Overview

Tip

Functions are marked with an 2️⃣ symbol if they can only be used with MA2. Functions are marked with a 3️⃣ symbol if they can only be used with MA3. Functions without a symbol can be used on both systems.

Import the data

First step is to import some fixture data.

You can either choose if you have exported a csv from your cad app by pressing the Import from CSV button and choose your used app.

Or you load fixture data from an existing Showfile with the Import from MA button and choose if you want to import a Layout from the desk, a xml-File with a exported patch or load the data directly over the network.

Note

If you import a Layout from the desk, the only things you can create are in the preset tab.

The first step is to import fixture data. You have two options:

1. Import from CSV: If you have exported a CSV file from your CAD application, click the Import from CSV button and select your application.
2. Import from MA: You can load fixture data from an existing show file by clicking the Import from MA button. Here, you have several choices:
   • Import a layout directly from the desk.
   • Use an XML file with an exported patch.
   • Load the data directly over the network.

Note

Note that if you choose to import a layout from the desk, you can only create items within the preset tab.

Match the Fixtures

Next, match the symbol names from your imported data with the FixtureTypes in your Showfile. Click the Match Fixtures button to access the Match Tab. Once you complete this step, you can begin creating amazing things.

Match-Window

Patch

In the Patch-Window, you can create and update a GrandMA patch.

Additionally, you can create a set of filters with the appropriate attributes for the fixture types in your show file.

Patch-Window

Groups

In the Group-Window, you can create groups based on Fixture Type, Position, Function, 3D data, or modules from Multi-Instance fixtures. All groups will have an appearance determined by either the Fixture Types or the position column.

In MA3 Mode, all created groups have their 3D positions within the grid.

Group-Window

Layouts

Create layouts from various orientations for a filtered set of fixtures that are in prepare. All generated layouts will have appearances based on the fixture types or their positions. You can also create multiple layouts with a single click for increased efficiency.

To achieve a comprehensive overview of your system, you can add an image with a plot view to the layout.

Layout-Window

Presets

This powerful generator machine is designed for creating graphical effects, delays, effect groups, and gradients. You can choose from 10 different shapes and customize them by adjusting their origin, rotation, and grouping. Additionally, you can add easing to craft as many presets or effects as you desire. The generation process is quick, making it ideal for experimentation. With time and practice, you will become proficient in using it.

Preset-Window

Show Data

With the Show Data feature, you can display all fields of your imported data. You also have the option to edit or delete entries if updates are necessary. Simply select the lines you wish to modify and click “Edit,” or right-click on the lines for more options.

Additionally, you can deactivate individual lines if needed. For instance, when new fixtures are added to the rigg, you can create a new file that includes these new fixtures, disable the old ones, and upload a patch specifically for the new fixtures.

In the edit window, you can perform calculations by placing them in brackets (). Supported operations include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/).

Save and Load

You can save and reload all the data you imported at prepare, including the FixtureTypes loaded from the desk, the appearances, and the saved origins. The file type used for this is .ppcad.