECT[[show safe]]

Blind

2022-04-03T18:09:52Z

LightForge: create

#REDIRECT[[show safe]]

Safe

2022-04-03T18:09:34Z

LightForge: create

#REDIRECT[[show safe]]

Show safe

2022-04-03T18:09:17Z

LightForge: create

Interface

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LightForge: update with menu nav

Show Control Panel

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LightForge: /* Add Cue */ show safe

Show Control Panel

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LightForge: /* Update Cue */ update

The Show Controls Panel gives you various functions used to create and run your show.

==Previous Cue==
Moves playback time to the start time of the previous cue.

==Play Backward/Pause==
Starts playing backward from the current position. If currently playing backwards then pause.

==Play/Pause==
Starts playing forward from the current position. If currently playing forward then pause.

==Pause==
Pauses playback.

==Next Cue==
Moves playback time to the start time of the next cue.

==Add Audio==
Adds an audio file to the timeline.

==Add Cue==
Creates a cue from all the held values in groups.

==Update Cue==
Opens a dialog prompting you to either:

'''Add to Selected Cue'''
Add the held values to the current tracking data in the cue.

'''Add as keyframes'''
THis will add the held values as a new [[keyframe]].

'''Overwrite Selected Cue'''
Overwrite the tracking data in the cue with the held values in the groups panel.

It is important note that the '''Update Cue''' process is not [[Show Safe]] (it may result in unexpected content change in a live environment).

==Delete==
Deletes the selected cues or audio files.

==Crossfade==
Toggles crossfading on intensity presets, palettes, and showlist changes.

==Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts==
{{Section Link |Keyboard & Mouse Shortcuts|Global}} 
{{Global Keyboard Shortcuts}}

Submasters Panel

2022-03-27T18:23:23Z

LightForge: +image

File:Submaster.jpg

2022-03-27T18:22:54Z

LightForge: