Prepare your data

Fields in the csv

The csv must have the following columns, see also where to find it in your cad software:

Name	Description	Example	Vectorworks	WYSIWYG	Depence2	Capture
Fixture ID	a unique ID	1001	Channel	Spot	Fixture ID	Channel
Universe	the DMX universe	1	Universe	Patch Universe	DMX Address	Patch
Address	the DMX address	64	DMX Address	Patch Address	-	-
Model	the symbol name	GLP JDC-1	Symbol Name	Type	Name	Fixture
x	x-coordinate of the fixture in meters	1.25	X Location	X	X Pos meter	Position X
y	y-coordinate of the fixture in meters	-12.876	Y Location	Y	Y Pos meter	Position Y
z	z-coordinate of the fixture in meters	0	Z Location	Z	Z Pos meter	Position Z
Rot x	x-rotation of the fixture in degrees	0	xRot	RotX	X Rotation	Rotation X
Rot y	y-rotation of the fixture in degrees	90	yRot	RotY	Y Rotation	Rotation Y
Rot z	z-rotation of the fixture in degrees	180	zRot	RotZ	Z Rotation	Rotation Z
Model Short	a short description of the FixtureType. This will be used for the label in the desk	JDC-1	User Field 1	Notes	Short Name	External Identifier
Function	the lowest field in your hierarchy creating groups	LX-1, Speaker Left, …	Function	Purpose	Position on Stage	Purpose
Position	the middle field in the hierarchy to create groups	Floor, Press, …	Position	Position	Description	Location

Import the preare default table from our example files into your VWX file.
If you are using Spotlight, the Fixture ID, patch, symbol name, and coordinates will be filled in automatically. You may need to adjust the short name, function, and position to achieve well-structured groups on the desk.
Export this table in the format: CSV Merge (comma-separated) (*.csv).

Open a new WYG file.
Import the WYG template from our example files.
Start drawing or merge your existing WYG file.
Fixture ID, patch, symbol name, and coordinates will be filled in automatically. You may need to adjust the short name, function, and position to create well-structured groups on the desk.
To export, click on Data > Columns > Prepare > File > Export. Then, save the file as CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv).

Open your Depence2 file.
Import our Depence2 template by navigating to: Windows > Fixture Manager > File > Load Layout.
Fixture ID, patch, symbol name, and coordinates will be filled in automatically. You may need to adjust the short name, function, and position to create well-structured groups on the desk.
To export, click on File > Export Table, then save as a Comma Separated Values (*.csv) file using a semicolon (;) as the separator.

Open your capture file.
Fixture ID, patch, symbol name, and coordinates will be filled in automatically. You may need to adjust the short name, function, and position to create well-structured groups in the desk.
To export, click on File > Export Fixtures > Save as: Comma Separated CSV File (*.csv)

To fully leverage the potential of the prepare consider the following tips on how to effectively use the three columns:

Keep Values Short and Concise: Ensure all values are brief, as prepare will label your fixtures and groups using these three columns. For instance, use “JDC-1” instead of “GLP JDC-1 Spix Pro” or “Lighting Instruments GLP JDC-1” for the short name.
Function Field: This field should describe the fixture’s role in your show. Good examples include “Frontlight” or “Speaker Left.” It’s also useful for dividing your fixtures into smaller groups when they don’t have a specific function, such as “LX1,” “Floor Left,” or “Side.”
Position Field: This should provide a more general naming for your fixtures. If your show covers multiple areas, options like “Stage,” “Entrance,” or “Dancefloor” are suitable. Alternatively, use it to indicate the overall purpose or responsibility for those lights, such as “Press,” “Exhibition,” or “Cars.” It’s not advisable to use this field for each truss individually.