LightingDesign1

The Vectorworks Spotlight product provides the lighting designer with all the tools necessary to plan and create a light plot and its associated paperwork. The following general workflow is recommended.

1 Create a template file that you can use to start new design files, or from which you can import standard elements into other files. The template can contain all of the resources, classes, and design layers you use on a regular basis. You might also set options you commonly use, such as the default object attributes and page size. It is recommended that you plan to place the stage, focus points, and scenic elements on separate design layers; plan to place the hanging positions, lighting instruments, and accessories together on one layer. All design layers should use the same scale. Select the File > Save As Template command to save the file.

3 Select the File > Document Settings > Spotlight Preferences command to set default lighting device parameters, and to specify whether universe assignment should be handled automatically. If you use Lightwright, set up automatic data exchange; this creates a file with the same name as the Vectorworks file with an .xml file extension, which you can then open in Lightwright. Changes that you make in either the Lightwright or Vectorworks programs are shared seamlessly.

4 Copy or import design elements (such as theater architecture or scenic designs) from other files, as needed. From a Vectorworks file, you can paste or import items directly into your file (you might want to apply your own classes to them first). Alternatively, create a design layer viewport to reference an external Vectorworks file; your file will be updated automatically if the external file changes, and the external classes will not be imported into your file. The Vectorworks program can also import drawing elements from several file types, such as DXF/DWG, PDF, and SketchUp.

5 Use the Lighting Pipe, Lighting Pipe Ladder, Straight Truss, and Curved Truss tools to create hanging position geometry. You can also draw your own 2D or 2D/3D geometry. Select the Spotlight > Object Conversion > Convert to Hanging Position command to convert each object into a hanging position. From the Object Info palette, enter a Z value to indicate the height of each position.

6 To use the same geometry for multiple hanging positions, select the option to create a symbol when you convert the geometry. Make the symbol active in the Resource Manager, and then use the Hanging Position tool to insert additional hanging positions.

7 Use the Focus Point tool to create focus areas. In step 10, you will assign these focus points to specific lighting instruments.

8 Select the Label Legend Manager command to create label legends for your lighting instruments. The label legend specifies which data fields to display for the instruments, as well as how the fields are laid out.

9 Select the Lighting Instrument tool to place lighting instruments on the hanging positions. Thousands of instrument symbols are available for import, from resource libraries provided with the Vectorworks application, from member libraries available through Vectorworks Service Select, and from third-party providers.

The lighting instruments in the Vectorworks Spotlight product represent more than simply a graphical symbol. An instrument contains design information, such as labels, focus, position, channel, and color. Instruments are labeled with lighting information according to the label legend format. Use the standard instrument symbols, or convert your own custom symbols to instruments.

You can also draw your own instrument symbols. The position and instrument height are filled in automatically according to the hanging position.

From the Object Info palette, specify the instrument purpose, color, and dimmer.

10 Select the Spotlight > Focus Instruments command to specify a focus point for each instrument.

11 Use the Lighting Accessory tool to add accessories to lighting instruments. As with lighting instruments, a wide variety of accessory symbols is available for import, or you can draw your own.

• Select the Draw Beam option from the Object Info palette and check the light beam and field for each lighting instrument.

• Use the Photometer and Photometric Grid tools to check the footcandles present at specific spots on the stage.

• Use the Align and Distribute Items tool to more precisely align instruments to their positions.

• Select the Spotlight > Visualization > Create Plot and Model View command to automatically create a 3D model for a selected vertical or angled hanging position. This creates a design layer viewport on a model layer, which can be rotated to show the hanging position accurately in sections and elevations.

13 Use the Soft Goods tool to insert curtains, borders, scrims, and pipe-and-drape assemblies where needed.

14 Number instruments and other light plot objects using the Spotlight Numbering command.

15 Generate paperwork for yourself and others using one or more of the following commands:

• Select the Spotlight > Reports > Generate Paperwork command to create an instrument schedule and other typical electrician paperwork from within the Vectorworks program.

• Select the Spotlight > Reports > Create Report command to create a database worksheet, which allows you to edit lighting instrument data in a spreadsheet format from within the Vectorworks program.

• If you use the Lightwright automatic data exchange feature, your exchange file is ready to share when needed.

16 Use the Instrument Summary tool to create a summary graphic of the instruments and accessories that are used in the light plot. To create a summary graphic for a selected hanging position, click Insert Position Summary from the Object Info palette. To compare the required totals to current inventory, select the Spotlight > Reports > Lighting Inventory Setup command to enter inventory information.

17 Use commands on the View menu (Create Viewport, Create Detail Viewport, Create Section Viewport) to create the viewports you want to print or export, such as the main light plot, detail views, section views, and hanging cards. Show or hide classes and layers, and add title block borders, dimensions, and notes as needed. Use the Dimension Tape tool to indicate approximate locations of items pending final installation.

18 Print or export the sheet layers. The File > Publish command allows you to easily publish selected sheet layers to a printer, or to PDF, DXF/DWG, DWF, and image files. You can also save the publish settings and use them again later. The File > Export menu has options for exporting to several additional file types.

Vectorworks Spotlight Terminology

In the Vectorworks Spotlight program, you use the Lighting Instrument tool to place a lighting instrument on the drawing. Optionally, you can use the Lighting Accessory tool to place a lighting accessory on the drawing, and associate it with the appropriate instrument. Because they are so closely linked, all instrument and accessory objects are referred to as “lighting devices” when they are edited from the Object Info palette, Properties dialog box, or Lighting Device dialog box. The Device Type field indicates whether an accessory or instrument is being edited. A lighting accessory has a type of Accessory or Static Accessory; any other Device Type indicates a lighting instrument.

Light Plot Structure

A structured system of layers and classes makes selecting, viewing, and printing items considerably easier. When creating a light plot, develop a standard layer and class structure, along with a system for assigning items to the appropriate layers and classes. Some objects include the ability to be automatically assigned to classes.

We recommend that you place the stage, focus points, and scenic elements on separate design layers; place the trusses, hanging positions, lighting instruments, and accessories together on one layer. Select Tools > Organization and click the Design Layers tab to create and manage layers.

Place light plot items in their own classes. This allows you to globally turn off the display of certain classes for viewing and printing. Select Tools > Organization and click the Classes tab to create and manage classes. Lighting devices can be automatically assigned to classes determined at setup; see Lighting Device Setup.

The Vectorworks program automatically creates certain classes to control instrument label visibility. These include the Label class and its subclasses, and the Setup Notes class.

Layer and Class Examples

An example of the use of layers and classes would be a show file with all of the scenery on a single design layer, and classes created to represent Act 1 and Act 2. When adding scenic elements, place them on the scenery design layer, and assign them to either the Act 1 or Act 2 class. With this structure, use layer visibility to view only the scenery design layer, and class visibility to turn the Act 1 or Act 2 classes on and off. This method allows you to view the position of the set pieces in each act independently.

Another way to take advantage of structuring is to also use classes for the lighting devices. In a situation with multiple shows in repertory, assign each device to the class of the show where it is used. This allows you to display each show’s devices independently of the other shows.

Creating Hanging Positions

Hanging positions represent the hanging points for instruments as well as stage equipment like curtains, video screens, speakers, hoists, cables, and more; they should be placed on the light plot before the instruments are added. Hanging positions can manage the numbering of instruments according to the instruments’ location on the hanging position. [Zan Task 1849 -AD 4/25] Loads attached to hanging positions are associated with the hanging position.

Defining the hanging positions first is useful because once the space has been created, with the stage and hanging positions defined, the file can be used as a template for future light plots in that space. For more information on creating templates, see Criando Gabaritos.

Place the hanging positions on their own design layer and in their own classes. A drawing structure based on layers and classes facilitates selecting, viewing, and printing the light plot.

Creating a hanging position is generally a two-step process. First, insert or draw the geometry of the hanging position. Then, convert the geometry into an intelligent hanging position object, ready for equipment placement.

Several different types of objects can be used as the basis for a hanging position object:

The Braceworks product has additional tools and commands, and creating the rigging structure is a more detailed and involved process. See Conceito: Braceworks Análise Estrutural.

To convert multiple objects to a single hanging position, group the objects first. The objects cannot overlap or have gaps, especially if they are to be used in Braceworks calculations. Once the geometry is complete, create an intelligent hanging position object with the Convert to Hanging Position command. You have the option to create a symbol from the geometry, or to embed the geometry into the object. If you choose to create a symbol, you can use it to insert multiple positions with the Hanging Position tool. If this is a uniquely shaped hanging position, or if you want to be able to edit the geometry more easily, choose instead to keep the geometry.

Use the Hanging Position tool to insert symbols from the current file, the symbol libraries, or a Favorites file.

Placing Lighting Pipe Objects

For Braceworks calculations (Braceworks required), the lighting pipe is considered to have a rigid cross section.

Mode	Tool	Tool set
Modes for the Polyline Tool	Lighting Pipe	Rigging

Alternatively, create a polyline and then select the Create Objects from Shapes command (see Creating Objects from Shapes).

3 To draw a multi-segment pipe, click to set the end of one segment and start the next.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Total Pipe Length	Specifies the total length of the lighting pipe; for a single-segment lighting pipe, the length can be edited by changing this value. (Change the segment length or edit multi-segment pipes with the Reshape tool.)
Arc Radius	For single-segment curved pipes, specifies the radius of the arc
Position Name	Enter the name to be used for the symbol when converting the pipe to a hanging position, and also for identification and reporting purposes
Index	Specifies a unique identifier for the object, which is combined with the Name for identification and reporting purposes
Location	Optionally, specifies the location for use in reports
Pipe
Draw Pipe	Shows or hides the 2D component of the lighting pipe
Line Type	Select either a single or double line for Top/Plan views
Diameter	Sets the pipe diameter for all views
Construction Material	Select the material (aluminum, steel, and so on) of the pipe
Wall Thickness	Specifies the thickness of the pipe wall
Total Weight	Displays the total weight of the lighting pipe based on its Total Pipe Length and Construction Material
End Marker	Specifies whether to display the end(s) of the pipe with an end marker in Top/Plan view
Tick Mark
Draw Tick Marks	Creates evenly-spaced marks to assist with lighting instrument placement
Draw Loci	Adds a 2D and 3D locus at the tick mark positions for visibility in 3D views
Centers	Specifies the distance between tick mark centers
Centered on	Spaces the tick marks based on the total length of the pipe, or based on each segment of a pipe that is considered divided into two equal sections
Origin	Starts the tick mark placement at the center of the pipe or split equally from the center of the pipe
Type	Select Line or Dot as the 2D tick mark indicator
Size	Specifies the length of line tick marks or the diameter of dot tick marks
Gap Length	Adds a gap on either side of the tick mark; specify the gap length
Offset	Specify a positive or negative value to shift the tick marks right or left from their centers
Align Tick Marks to Grid	Aligns the center tick mark with the snap grid (see Grid Snapping); this does not change the tick mark spacing but it may change the Offset value
Footprint/3D
Show Footprint	Creates a 2D projection of the 3D component in Top/Plan view; this is useful if the lighting pipe is offset or rotated
Align 3D with Footprint	When selected, aligns the 3D component and the footprint in 3D views. This is the default behavior for the hybrid object to appear correctly in both 2D and 3D views. Deselecting this option and setting offset and rotation values is useful only for workflows where a hybrid appearance is not critical; however, lights placed in one view may not appear positioned correctly in all views.
Origin Offset X/Y	Offsets the 3D component from its origin along the X/Y axes
Rotation	Rotates the 3D component about its origin
I Rotation	Rotates the 3D component along the I axis (parallel to the width)
J Rotation	Rotates the 3D component along the J axis (perpendicular to the lighting pipe); a positive value pivots the pipe up, away from the ground
Footprint	To control appearance and visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Lighting Pipe Class> to place the footprint in the same class as the lighting pipe object.
Classes	Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the various portions of the lighting pipe. This allows the pipe, tick mark, end marker, and footprint to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Use the suggested standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Lighting Pipe Class> to place the lighting pipe element in the same class as the lighting pipe. • Class Prefix: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for all lighting pipe parts; click Use Standard Classes to begin all lighting pipe class names with the prefix, so that they are sorted together. • Use Standard Classes: Sets the class names for all lighting pipe elements to the default suggested standard names, using the Class Prefix if there is one. • Lighting pipe elements: For each portion of the lighting pipe, specifies the class name standard; the class names shown here are applied to the elements.
Settings	Opens the Lighting Pipe Settings dialog box, to set the default class for the lighting pipe. Select the Make default for new documents option to always use the specified class as the default class for lighting pipe objects in new files.
Select Truss System	Selects the current lighting pipe and any other connected structural elements in the system
Vertex Parameters	Edits the pipe vertices; see Editing Vertex-Based Objects

Placing Lighting Pipe Ladders

Tool	Tool set
Lighting Pipe Ladder	Rigging

The Lighting Pipe Ladder is a is a three-click rectangular object, and can be inserted in Center-line Placement mode or Edge Placement mode.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Mode	Description
Center-line Placement	Click once, and then again, to define the length through the center of the ladder. Click again to specify the ladder width
Edge Placement	Click once, and then again, to define the length along the edge of the ladder. Click again to specify the ladder width.
Preferences	Sets the default preferences for the lighting pipe ladder

Parameter	Description
Ladder Width/ Height	Specifies the lighting pipe ladder dimensions
Guides	Select how to draw the ladder based on the preview guide rectangle: on the ladder center, inside, or outside
Number of Rungs	Specifies the number of ladder rungs
Evenly Spaced Rungs	Spaces the rungs evenly within the ladder frame; deselect to specify custom rung spacing
Custom Rung Spacing	Opens the Custom Rung Spacing dialog box, to specify the spacing between each ladder rung. Enter the distance between the rungs; the first and final distances are automatically calculated. Click Calculate Even Spacing to automatically space the rungs evenly, as a starting point for spacing or to reset the values.
Position Name	Enter the name to be used for the symbol when converting the ladder to a hanging position
Location	Optionally, specifies the location for use in reports
Pipe
Draw Pipe	Shows or hides the 2D component of the lighting pipe ladder
Line Type	Select either a single or double line for Top/Plan views
Diameter	Sets the pipe diameter for all views
Tick Mark
Draw Tick Marks	Creates evenly-spaced marks to assist with lighting instrument placement
Draw Loci	Adds a 2D and 3D locus at the tick mark positions for visibility in 3D views
Centers	Specifies the distance between tick mark centers
Origin	Starts the tick mark placement at the center of one side of the ladder or split equally from the center of one of the ladder sides
Type	Select Line or Dot as the 2D tick mark indicator
Size	Specifies the length of line tick marks or the diameter of dot tick marks
Gap Length	Adds a gap on either side of the tick mark; specify the gap length
Offset	Specify a positive or negative value to shift the tick marks right or left from their centers
Align Tick Marks to Grid	Aligns the center tick mark with the snap grid (see Grid Snapping); this does not change the tick mark spacing but it may change the Offset value
Footprint/3D
Show Footprint	Creates a 2D projection of the 3D component in Top/Plan view; this is useful if the lighting pipe ladder is offset or rotated
Align 3D with Footprint	When selected, aligns the 3D component and the footprint in 3D views. This is the default behavior for the hybrid object to appear correctly in both 2D and 3D views. Deselecting this option and setting offset and rotation values is useful only for workflows where a hybrid appearance is not critical; however, lights placed in one view may not appear positioned correctly in all views.
Origin Offset X/Y	Offsets the 3D component from its origin along the X/Y axes
Rotation	Rotates the 3D component about its origin
I Rotation	Rotates the 3D component along the I axis (parallel to the width)
J Rotation	Rotates the 3D component along the J axis (perpendicular to the lighting pipe ladder); a positive value pivots the ladder up, away from the ground
Classes	Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the various portions of the lighting pipe ladder. This allows the pipe, tick mark, and footprint to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Use the suggested standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Lighting Pipe Ladder Class> to place the lighting pipe ladder element in the same class as the lighting pipe ladder. • Class Prefix: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for all lighting pipe ladder parts; click Use Standard Classes to begin all lighting pipe ladder class names with the prefix, so that they are sorted together. • Use Standard Classes: Sets the class names for all lighting pipe ladder elements to the default suggested standard names, using the Class Prefix if there is one. • Lighting pipe ladder elements: For each portion of the lighting pipe ladder, specifies the class name standard; the class names shown here are applied to the elements.
Settings	Opens the Lighting Pipe Ladder Settings dialog box, to set the default class for the lighting pipe ladder. Select the Make default for new documents option to always use the specified class as the default class for lighting pipe ladder objects in new files

Inserting a Straight Truss

Mode	Tool	Workspace: Tool set
Modes for Creating Lines	Straight Truss	• Spotlight and Braceworks: Rigging • Designer: Detailing

2 Click to place the object in the drawing, and click again to set the length and rotation.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Trusses are 2D/3D hybrid objects. Complex trusses can increase the time required to render the model in 3D.

Parameter	Description
Name	Specifies the name of the truss, for identification and reporting purposes
Index	Specifies a unique identifier for the truss, which is combined with the Name for identification and reporting purposes
Length	Specifies the length of the truss in drawing units
Cross Section	Displays the associated cross section information for Braceworks structures
Truss Cross Section	Displays the cross section unique ID number, when a cross section file has been associated with the truss as described in Specifying Cross Section Data. Cross section information is required for valid calculations; if there is no identified cross section, calculations will not be complete.
Profile	Select the truss profile from the list
Connection	Select the type of connection from the list
Connection Interval	Indicates the distance for dividing the truss into component sections
Folding	Select to indicate a folding truss
Pre Rigged	Select whether to include a light bar
Height/Width	Shows height and width values for the truss
Chord Profile	Select round or square chord tubing
Chord Width	Shows the diameter of round chords or the width of square chords
Ladder Bar Spacing	Specifies the interval of the ladder bars
Ladder Bar Profile	Select round or square ladder bar tubing
Top/Side Ladder Bar Diameter	Indicates the diameter of the top and side ladder bar tubing; enter 0 to draw no ladder bar
Lacing Profile	Select round or square lacing tubing
Top/Side Lacing Diameter	Indicates the diameter of the top and side lacing tubing. Enter 0 (zero) to draw no lacing.
Distributed Weight	Specifies the weight of the truss along the length of the truss
Hanging Angle	Indicates the angle of the truss between the stage or floor and the hanging point
Rotation	Specifies the rotation about the truss axis
Show 3D Detail	Select to render the truss with greater 3D detail
Highlight	Displays odd sized truss divisions in red
Message	Provides information about the truss placement and indicates successful placement
Select Truss System	Selects the current truss and any other connected structural elements in the system

A connection interval shorter than the defined interval length is displayed in red when Highlight is selected.

Inserting a Curved Truss

Mode	Tool	Workspace: Tool set
Modes for The Symbol Insertion Tool	Curved Truss	• Spotlight and Braceworks: Rigging • Designer: Detailing

2 Click to define the truss insertion point. Click again to set the rotation of the curved truss.

The first time you use the tool in a file, a properties dialog box opens. Set the default properties. The properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Trusses are 2D/3D hybrid objects. Complex trusses can increase the time required to render the model in 3D.

Parameter	Description
Name	Specifies the name of the truss, for identification and reporting purposes
Index	Specifies a unique identifier for the truss, which is combined with the Name for identification and reporting purposes
Diameter	Specifies the diameter of the truss as measured from the industry standard outside-to-outside diameter
Total Arc	Indicates the total angle covered by the truss in degrees
Segment Arc	Specifies the interval in degrees for dividing the truss into component sections
Cross Section	Displays the associated cross section for Braceworks structures
Truss Cross Section	Displays the cross section unique ID number, when a cross section file has been associated with the truss as described in Specifying Cross Section Data. Cross section information is required for valid calculations; if there is no identified cross section, calculations will not be complete.
Connection	Select the type of connection from the list
Profile	Select the truss profile from the list
Height/Width	Shows height and width values for the truss
Chord Profile	Select round or square chord tubing
Chord Width	Specifies the diameter of round chords or the width of square chords
Ladder Spacing Arc	Specifies the interval of the ladder bars in degrees
Ladder Profile	Select round or square ladder bar tubing
Top/Side Ladder Bar Diameter	Specifies the diameter of the top and side ladder bar tubing. Enter 0 (zero) to draw no ladder bar.
Lacing Profile	Select round or square lacing tubing
Top/Side Lacing Diameter	Specifies the diameter of the top and side lacing tubing. Enter 0 (zero) to draw no lacing.
Distributed Weight	Specifies the weight of the truss along the length of the truss
Show 3D Detail	Select to render the truss with greater 3D detail
Highlight	Displays odd sized truss divisions in red
Message	Provides information about the truss placement and indicates successful placement
Draw 3D Only	Select to display only the 3D component of the truss
Select Truss System	Selects the current truss and any other connected structural elements in the system

If the final segment of a truss is shorter than the defined interval length, it is displayed in red when Highlight is selected.

Rotating a Curved Truss

3 Click to set a fulcrum line; click to end. Move the cursor to rotate the truss, and then click to set the rotation.

Truss Configuration Requirements

A great deal of flexibility is incorporated in the Spotlight truss object. However, in order to create a valid truss, the wide variety of configurations leads to certain restrictions in the application of truss properties.

If a truss is drawn that does not meet these requirements, an alert message is generated.

• The width and height of the truss must be greater than three times the chord width

Creating a Hanging Position Object

Command	Path
Convert to Hanging Position	Spotlight > Object Conversion

As described in Creating Hanging Positions, you can create hanging position geometry by placing one or more lighting pipe, ladder, or truss objects. You can also create your own geometry for conversion. At a minimum, a hanging position object requires at least a 2D component; it also requires a 3D component to display correctly in 3D views. If a 2D only or 3D only object is selected when you execute the command, you will be prompted to confirm that you wish to proceed with the conversion. The objects cannot overlap or have gaps, especially if they are to be used in Braceworks calculations.

When you have placed the geometry in the drawing, convert it to a hanging position object. Choose whether to create a symbol from the geometry, or to simply embed the geometry in the object. If you embed the geometry, it is easier to edit later. If you create a symbol, it is available in the Resource Manager, where you can easily insert it into the drawing again with the Hanging Position tool, or reference or export it to other files. To edit the geometry, edit the symbol. For more information about symbols, see Símbolos.

While a hanging position cannot directly participate in Braceworks calculations (Braceworks required), the geometry that makes up the position (trusses or lighting pipe) can. Converting trusses and lighting pipe objects to a hanging position allows you to take advantage of Braceworks functionality, as well as the Spotlight functionality that allows lighting devices and loads to be attached/connected, numbered, and so on.

1 To convert multiple objects to a single hanging position, select Modify > Group and group the objects first.

For a selected truss object, simply click Convert to Hanging Position from the Object Info palette.

• Create Symbol converts the selected object to a hanging position symbol that remains inserted in the drawing. (If multiple items were selected for conversion, each object is converted one at a time.) The symbol is automatically named using the hanging position name followed by -Sym (as in FOH-Sym), and it becomes the active symbol in the Resource Manager.

• Use Geometry converts the selected object to a hanging position object. (If multiple items were selected for conversion, each object is converted one at a time.)

5 If you created a symbol, you can use the Hanging Position tool to insert additional hanging positions with the same symbol, if required. See Inserting Hanging Positions.

Once a hanging position is created, lighting instruments can be placed on it. See Adding Lighting Instruments.

Editing Hanging Position Geometry

If the hanging position object is not a symbol, you can edit it from the Object Info palette.

1 Select the hanging position object, and click Edit Position Geometry from the Object Info palette. Alternatively, right-click on the object, and select Edit from the context menu.

2 The editing window opens, containing the object to be edited. A colored border around the drawing window indicates that you are in an editing mode. Edit the object, and then click Exit Profile in the top right corner of the drawing window to update the object and return to the normal drawing mode.

Select the hanging position object, and enter the name of the symbol in the Symbol Name field from the Object Info palette.

Inserting Hanging Positions

Tool	Tool set
Hanging Position	Lighting

Use the Hanging Position tool to insert a hanging position symbol from the Resource Manager. To import symbols from the libraries included with the Vectorworks Spotlight software, select Vectorworks Libraries from the file browser pane in the Resource Manager, and open the appropriate symbols library. You can also import custom symbols from a Favorites file or use a symbol from the current file. See Concept: Resource Libraries.

2 Click Position symbol on the Tool bar. From the Resource Selector, double-click a resource to activate it.

Alternatively, from the Resource Manager, either double-click the position symbol to insert or right-click on the position symbol and select Make Active from the context menu. The Hanging Position tool is automatically selected.

3 Click in the drawing to insert the active hanging position symbol definition, and then click again to set the hanging position rotation.

If a hanging position is accidentally inserted with the Symbol Insertion tool, the position functionality will not be present. When correctly inserted, the Object Info palette displays “Hanging Position” for the selected hanging position.

A different type of hanging position can be placed by changing the active symbol definition and continuing to use the Hanging Position tool.

The hanging position object parameters can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Z (Height)	For 3D hanging positions, specifies the height
Rotation	Specifies the rotation angle of the hanging position
Text Style	Select a text style from a library or the current file. To use the style defined for the object’s class, select <Class Text Style>. To format the text using options on the Text menu, select <Un-Styled>. See Usando Estilos de Texto and Formatando Textos.
Position Name	Specifies the name of the hanging position, for identification and reporting purposes
Location	Optionally, specifies the location for use in reports
Show Name	Displays the Position Name on the drawing
Insert Position Summary	Inserts an instrument summary, filtered for the current hanging position; see Creating an Instrument Summary for a Hanging Position
Starting Number	Specifies the starting number for instrument auto-numbering
Increment	Specifies the increment for auto-numbering instruments
Numbering Direction	Specifies the page relative numbering direction
Multi-Circuit Numbering	Specifies the multi-circuit numbering format for multi-circuit instruments: • AlphaNum: Numbers the multicircuit instruments with A1, A2, A3... • Num.Alpha: Numbers the multicircuit instruments with 1.A, 1.B, 1.C... • Num.Num: Numbers the multicircuit instruments with 1.1, 1.2, 1.3...
Auto Number	Select to automatically number instruments and multi-circuit instruments on the hanging position
Symbol Name	If the hanging position object is symbol-based, displays the name of the symbol used to create the hanging position. If the hanging position object is not symbol-based, you can enter the name of an existing symbol to replace the current geometry with the symbol.
Classes	Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the hanging position label. This allows the label to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Use the suggested standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Hanging Position Class> to place the label in the same class as the hanging position. • Class Prefix: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for the hanging position label; click Use Standard Classes to begin all label class names with the prefix, so that they are sorted together. • Use Standard Classes: Sets the class name for the label to the default suggested standard name, using the Class Prefix if there is one. • Label: Specifies the class name standard to use for the hanging position label. • Witness Lines: Specifies the class name standard to use for associated load witness lines.
Edit Position Geometry	When the hanging position is not symbol-based, edits the geometry of the hanging position object; see Editing Hanging Position Geometry
Label Location	Adjusts the relative position of the position label control point
Show Witness Lines	Displays the witness lines of associated load objects, when the loads have been moved off of the hanging position
Total Hung Weight	Displays the total weight of all loads associated with the hanging position, plus all of the structural objects that make up the hanging position
Select System Objects	Selects all the objects connected within the same system and contained within the hanging position object, along with all associated hoists
Change trim height of system	Opens the Change Trim Height dialog box, for Changing the Trim Height of a System

The Z value of a hanging position can only be specified for hanging positions with 3D geometry. However, the Z value can be specified for the lighting instruments or loads placed on any type of hanging position (2D, 3D, or hybrid). A hanging position created from a symbol or plug-in object automatically assumes the Z value of the original object.

If a hanging position is copied, it is automatically renamed; any associated duplicated loads are associated with the new hanging position. Deleting a hanging position does not delete the associated loads.

If instruments are moved to a different hanging position, the hanging position name is automatically updated for the instruments, and the Z-height of the instruments is calculated automatically based on the hanging position Z-height.

Associating Load Objects with a Hanging Position

Objects with load data can be associated with a hanging position; the load factors into Braceworks calculations (Braceworks required). Load objects include:

• Video screen objects, speakers and speaker arrays, soft goods, cables, and point and distributed loads

Load objects are associated automatically when inserted on a hanging position based on the Pick radius specified in the Spotlight preferences. If an object is converted to a hanging position after the loads were inserted, they can still be attached.

An associated, or attached, load on a hanging position has its height automatically set correctly and it moves with the hanging position.

A load that is attached to a hanging position can be moved off of the position. When Enable Auto Positioning when moved is selected in the Spotlight preferences, when a load is moved, it searches for a new hanging position within the Pick radius. It attaches to the nearest hanging position within the Pick radius, if one is found.

When Enable Auto Positioning when moved is deselected, a witness line indicates the association; witness lines are classed separately so that they can be displayed or hidden (set the class by clicking Classes from the Object Info palette of a selected hanging position). Witness lines can be shown or hidden for a selected hanging position with the Show Witness Lines parameter on the Object Info palette.

Attaching a Hanging Position to Loads

Valid load objects that can be associated with the hanging position are highlighted as the cursor moves over them.

Command	Path
Attach Loads	Context menu

• To add a witness line from the load to the hanging position, click to attach the load to the hanging position and set the hanging point.

• To associate loads but not draw a witness line, either double-click on a load, or click the check mark button on the Tool bar.

Attaching a Load to a Hanging Position

Command	Path
Attach to a Hanging Position	Context menu

2 Click a hanging position to attach the load to it. The click point becomes the hanging point.

Selecting an Associated Hanging Position

Command	Path
Select Hanging Position	Context menu

Editing Associated Loads

When a load is attached at an offset from the hanging position, a witness line is created from the hanging point on the hanging position to the insertion point on the load. The control point on the witness line can be moved to change its location.

Command	Path
• Set Hanging Point • Move to Hanging Point	Context menu

1 Select the load object’s associated hanging position; a drop-down context menu becomes available on the load.

• To set a different hanging point for the load, select Set Hanging Point and click on a different location, on any hanging position.

• To move the load directly onto the hanging position (removing the witness line), select Move to Hanging Point.

Disassociating Load Objects from a Hanging Position

Alternatively, disassociate one or more loads after selecting the hanging position:

Valid load objects that can be disassociated from the hanging position are highlighted as the cursor moves over them.

Command	Path
Remove from Hanging Position	Context menu

Command	Path
Remove Loads	Context menu

Setting Up Instrument Label Legends

Label legends specify the labels and label formatting for lighting instruments on the light plot. Multiple label legends can be defined and then selectively applied to different instruments. The active label legend is applied to instruments as they are placed, or a label legend can be selected for existing instruments from the Object Info palette. Label legends are 2D screen plane objects. (See Planar Modes of 2D Objects: Screen Plane and Layer Plane.) 3D label legends display in the view selected from the 3D Legend View parameter in the Object Info palette of a selected lighting device.

Label Classes

Each label is automatically placed in its own Label class; 3D label text can be in its own class. This allows the labels to be globally turned on and off. For example, if the designer is printing the light plot for an electrician, the “Label-Purpose” class of labels can be hidden so that only electrical information labels are shown. All label legend classes can begin with a Label Root Class prefix specified in the Lighting Device Setup.

The labels display the lighting instrument object information. The instrument Object Info palette also shows this information (see Lighting Device Properties).

Label Legend Manager

The Label Legend Manager controls the setup and modification of the instrument label styles for light plot legends. Select the command to open the Label Legend Manager dialog box.

Command	Path
Label Legend Manager	Spotlight > Label Legend

Parameter	Description
Active	To activate the default legend for lighting instruments, select the label legend and click on the Active column. The active legend is indicated with a check mark. Any new instruments created will use the active legend as the default label legend; the legend name is displayed in the instrument Object Info palette, and can be changed at any time (see Changing the Instrument Label Legend).
Legend Name	Lists the file’s current legends
Add	Creates a new label legend and specifies the labels to include, as well as their attributes
Remove	Deletes the selected label legend; the active label legend cannot be removed
Edit Fields	Edits the labels included in the selected legend, along with their attributes
Edit Layout	Specifies the position of the labels in relation to an instrument

Creating Label Legends

The Add New Legend dialog box opens. Select the labels for placement and specify their attributes. Indicate the instrument symbol to use when formatting the label legend, and select whether the legend rotates with the instrument.

Parameter	Description
Legend Name	Provide a name for the new legend by typing it in the Legend Name field. A name must be entered before closing the dialog box.
Attributes
Use	Click to select an item to appear in the label legend. A check mark indicates the label is included.
Show in 3D	Click to display the item in the 3D version of the label. A check mark indicates that the label is included.
#	Displays the labels in the display order for the 3D label. To change the order, click in the column and drag the item to the desired position in the list.
Attribute	Lists the possible labels that can be selected for inclusion in the label legend
Right_Reading	For each label, select whether it will always be right-reading or allowed to rotate with the instrument. A check mark indicates the field is right-reading; deselect to allow the field to rotate with the instrument.
Container Type	Select the container for each label by clicking in the Container field until the desired container is displayed.
Lighting Instrument Layout Symbol	Specifies a symbol to use for label placement when editing the label layout; by default, the active symbol is selected. Click Choose to open the Choose an Instrument Symbol dialog box, where a different symbol can be selected from the current file’s resources.
3D Text Formatting	Specifies the appearance of the 3D label
Use 2D Containers	Uses the Container Type selected in the Attributes list for the 3D label text; when this option is selected, the label text is formatted by editing the layout as described in Formatting the Label Legend
Place Label Text	Adds the name of the Attribute to the label; this option is not available when using 2D containers
Font/Font Size/Alignment	Specifies the text formatting and alignment for the 3D label; these options are not available when using 2D containers
Class	To control appearance and visibility of the 3D labels, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class
Container Type	Select the container type for the entire 3D label
Non-Rotating	Specifies whether the label legend rotates with the instrument, or remains stationary as the instrument rotates

Custom container symbols can be added to the list of available containers. Draw a container object, and then click Modify > Create Symbol. Enter a name for the container. In the Move Symbol dialog box, specify the location of the Containers folder. The symbol is added to the list of available containers. Any symbol can be placed in the containers folder and used as a label container. The pre-defined container symbols can also be edited and customized.

Container attributes can be determined by the label text or lighting device; see Lighting Device Setup.

The new legend name displays in the Legend Name list in the Label Legend Manager dialog box.

Editing Label Legends

1 From the Label Legend Manager dialog box, select the legend, and then click Edit Fields. The Edit Label Legend dialog box opens. See Creating Label Legends for a description of the legend parameters.

To identify which legend needs to be edited before opening the Label Legend Manager, right-click on the lighting device and select Locate Label Legend in Resource Manager from the context menu.

The legend name displays at the top of the dialog box, and cannot be changed from here.

To rename a label legend, locate it in the Resource Manager in the Label Legends folder of the current file (navigate there manually or use the Locate Label Legend in Resource Manager context menu command). When the label legend is highlighted, right-click and select Rename from the context menu. (Any existing instruments that use the old legend name will lose their labels.)

2 The currently selected label items have a check mark next to the label name. Select any additional label items to appear in the legend by clicking in the Use column. To deselect a label item, click the associated check mark in the Use column; the check mark is removed.

Similarly, a check mark in the Show in 3D column creates a 3D version of the label.

3 Lighting Instrument Layout Symbol displays the name of the symbol currently used in the label legend. To use a different symbol, click Choose to open the Choose an Instrument Symbol dialog box. Select a new reference symbol from the resources present in the drawing.

When you change the instrument’s reference symbol, the symbol’s appearance on the drawing will not change. However, the change will be reflected within the label legend; the name shown on the Edit Label Legend dialog box will update, as will the appearance of the symbol in the layout editor (see Formatting the Label Legend).

Formatting the Label Legend

Once a label legend has been created, format it so that the labels are displayed in specific positions. The labels, containers, and layout symbol are selected when creating the label legend; see Creating Label Legends.

The view of the 3D labels is selected from the 3D Legend View parameter in the Object Info palette of a selected lighting device.

1 From the Label Legend Manager dialog box, select the legend, and then click Edit Layout.

Alternatively, right-click on a lighting device and select Locate Label Legend in Resource Manager from the context menu. The label legend associated with that lighting device is highlighted in the Resource Manager. Right-click on the highlighted label legend, and select Edit from the context menu. The Edit Symbol dialog box opens. Select 2D Component and click Edit. (See Editando Definições de Símbolo for additional information about the Edit Symbol dialog box.)

The Edit Symbol window opens, where the default position and format of the labels is specified for instruments that use this label legend. The name of the current label legend is displayed at the top of the Edit Symbol window. The instrument used for the layout is either the symbol selected in Lighting Instrument Layout Symbol or the active symbol at the time the legend was created.

2 The labels selected for the legend display to the left of the instrument diagram. Drag each label to its position on or around the instrument, and drag any label containers relative to the label text. The label’s formatting can be set by selecting the label, and then using the Object Info palette or the Text menu to select the label’s font, size, style, and justification. The label stacking order can be changed with the Modify > Send commands; the instrument is part of the stacking order. Change the color of the label by selecting it and applying a solid pen color from the Attributes palette.

If necessary, the labels placed outside the bounding box of the instrument are adjusted so they are always placed at an absolute distance from the instrument. For example, a label placed six inches in front of an instrument always appears six inches in front of any instrument to which the label is applied. The position of a label placed upon an instrument is scaled so it is in the same relative position whether the instrument is larger or smaller than the one used for formatting. A label placed at the center of the instrument is always at the center.

If 3D labels are included for the label legend, the labels display on the right. If Use 2D Containers was selected for the 3D labels, select the labels to format them from the Object Info palette. (When Use 2D Containers was not selected, formatting changes made here have no effect, since they are made from the Add New Legend or Edit Label Legend dialog box.) The order of the labels in the legend is set when the label is created; changing the order here has no effect.

3 When the labels are set, click Exit Symbol in the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing. The formatting and position of the labels applies to all instruments that use this legend.

Repositioning Labels

Labels should normally be repositioned through the Label Legend Manager. On a complex light plot, however, a label can be hidden by the nearest object. If that occurs, click the instrument to select it, and then click the instrument label control point, located at the center of the label, with the Selection tool. Drag the label to another location. This one-time repositioning does not affect the label legend.

Creating a Label Legend from an Existing Instrument

If labels have been repositioned and the arrangement is suitable to use as a label legend for other instruments, you can create a new label legend from a selected lighting instrument’s legend. The current label arrangement and instrument rotation are used for the new label legend.

Command	Path
Create Label Legend from Instrument	Spotlight > Label Legend

1 Select the lighting instrument. The instrument must already have a label legend attached.

By default, the instrument’s existing label legend is appended with a -1 (or with the next available number) as a suggested name.

The new label legend is automatically assigned to the selected instrument. The instrument specified in Symbol Name in the Object Info palette of the selected instrument becomes the representative lighting device for the label legend.

Importing Label Legends from Another File

Label legends from another file created with the Vectorworks Spotlight product can be imported into the current file. From the Resource Manager, drag the Label Legends symbols from the original file into the Label Legends folder in the new file, or use the Import command from the context menu. The imported label legends are listed in the Label Legend Manager.

Adding Lighting Instruments

Instruments can be inserted from the thousands of symbols provided in symbol libraries, or created as custom symbols that you convert into lighting instruments.

• Use the Lighting Instrument tool to select a lighting instrument object and place it on the on the light plot. This method is described in Inserting Instruments.

The instrument symbols from the libraries included with the Vectorworks Spotlight product contain all the required attribute information. When creating or using your own symbols with the Vectorworks Spotlight product, see Lighting Instrument Specifications.

An existing lighting instrument with specific parameters can be saved as a red symbol (a preformatted resource).

Creating a Lighting Instrument Symbol

The Vectorworks Spotlight program provides thousands of lighting symbols; however, it is not necessary to use only these pre-defined symbols. Create a Spotlight instrument out of a currently selected symbol—once the symbol is converted to an instrument, the instrument functionality is present and the label legend is attached.

Command	Path
Convert to Instrument	Spotlight > Object Conversion

See Lighting Instrument Specifications for more information and restrictions on using custom symbols for lighting instruments, and information on attaching the Light Info Record.

Symbols can have a separate 2D and 3D representation. The lighting instrument object automatically uses the appropriate portion of the symbol. At a minimum, the symbol must have at least a 2D component; it also requires a 3D component to display correctly in 3D views. For information on symbols, see Criando Definições de Símbolos.

The selected symbol is converted into a lighting instrument that remains inserted in the drawing. The active label legend, if any, is applied to the instrument; see Label Legend Manager for more information. The instrument properties can be changed through the Object Info palette; some of the instrument parameters may need to be entered.

Creating a Preformatted Lighting Resource

Any instrument that has been inserted from a library or converted from a symbol can be saved as a red symbol. Its appropriate default values are retained, and when inserted from the Resource Manager, the instrument picks up the hanging position and active label legend. For more information on red symbols, see Conceito: Vectorworks Símbolos.

1 Select a current instrument and ensure that all its parameters have been specified.

In the Object Info palette, set the Use Legend parameter to None and delete the hanging position (Position parameter). Set the Z height of the instrument to 0.

Set a label legend name to use a specific label legend, rather than the current one, upon insertion. If the label legend is not in the file at the time of symbol insertion, it is automatically imported.

The Create Symbol dialog box opens. Enter a name for the new symbol. For information on symbols, see Criando Definições de Símbolos.

The lighting symbol displays in the Resource Manager and Resource Selector as a red symbol. When the symbol is inserted, it functions as a plug-in object and the saved parameters are retained.

Inserting Instruments

Tool	Tool set
Lighting Instrument	Lighting

Use the Lighting Instrument tool to insert an existing instrument symbol. See Resource Manager.

To identify which lighting instrument was used and locate it in the Resource Manager, right-click on the lighting device and select Locate Symbol in Resource Manager from the context menu.

1 Click the tool, and then click Instrument symbol on the Tool bar. From the Resource Selector, double-click a resource to activate it.

Alternatively, from the Resource Manager, either double-click the instrument symbol to insert or right-click on the instrument symbol and select Make Active from the context menu. The Lighting Instrument tool is automatically selected.

2 Click once to insert the selected instrument symbol definition, and then again to determine the instrument rotation. By default, the active Label Legend is applied to the instrument.

If an instrument symbol is accidentally inserted by the Symbol Insertion tool, the instrument functionality will not be present. When correctly inserted, the Object Info palette displays “Lighting Device” for the selected instrument.

Once the Lighting Instrument tool has been selected, it remains selected so that instruments can be repeatedly inserted.

3 Place instruments on a hanging position to add them to that hanging position and allow auto-numbering. A different type of instrument can be placed by selecting another instrument symbol and continuing to use the Lighting Instrument tool.

Once instruments have been inserted, they continue to automatically associate with the nearest hanging position within a specified Pick Radius set in the Spotlight preferences. To avoid instruments changing their hanging position association as they are moved, disable automatic positioning.

Inserting Multi-circuit Instruments

Use the Lighting Instrument tool to insert multi-circuit instruments, as described in Inserting Instruments. Multi-circuit instruments act as a group while retaining their individual parameters and labels.

As an example, a three-cell Cyc light consisting of different colors can be inserted as a single multi-circuit instrument that can be easily positioned. However, each light in the multi-circuit instrument retains its own information, which is displayed in its label legend. When generating paperwork, each cell of the instrument is listed individually. See Criando Definições de Símbolos to create a multi-circuit symbol out of instrument symbols (left, center, and right components).

The multi-circuit symbol must consist only of other symbols to be properly inserted as a multi-circuit instrument. Otherwise, the Lighting Instrument tool treats it as a single circuit instrument.

By default, the active Label Legend is applied to each part of the multi-circuit instrument. The multi-circuit instrument is numbered according to the hanging position settings.

As an alternative workflow, select multiple instruments, and then select the Convert to MultiCircuit command to create a multi-circuit instrument.

To undo a conversion to a multi-circuit instrument, select the multi-circuit instrument and then select the Convert to MultiCircuit command again.

Editing Lighting Instruments

Once lighting instruments have been inserted (normally, on a hanging position), many of the parameters of one or more selected instruments can be changed from the Object Info palette and Lighting Device dialog box, and the color, numbering, alignment, and other options can be controlled.

To select all lighting instruments focused on a particular focus point, right-click on the focus point and select Select Focused Lighting Devices from the context menu. The focus point and any other selected objects are deselected automatically to facilitate faster editing of the lighting instruments.

Lighting Device Properties

Instrument (or accessory) parameters can be viewed and edited from the Object Info palette. The parameters that display on the Shape tab of the Object Info palette depend on the settings made in Spotlight preferences; see Specifying Lighting Device Parâmetro Display.

Parameters can also be edited from the Lighting Device dialog box; see Changing Device Properties. Change advanced light properties, including turning the associated light source on, by editing the light source embedded within the instrument; see Advanced Light Properties.

Instruments that are associated with a hanging position may display with a witness line when offset from the hanging position; a drop-down context menu is available when the hanging position is selected. See Associating Load Objects with a Hanging Position.

For a custom instrument symbol without an information record attached, enter the required instrument object parameters (see Attaching the Light Info Record and Light Info Record M). An entry is not required for every field.

Parameter	Description
XYZ/IJK Location/Rotation	Changes the instrument’s location and rotation; the instrument labels rotate with the instrument unless Right-Reading is selected in the Label Legend Manager (see Formatting the Label Legend). In a 3D view, if an instrument is associated with a focus point, the instrument, along with any accessories, rotates automatically so that it points to the focus point.
Edit	Opens the Lighting Device dialog box, for editing the parameters of one or more lighting devices
Device Type	Displays the type of object that is selected; normally, instruments are Light device types (Moving Light, Device, Practical, SFX, Power, and Other are also considered Light types). Accessories such as color frames, barn doors, and top hats are Static Accessory types; accessories that require a control channel, such as color scrollers, are Accessory types.
Instrument Type	Displays the specific type of lighting instrument
Fixture ID	Filters the choices available for Fixture Mode
Fixture Mode	Select the fixture mode of the lighting device, primarily for the purposes of exporting to a lighting console or visualizer. Available choices are based on the Fixture ID. The Num Channels is set automatically according to the selected fixture mode. Any other information associated with the mode, such as color and gobo information, is also automatically provided for the selected lighting device. For custom or generic lighting instruments, choose the fixture mode from all available modes by selecting Other. See Specifying the Custom Fixture Mode for details. Other Vision data is specified for lighting devices by Editing Vision Data. Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required).
Wattage	Indicates the power consumed by the instrument
Purpose	Specifies the purpose for using
Position	Displays the name of the hanging position
Unit Number	Identifies the instrument location on the hanging position
Color	Specifies the gel color number according to manufacturer code, RGB values, color name from the file, or web (hex) codes; when the light associated with the instrument is turned on, Color specifies the actual light color. Use + between color numbers to indicate combinations of two or more colors. See Lighting Instrument Color. The color setting can affect the display of the lighting device color, depending on the Spotlight preferences. See Lighting Device Setup.
Dimmer	Specifies the dimmer or DMX address number of the instrument
Channel	Specifies the channel number of the instrument
Address	Specifies the absolute address of the instrument. If Automatically assign Universe is selected in the Spotlight Preferences dialog box, this field is used to automatically populate the Universe and U Address fields.
Universe	Indicates the DMX group of the dimmer; this is set automatically if the Spotlight file is set up to assign the universe. See Universe Assignment in Vectorworks Spotlight.
U Address	When the universe is automatically assigned, displays the address assigned within the universe
Circuit Number	Indicates the circuit number where instrument is plugged in
Circuit Name	Specifies the name of bundled circuit group
System	Specifies the letter describing the control system (Lightwright-compatible parameter)
User Field 1–6	Provides user-defined fields; use these extra fields to keep track of any desired data (see Specifying Lighting Device Parâmetro Display)
Voltage	Specifies the voltage of the instrument
Breaker ID	Provides the power distribution identifier of the instrument
Time	Approximates the time required to work with the device, useful in reports
Cost	Specifies the rental cost of the device, useful in reports
Num Channels	Identifies the number of control channels used by the instrument. If the instrument has been assigned a Fixture Mode, the number of channels is automatically assigned and is displayed here.
Frame Size	Indicates the dimensions of the color cut
Field Angle	Sets the field angle of the instrument’s light beam
Field Angle 2	Specifies the second field angle for an elliptical light source
Beam Angle	Sets the beam angle of the instrument’s light beam
Beam Angle 2	Specifies the second beam angle for an elliptical light source
Weight	Specifies the instrument weight (displays the same value as Total Weight)
Gobo 1	Indicates the gobo texture number for the first gobo. Specifying the gobo texture by clicking Edit in the Object Info palette provides a graphical method of selecting gobo textures.
Gobo 1 Rotation	Sets the rotation angle of gobo texture 1
Gobo 2	Indicates the gobo texture number for the second gobo
Gobo 2 Rotation	Sets the rotation angle of gobo texture 2
Gobo Shift	Adjusts the position of the instrument gobos to the front or rear
Mark	Provides a user-defined label (Lightwright-compatible parameter)
Draw Beam	Select to draw an accurate wireframe representation of the light beam; the light beam is drawn based on the instrument parameters, and can be used to check whether the stage and focus areas have been adequately lit (see Drawing Light Beam Representations). Spotlight setup can globally specify the appearance and display of the elements in the light beam (angles and centerline).
Draw Beam as 3D Solid	Generates a light beam that appears solid when rendered
Use Vertical Beam (Focus Point required)	By default, draws the wireframe beam in a vertical orientation when possible, when either Draw Beam or Draw Beam as 3D Solid is selected. When deselected, the beam is usually drawn in a horizontal orientation.
Show Beam at	In a 2D view, select whether to draw the beam as it crosses the focus point, at the falloff distance as projected through the focus point, or in both areas
Replace Lighting Device	Opens the Resource Selector; double-click a resource to select it
Refresh Labels	Refreshes instrument labels if label changes have been made
Falloff distance	Specifies how far the wireframe light beam is drawn beyond the focus point; the Focus Instruments command sets this value to the distance between the focus point object and 0
Lamp Rotation Angle	Indicates the rotation angle of the virtual elliptical light source, from 0 to 90°
Shutter parameters	Controls the angle and depth of top, left, right, and bottom shutter cuts. Each shutter is located at 90º intervals around the lighting instrument, and can be adjusted +/- 45º. The shutter depth ranges from 0 to 100%, with 100% cutting through the center of the light source.
Symbol Name	Displays the name of the symbol used to create the instrument or accessory
Use Legend	Select the label legend to apply from the list of label legends in the file (see Label Legend Manager)
3D Legend View	When the label legend includes 3D labels, select the view for the labels when displaying the drawing in a 3D view. The 3D portion of the label legend includes its own control point to adjust the position of the label. Easily copy the 3D label legend parameters to selected instruments by Changing the 3D Legend View.
Flip Left & Right Legend Container	Select to mirror the 3D label along the Y axis of the lighting instrument (for example, a label legend that displays to the right of the instrument displays on the left instead)
Flip Top & Bottom Legend Container	Select to mirror the 3D label along the X axis of the lighting instrument (for example, a label legend that displays at the top of the instrument displays on the bottom instead)
Flip Front & Back Legend Text	Select to mirror the label legend along the X axis of the lighting instrument (a label legend that displays in front of the instrument displays behind it instead)
Flip Left & Right Legend Text	Select to mirror the label legend along the Y axis of the lighting instrument (a label legend that displays to the right of the instrument displays on the left instead)
Focus	Specifies the focus point for the lighting instrument. The focus point must be defined first (see Focusing Instruments).
Set 3D Orientation	Specifies the X/Y position of the instrument at the hanging point, for 3D views only
Enable Z Rotation	Select this option to specify a rotation angle for the 3D views that is independent from the device’s Rotation parameter (which applies to Top/Plan view). When this option is selected, specify the Z Rotation angle.
Vertical Focus Angle	Displays the focus angle up from vertical when a focus point has been assigned
Horizontal Focus Angle	Displays the angle down from horizontal when a focus point has been assigned
Angle To Face	Displays the angle at which the light hits the face plane of the lit subject at the focus point
Off Axis Angle	Displays the angle from the centerline of the focus point to the lighting device. The bottom of the focus point is the centerline; rotate the focus point to change the centerline location.
Throw Distance	Displays the distance from the lighting device to the focus point, when a focus point has been assigned
Load Information	A lighting device is considered a point load in Braceworks calculations; if the insertion point is on a structural element, it is considered to be a load on that structure. Load information is used for Braceworks calculations and reports (Braceworks required).
Include in Calculations (Braceworks required)	Includes the lighting device in Braceworks calculations; deselect to exclude the device from participating in structural calculations
Load Group Name	The load category is always Light for lighting devices
Load ID	Enter a unique ID for the load for informational use in reports
Load Name	Identifies the object in load calculations; normally the object name is used
Total Weight	Enter the total weight of the object

For instruments and accessories, do not provide a name on the Data tab. The instrument or accessory Unique ID Number (UID) is automatically entered and must be used as the instrument or accessory name.

Workflow: Visualizer Data Exchange

All aspects of the scene design can be transfered between Vectorworks and visualizers or lighting consoles to previz the show. Any changes made in either Vectorworks or the visualizer are shared seamlessly. The General Device Type Format (GDTF) is used to save and exchange customized fixture data, and the My Virtual Rig (MVR) format enables the transfer of all data and objects between the Vectorworks and visualizer programs. To prepare for previz:

• Select Export > Export MVR, and choose whether to export lighting device parameter data, scene geometry, or both.

• An MVR file is created containing the relevant information from the Vectorworks file.

• Launch the lighting console software and visualizer, and import the MVR file.

If using separate lighting consoles and visualizers, you will need to use both to import and export the MVR file.

• All of the fixture information and geometry previously specified for export from Vectorworks is shown in the visualizer. Program the show as desired.

• Modify the lighting devices, including the fixtures’ DMX addresses, unit numbers, and locations.

• From Vectorworks, select Import > Import MVR, and choose whether to import the lighting device parameter data, scene geometry, or both.

• The scene updates with the changes made in the visualizer, while preserving the original Vectorworks geometry.

Specifying the Custom Fixture Mode

The fixture mode of a lighting device can be customized for export to a lighting console or visualizer. The available fixture modes depend on the device’s Fixture ID, specified from the Object Info palette. Some fixture modes are specific to the Vision program. Other fixture modes are available in General Device Type Format (GDTF), used when exporting to a visualizer (see Workflow: Visualizer Data Exchange for more information). The Availability column in the Fixture Mode dialog box indicates which type of fixture mode is available.

3 The list of available modes can be sorted by Manufacturer, Fixture and Mode, Type, or Availability. Click a column heading to sort by that category. Click the disclosure arrows to expand the list.

If a Vision fixture mode is specified and the file is exported to MVR, a GDTF fixture mode will be used during export.

Changing Device Properties

2 From the Object Info palette or the context menu, select Edit, or simply double-click a single instrument or device.

The Lighting Device dialog box opens. Many of the lighting device parameters are the same as those available from the Object Info palette, as described in Lighting Device Properties. Only the parameters that are different are described here.

Parameter	Description
Position	Lists the hanging positions in the file; select one for the lighting instrument, or select the ellipsis (...) to create a new hanging position name. If a new position is named, a hanging position of that name must then be created in the file.
Color	Specifies the gel color number according to manufacturer code, RGB values, color name from the file, web (hex) codes, color combination, or the color selected from the color box (see Applying Colors). The selected color is added to the file’s active document color palette, and can be specified for a selected lighting device by its name. When the light associated with the instrument is turned on, Color specifies the actual light color (see Lighting Instrument Color). The color setting can affect the display of the lighting device color, depending on the Spotlight preferences. See Lighting Device Setup.
Focus	Lists the focus points in the file; select one for the lighting instrument, or select the ellipsis (...) to create a new focus point name. If a new focus point is named, a focus point of that name must then be created in the file.
Use Legend	Select the label legend to apply from the list of label legends in the file (see Label Legend Manager)
Symbol Name	Opens the Resource Selector; double-click a resource to select it
Previous/Next	When more than one device is selected, displays the parameters of the previous or next device in the selection
Apply to All	When more than one device is selected, and the parameters of the first device in the selection are displayed, applies only the parameters that have been modified to all the devices in the selection

Parameter	Description
Get Data from Symbol	Obtains the light information from the Light Info record attached to the symbol definition
Get Resource	Opens the Import External Resource dialog box. Click the current resource to open the Resource Selector; double-click a resource to select it (see Inserting Gobo Projections).

Specify the depth and angles for the top, left, right, and/or bottom shutters. Each shutter is located at 90º intervals around the lighting instrument, and can be adjusted +/- 45º. The shutter depth ranges from 0 to 100%, with 100% cutting through the center of the light source.

User data fields and any default values display here and the default values can be edited by selecting a field name and entering the new value in Value.

7 The remaining tabs are associated with instruments that will be exported to a lighting console or visualizer to program a show. If the lighting instrument has a custom Fixture Mode specified from the Object Info palette (see Specifying the Custom Fixture Mode), you can set the device’s color wheels, gobo wheels, and animation wheels. When Vision is installed, and the lighting instrument has a Vision Fixture Mode, the gobo, color, and animation properties of the instrument can either be set here, or with the Edit Vision Data command. The Edit Vision Data command also allows you to set general information for the fixture and specify attachment data. See Editing Vision Data.

The default specifications are set according to the Fixture Mode specified in the Object Info palette. On any of these tabs, click Reset Defaults to restore the default data for the lighting device based on the Fixture Mode.

Parameter	Description
Gobo Wheels	Selects custom gobo patterns to load into gobo wheels; select the Wheel number to display its slot locations. Each Slot location displays any selected gobo for the slot. To select or change the gobo for the slot, click Select Image File and select a gobo image from the Select Gobo dialog box. If possible, a preview displays on the right.
Color Wheels	Selects custom colors to load into color wheels; for each wheel; select the Wheel number to display its slot locations. Each Slot location displays any selected Color Name, Color Value, and RGB values for the slot. To select or change the color for the slot, click the list in Color Name and select a different color from the Color palette (see Applying Colors) A preview of the color displays.
Animation Wheels	Selects custom animations to load into animation wheels; for each wheel; select the Wheel number to display its slot locations. Each Slot location displays any selected animation file for the slot. To select or change the animation file for the slot, click Select Image File and select an animation image from the Select Anim dialog box. If possible, a preview displays on the right.

The properties of one or more selected devices or objects can also be edited from the Shape tab of the Object Info palette (see Lighting Device Properties).

A selected lighting device or a selection of devices can be cut, copied, and pasted with the Edit menu commands. See Editing Geometry for more information on the basic editing commands.

Advanced Light Properties

More advanced control over the lighting instrument properties is possible by editing the light source embedded within the instrument. Turn the lighting instrument on and off by editing the embedded light.

The Light Properties dialog box opens. These parameters offer full control over the light source, and are described in Light Source Properties.

Various light parameters are disabled, because they are controlled by the lighting device object instead.

Select a light Kind of Custom to associate a light distribution file with the light. Note that light distribution files and theatrical lighting manufacturers may not specify output in the same way.

3 To enable the light properties, turn the light on in the Properties dialog box or from the Visualization palette, or right-click on the instrument and select Turn On from the context menu.

Editing Vision Data

Command	Path
Edit Vision Data	Spotlight > Visualization

Vectorworks Spotlight software is integrated with the Vision program for visualization, and the lighting device Fixture Mode parameter can be selected from the Object Info palette. Associated with the fixture mode, default data for Vision specifies the device’s color wheels, gobo wheels, animation wheels, and attachments; the default Vision data can be changed for a selected lighting device with the Edit Vision Data command.

The gobo, color, and animation properties of the instrument can either be set here, or by clicking Edit from a selected lighting device. General and attachment information can only be set from the Edit Vision Data command.

1 Select a lighting device with a Vision Fixture Mode specified from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
General	Specifies general information about the device, for use in Vision. • Fixture Name: Displays the name of the fixture (similar to selecting the Fixture Mode in the Object Info palette). Select a different fixture mode from the list if needed. Click Select Different Fixture to select a different lighting instrument. • Fixture Parameters: The number of channels required is set by the fixture type; specify the unit number, universe, and channel numbers for use in Vision. If set in the Object Info palette, the parameters display here. • Comments: Displays any information applicable to the device
Gobos	Selects custom gobo patterns to load into gobo wheels; for each wheel, click on a Slot location to display the selected gobo for the slot. To change the gobo for the slot, click Change Gobo and select a different gobo image from the Select a Gobo dialog box. If possible, a preview displays on the right.
Colors	Selects custom colors to load into color wheels; for each wheel, click on a Slot location to display the selected color for the slot. To change the color for the slot, click Change Color and select a custom color or a manufacturer color from the Color Picker dialog box. A preview of the color displays.
Animation Wheels	Selects custom animations to load into animation wheels; for each wheel, click on a Slot location to display the selected animation for the slot. To change the animation for the slot, click Change Animation Wheel and select a different animation from the Select an Animation Wheel dialog box. If possible, a preview displays on the right.
Attachments	Selects custom attachments for the lighting device. Available Attachments for the selected device display on the left; click the disclosure arrow, if needed to see the attachments in a category. Click on an attachment and then click Add to attach it to the device. The attachments are listed in Current Attachments on the right. To remove an attachment from the device, select it and click Remove. Select an attachment and click Edit Attachment to specify all the general, gobo, color, and animation wheel parameters for the attachment. The identical Vision Light dialog box opens, to set the attachment’s properties. Specify the properties for the attachment.
Restore All Defaults	Restores the default data for the lighting device based on the Fixture Mode specified in the Object Info palette

Lighting Instrument Color

The gel color of a lighting instrument is specified by the Color parameter in the Object Info palette or Lighting Device dialog box. Define the color by one of these methods.

• RGB values separated by commas (such as 191, 49, 26); values must be between 0 and 255

• Manufacturer color codes, by manufacturer name or abbreviation and color number (such as Gam 650, G 650, G-650, or G650)

• Name of the color as specified in the file’s color palettes (see Applying Colors)

• Combinations of two or more colors (such as R46+R10); the resultant calculated color combination displays, just as when combining actual color filters. Invalid single colors are treated as white when calculating color combinations.

Acceptable manufacturer names and abbreviations are shown in the following table.

Manufacturer	Product Name	Abbreviation
Rosco	Roscolux	R, X
Rosco	Supergel	R, S, RS
Rosco	E-Color	E, RE
Rosco	CalColor	R, RC
Rosco	Cinegel	R, RCG
Rosco	Cinelux	R, RCL
Rosco	Storaro	R, RSO
Lee Filter	Lee	L
Gam	Gam	G
Apollo	Apollo	A, AP
GoboMan	GoboMan	GM

The color setting can affect the display of the lighting device color, depending on the Spotlight preferences. See Lighting Device Setup.

Lighting devices intended for export to Vision have specific color selection requirements; see Editing Vision Data.

Replacing Instruments

Command	Path
Replace Instruments	Spotlight

Replacing a Single Instrument

Replacing Selected Instruments

4 Click the With list to open the Resource Selector, and double-click a resource to select it.

Replacing All Instruments of One Type

3 Click the With list to open the Resource Selector, and double-click a resource to select it.

Changing the Instrument Label Legend

As instruments are placed on the light plot, the active label legend is assigned to them by default. However, the legend can be changed for a selection of instruments.

Changing the Label Legend

Command	Path
Assign Legend to Instruments	• Spotlight > Label Legend • Context menu

The label legend can also be changed for an individual instrument by selecting the instrument, and then selecting the legend name from the Use Legend list in the Object Info palette.

Use the Find and Modify command to quickly generate a custom selection of specific instruments and apply the new legend to the selected instruments (see Find and Modify).

Changing the 3D Legend View

Command	Path
Assign 3D Legend Position to Selected	Context menu

The 3D Legend View selection from one lighting instrument can be copied to a selection of instruments, or all of the 3D label legend view parameters can be changed for all selected instruments. This is a convenient way of displaying the 3D label legends for all instruments according to the current 3D view.

To copy the 3D label legend view or change the 3D label legend parameters for the selection:

2 Right-click on an instrument with the desired 3D Legend View, and select the command.

The Assign 3D Label Legend Position dialog box opens. The parameters are initially set to those of the instrument that was clicked upon.

Select the check box to change the specific 3D label legend parameter, and then assign its value.

Parameter	Description
Assign View	When the label legend includes 3D labels, select the view for the labels when displaying the drawing in a 3D view
Assign Location	Displays the label position relative to the clicked instrument; this allows the labels to appear in consistent locations
Assign Flipping
Flip Left & Right Legend Container	Select to mirror the 3D label along the Y axis of the lighting instrument (for example, a label legend that displays to the right of the instrument displays on the left instead)
Flip Top & Bottom Legend Container	Select to mirror the 3D label along the X axis of the lighting instrument (for example, a label legend that displays at the top of the instrument displays on the bottom instead)

Refreshing Instrument and Light Position Data

Select the command to update light position information and instrument labels to reflect any changes that have been made. This ensures that all current data is displayed; it is a good idea to select this command before printing the light plot.

Command	Path
Refresh Instruments	• Spotlight • Document context menu

Two-fers do not get updated with the instrument information when the Refresh Instruments command is selected.

Aligning Instruments

Tool	Tool set
Align and Distribute Items	Lighting

Lighting instruments can be automatically aligned and distributed along a specified guide line with the Align and Distribute Items tool.

Parameter	Description
Just Align	The instruments are aligned, but their distribution is not changed
Along line on centers	Aligns and distributes selected objects along the guide line using a specified spacing setting between the center point of the instruments
Evenly between points	The instruments are aligned and distributed evenly between the guide line points, starting with instruments at the beginning of the guide line
Evenly inside points	The instruments are aligned and distributed evenly between the guide line points, starting with spacing at the beginning of the guide line

Numbering Instruments by Hanging Position

Numbering Instruments on a Hanging Position

Instruments can be numbered according to the hanging position automatic numbering parameters.

2 From the Object Info palette, specify the Starting Number, Increment, Numbering Direction, and, for multi-circuit instruments, the Multi-Circuit Numbering.

The instruments are automatically numbered. The Unit Number in the Object Info palette of a selected lighting instrument displays its number, which can be changed to override the automatic number.

To display the numbers on the drawing, specify a label legend that includes the Unit Number in the label. See Setting Up Instrument Label Legends.

Numbering All Instruments by Hanging Position

Select the command to globally automatically number the lighting instruments in the drawing based on the settings in each hanging position.

If hanging positions are selected when the command is activated, only the instruments on the selected hanging positions are numbered.

Command	Path
Auto Number Positions	Spotlight

Find and Modify

Custom selection criteria can be defined to quickly and easily search for instruments, hanging positions, and accessories and to perform an action upon the search results.

Command	Path
Find and Modify	Spotlight

2 Select the type of object to be searched and specify the changes to occur to the items found.

Parameter	Description
Find All	Select the type of object to be searched, and then specify the criteria for the search. For example, find all instruments with a circuit number of 66. The list of values is filtered as the criteria are defined.
Change the __ field to __	A specific parameter value can be changed to a new value by clicking Change, selecting the parameter, and entering the new value. Instruments on a particular circuit can be changed to another circuit, for example.
Replace them with this symbol	Click Replace to change the found items to the item specified in the list. For example, find all instruments with a particular purpose, and change them to be of the same instrument type.
Assign this Label Legend	The label legend for found instruments can be changed by clicking Assign and selecting the new label legend
Renumber the __ field from __ starting at__	The renumber operation changes the numbering values for the specified item and location. Enter the starting number value for the change. For example, change the numbering for all PAR instruments on Electric #2 to begin with 12.
Copy the __ field to the __ field	One parameter from the searched item can be copied to another parameter by selecting the parameters from the lists in the Copy operation. For example, copy the circuit number to the dimmer number or the dimmer number to the channel number.
Change the class to __	Change the class of the found items by clicking Change the Class to
Just Select Them	The found item can simply be selected by clicking Just Select Them
Just Deselect Them	Deselect the items found by the custom search by clicking the Just Deselect Them option
Delete Them	Delete the items found by the custom search by clicking the Delete Them option
Item Count	Displays an item count of the objects meeting current criteria at the bottom of the Find and Modify dialog box

Adding Accessories

Accessories can be inserted from the many symbols provided in symbol libraries, or created as custom symbols that you convert into accessories.

• Use the Lighting Accessory tool to select a lighting accessory object and place it on the light plot. This method is described in Inserting Accessories.

• Convert custom geometry into an accessory. This method is described in Creating an Accessory.

The accessory symbols from the libraries included with the Vectorworks Spotlight product include all the required attribute information and have the correct accessory type assigned (Accessory or Static Accessory). To create or use your own symbols, see Accessory Specifications.

Lighting instrument accessories, such as color frames, barn doors, and top hats, are placed on the same design layer as the instruments. Accessories such as color frames, barn doors, and top hats have a Device Type of Static Accessory. Accessories that require a control channel, such as color scrollers, have a Device Type of Accessory.

An instrument can have multiple accessories in the same location (most accessories are placed at the front of an instrument). It can also have several accessories in different locations. Once an accessory has been associated with an instrument, the instrument controls the accessory.

Creating an Accessory

Command	Path
Convert to Accessory	Spotlight > Object Conversion

The Vectorworks Spotlight program provides accessory symbols; however, it is not necessary to use only the pre-defined symbols. Create an accessory out of a currently selected symbol—once the symbol is converted to an accessory, the accessory functionality is present. See Accessory Specifications for restrictions on using symbols for accessories.

1 Draw the accessory, and then convert the object to a symbol by selecting Modify > Create Symbol.

Symbols can have a separate 2D and 3D representation. The accessory object automatically uses the appropriate portion of the symbol. At a minimum, the symbol must have at least a 2D component; it also requires a 3D component to display correctly in 3D views. For information on symbols, see Criando Definições de Símbolos.

3 Select the lighting instrument to associate with the accessory or accessories. Only one instrument can be selected.

The selected symbol is converted into an accessory and remains inserted in the drawing. It is associated with the selected lighting instrument. The accessory properties can be changed through the Object Info palette; some of the accessory information may need to be entered.

Accessories such as color frames, barn doors, and top hats should have a Device Type of Static Accessory. Accessories that require a control channel, such as color scrollers, should have a Device Type of Accessory.

To associate an accessory with a different lighting instrument, or associate an accessory that was never properly associated, select the accessory and the instrument to associate, and then select Spotlight > Object Conversion > Convert to Accessory.

Inserting Accessories

Tool	Tool set
Lighting Accessory	Lighting

Use the Lighting Accessory tool to insert an existing accessory symbol. See Resource Manager.

1 Click the tool, and then click Accessory symbol on the Tool bar. From the Resource Selector, double-click a resource to activate it.

Alternatively, from the Resource Manager either double-click the accessory symbol to insert or right-click on the accessory symbol and select Make Active from the context menu. The Lighting Accessory tool is automatically selected.

2 Click once to insert the selected accessory symbol, and then again to determine the accessory rotation. The cursor changes to a bull’s eye. Click the instrument that will be associated with the accessory.

Because the accessory is controlled by the associated instrument, the items move together. However, an accessory can be positioned on its own by selecting it and dragging.

If an accessory symbol is accidentally inserted by the Symbol Insertion tool, the accessory functionality will not be present. If correctly inserted, the Object Info palette displays “Lighting Device” (with a Device Type of Accessory or Static Accessory) for the selected accessory.

Once the Lighting Accessory tool has been selected, it remains selected so that accessories can be repeatedly inserted. To place non-instrument symbols after placing accessories, switch to the Symbol Insertion tool.

Accessory Properties

The accessory Object Info palette parameters are nearly identical to those of an instrument, because it requires many of the same parameters. The Device Type is Static Accessory or Accessory.

Entering a parameter in the accessory Object Info palette will not change the associated instrument parameters.

When a lighting instrument is deleted, its associated accessory is also deleted.

Instrument and Accessory Specifications

Custom symbols can be created and used in addition to the pre-defined standard symbol sets. Create an instrument, multi-circuit instrument, or accessory out of a currently selected symbol by converting it with the commands in the Spotlight menu. The symbols for conversion must have certain characteristics, as described in these topics:

Lighting Instrument Specifications

Special rules apply when creating a symbol to be converted to a lighting instrument.

Symbol Characteristics

Symbols should be hybrid (2D/3D) so that they display properly in both 2D and 3D views. At a minimum, the symbol must contain a 2D component, which must be a screen plane representation and not a 2D planar object.

2D Characteristics

Create the 2D view of the symbol using as few polygons and lines as possible. If possible, use a single polyline rather than individual line segments. All instruments should be drawn with the front of the instrument (the end which emits light) oriented towards the top of the drawing. The symbol below was created from these few constituent parts:

The line weight of the symbol is also a consideration; the instruments need to stand out when printed. The outer perimeter of the symbol should have a line weight of at least 1/2 point (7 mils). Interior details should use a lighter line weight.

The 2D representation should have a solid fill so that it obscures information under the symbol. The size of the instrument should be accurate based on the real instrument it represents. While drawing the instrument, keep the level of detail as minimal as possible. The goal is to be able to distinguish instruments from one another, not to create a detailed plan view of each instrument.

For instruments with multiple configurations, it is acceptable to use simple graphical differences to distinguish among the models. For example, use the following variations to separate the different versions of a symbol:

3D Characteristics

The 3D portion of the instrument should be drawn as if it is hung straight down (along the Z-axis) with the yoke oriented along the Y-axis. The top of the instrument should be oriented towards the top of the drawing. An easy way to generate a reasonable 3D instrument body is to sweep the 2D portion of the symbol. The segment angle of the sweep should be between 20 and 40°. See Varredura for more information.

Keep the 3D symbol simple. It should be solid. The model should be accurately sized, but without minute details like handles, grommets, fins, louvers, cords, and knobs. These items can add significantly to the rendering time required, and are not necessary to distinguish among instruments.

The 3D model should consist of three parts: the body, a yoke, and a clamp or base. Any subparts should be made into a single object or group for each of these pieces. The body represents the part of the instrument where light is emitted; the yoke connects the body to the base, and the base consists of either a base motor unit for moving lights or a clamp or other hanging device for other lights. The clamp can be imported from the symbol library provided with the Spotlight program. Place a 3D locus within the body of the instrument.

All the parts should be aligned as shown; the yoke rotates about the Z-axis, and the body rotates at the height of the locus point.

Insertion Point

The insertion point of the 2D/3D hybrid symbol in Top/Plan view should represent the hanging location of the instrument. The 3D insertion point should be the hanging point (center of the clamp or base).

Attaching the Parts Record

Attach the Parts record to each of the three pieces of the 3D instrument model: body, yoke, and base or clamp.

1 From the Resource Manager, locate a Parts record from one of the instrument library files included with the Vectorworks Spotlight program, and drag it to the active file. Alternatively, right-click on the record, and select Import from the context menu.

4 Click the Data tab in the Object Info palette. Click Attach Record to open the Resource Selector, and double-click the Parts record to attach it.

5 Select the Parts record, and select the appropriate body part (base, yoke, or body) from the record fields.

7 Click Exit Symbol at the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing.

Attaching the Light Info Record and Light Info Record M

Attach the Light Info record to the lighting instrument symbol, with field names that match the names of the fields in the instrument object. This record format is required. Not all the fields are required, but the desired fields for the instrument object to read should be included. Filling the instrument type field with the manufacturer’s name and model name for the particular instrument is recommended.

The Light Info M record provides metric measurements of the weight and frame size of the instrument object. This record format is additionally needed for instruments that could be used in both imperial and metric drawings.

1 From the Resource Manager, locate the Light Info Record and Light Info Record M from one of the instrument library files included with the Spotlight program, and drag them to the active file. Alternatively, right-click on the records, and select Import from the context menu.

3 In the Edit Symbol window, click an empty location so that nothing is selected.

4 Click the Data tab in the Object Info palette. Click Attach Record to open the Resource Selector, and double-click the Light Info Record to attach it to the symbol. Select the record format from the list, and enter its record information.

The Candlepower, Beam Angle, and Field Angle parameters affect the photometric grid and photometer object calculations. The Beam Angle and Field Angle parameters affect the Draw Beam feature.

Normally, do not include text labels with the instrument, as these are handled by the instrument object. An exception can be made to distinguish different models or lamps of an instrument. For example, create three versions of a single PAR64 symbol by adding MFL, WFL, and NSP text blocks.

6 Turn the lighting instrument’s light on in the Visualization palette to include a spot light as part of the lighting instrument. While editing the symbol, the spot light can be added, and accurate lighting information specified with the parameters in Use Emitter. See Adding Light Sources for information on adding a spot light and setting accurate lighting parameters.

7 Click Exit Symbol at the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing.

As an alternative to the process of manually editing the symbol definition to attach the Light Info (and/or Light Info M) record, use the Lighting Symbol Maintenance command as described in Lighting Symbol Maintenance. Add the symbol by clicking New, and the Light Info record is automatically attached to it. Once in the maintenance list, the record data can be easily edited.

Multi-circuit Instrument Specifications

Multi-circuit instruments represent a special case of the instrument object. Each symbol drawn should represent a single element of the multi-circuit instrument. An instrument that is at the end of the multi-circuit strip should look different from the instruments that are in the center. Place the number of symbols required to create the multi-circuit instrument. For example, place four symbols (two ends and two middle) to create a four-circuit cyc unit.

The multi-circuit symbol must consist only of other symbols to be properly inserted as a multi-circuit instrument. Otherwise, the Lighting Instrument tool treats it as a single circuit instrument.

Attach the light info record to the individual instruments within the multi-circuit unit by the same method as for an individual lighting instrument.

The multi-circuit lighting device focuses in 3D in the same way as individual lighting devices (see Lighting Instrument Specifications). The yoke is created from portions of the individual instrument symbols. The 3D locus, placed within the container multi-circuit symbol, is used as a common rotation axis for the entire multi-circuit unit.

Accessory Specifications

The accessory symbol should be a 2D/3D hybrid object. At a minimum, the symbol must contain a 2D screen representation. Keep the accessory representation as simple as possible to reduce rendering time.

The 3D portion of the accessory should be drawn as if it is hung straight down (along the Z-axis). The top of the accessory should be oriented towards the top of the drawing. 3D geometry should be drawn below the Z-axis to properly align with the front of the lighting instrument.

The Object Info palette for accessories and lighting instruments looks identical, but the Device Type differs for accessories (Accessory or Static Accessory).

Accessories should have a record attached for storing the default accessory values. The record should not contain fields that vary from instance to instance of an accessory. For example, do not add a Color Scroller channel field value unless that channel is used by all the color scrollers in the file.

Field	Description
Instrument type	Accessory name; this can be a specific manufacturer’s model name or number, or a generic name for the accessory, such as 6” Top Hat
Accessory type	Generic accessory category; in some cases, this can be similar, or identical to the instrument type (example accessory types include Top Hat, Barn Door, Color Scroller, Gobo Rotator, and Color Frame)
Wattage	Amount of power consumed by the accessory
Weight	Accessory weight
Other	Add fields as desired; these fields are read into the Lighting Device object if the field name in the accessory record matches the field name of the Lighting Device object

Ganging Instruments

Two-fers gang two or more instruments together on one circuit, dimmer, channel, or dimmer and channel.

The ganging field parameter values should match. If not, the values from the first selected instrument are used.

Tool	Tool set
Ganging	Lighting

1 Click the tool, and then click Preferences to set the default tool preferences, if desired.

2 Click the first, and then the second, instrument to be ganged together. If more than two instruments are to be ganged together, continue clicking on each instrument in succession.

If the field values of the instruments do not match, confirm that this is acceptable in the Notice dialog box which opens.

The properties of a two-fer are displayed, and can be edited, from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Rotation	Specifies the number of degrees to rotate the object (0.00 is horizontal)
Text Style	Select a text style from a library or the current file. To use the style defined for the object’s class, select <Class Text Style>. To format the text using options on the Text menu, select <Un-Styled>. See Usando Estilos de Texto and Formatando Textos.
Update Insts	Select to update the ganged instruments. Changes to one instrument are updated for the other ganged instrument. Also updates two-fer counts in the position summary inventory report.
Corner Style	Select the corner style for the two-fer object (Square, Arc, or Bézier)
Gang By	Indicate whether to gang by Channel, Dimmer, Circuit (name and number), or Dimmer and Channel
Field Value	Enter the value for the two-fer label. (For example, if ganging by channel number, enter a channel number of 80.) This new value updates the former value for dimmer or channel in the instrument record. If ganging by circuit or channel and dimmer, enter the two values separated by a comma.
Show Label	Select to display the two-fer label or labels with the ganged values
Use Container	Select to place the label or labels in a container; if ganged by dimmer and channel, the same container is used for both labels. By default, the label legend container from the first selected instrument is used, but this can be overridden by specifying a container name.
Container Name	The container name must exactly match one of the container symbol names displayed in the Resource Manager (normally, these are in the Containers folder)

Projetos de iluminação

Fluxo de Trabalho: Projeto de Iluminação

Vectorworks Spotlight Terminology

Light Plot Structure

Layer and Class Examples

Creating Hanging Positions

Placing Lighting Pipe Objects

Placing Lighting Pipe Ladders

Inserting a Straight Truss

Inserting a Curved Truss

Rotating a Curved Truss

Truss Configuration Requirements

Creating a Hanging Position Object

Editing Hanging Position Geometry

Inserting Hanging Positions

Associating Load Objects with a Hanging Position

Attaching a Hanging Position to Loads

Attaching a Load to a Hanging Position

Selecting an Associated Hanging Position

Editing Associated Loads

Disassociating Load Objects from a Hanging Position

Setting Up Instrument Label Legends

Label Classes

Label Legend Manager

Creating Label Legends

Editing Label Legends

Formatting the Label Legend

Repositioning Labels

Creating a Label Legend from an Existing Instrument

Importing Label Legends from Another File

Adding Lighting Instruments

Creating a Lighting Instrument Symbol

Creating a Preformatted Lighting Resource

Inserting Instruments

Inserting Multi-circuit Instruments

Editing Lighting Instruments

Lighting Device Properties

Workflow: Visualizer Data Exchange

Specifying the Custom Fixture Mode

Changing Device Properties

Advanced Light Properties

Editing Vision Data

Lighting Instrument Color

Replacing Instruments

Replacing a Single Instrument

Replacing Selected Instruments

Replacing All Instruments of One Type

Changing the Instrument Label Legend

Changing the Label Legend

Changing the 3D Legend View

Refreshing Instrument and Light Position Data

Aligning Instruments

Numbering Instruments by Hanging Position

Numbering Instruments on a Hanging Position

Numbering All Instruments by Hanging Position

Find and Modify

Adding Accessories

Creating an Accessory

Inserting Accessories

Accessory Properties

Instrument and Accessory Specifications

Lighting Instrument Specifications

Symbol Characteristics

2D Characteristics

3D Characteristics

Insertion Point

Attaching the Parts Record

Attaching the Light Info Record and Light Info Record M

Multi-circuit Instrument Specifications

Accessory Specifications

Ganging Instruments