LxDesigns LxDesigner Standard, LxDesigner Lite, LxElevations, LxPerspective, Library Editor, Stock/Costs Editor, Graphical Patch Editor software User's Manual

LxDesigner

User’s Manual

Rev 1.08

By LxDesigns.

2, St Nicholas Avenue

Kenilworth

Warwickshire

CV8 1JU

Phone/Fax: +44 (0) 1926 864181

Email: [email protected]

Web Site: www.lxdesigns.co.uk

Printed in Great Britain

Contents

Overview and Installation 1-1

Software Suite Overview.......................................................................................1-2

LxDesigner Standard...............................................................................1-2

LxDesigner Lite.......................................................................................1-2

LxElevations ...........................................................................................1-3

LxPerspective..........................................................................................1-3

Library Editor..........................................................................................1-4

Stock/Costs Editor...................................................................................1-4

Graphical Patch Editor ............................................................................1-5

System Requirements ............................................................................................1-6

Installing LxDesigner ............................................................................................1-6

Authorization.........................................................................................................1-7

Technical Support..................................................................................................1-7

Getting Started

2-1

Creating Your First Design....................................................................................2-2

Stage 1 – Creating a Blank Design..........................................................2-2

Stage 2 – Adding the Venue Outline.......................................................2-3

Stage 3 – Adding the Set .........................................................................2-3

Stage 4 – Adding the Bars and Trussing .................................................2-4

Stage 5 – Adding the Fixtures .................................................................2-5

Stage 6 – Generating the Reports ............................................................2-6

Stage 7 – Printing the Plan ......................................................................2-6

The Desktop...........................................................................................................2-7

The Toolbars..........................................................................................................2-8

General Toolbar.......................................................................................2-8

Primitive Toolbar ....................................................................................2-9

Drawing Toolbar ...................................................................................2-10

Fixture Toolbar......................................................................................2-10

Libraries Toolbar...................................................................................2-11

Layers Toolbar ......................................................................................2-11

Zooming Toolbar...................................................................................2-12

Snap Toolbar .........................................................................................2-13

Coordinate Toolbar ...............................................................................2-13

The Plan Menus...................................................................................................2-14

File Menu ..............................................................................................2-14

Edit Menu..............................................................................................2-15

Search Menu..........................................................................................2-15

View Menu............................................................................................2-16

Format Menu.........................................................................................2-16

Tools Menu ...........................................................................................2-17

Reports Menu ........................................................................................2-17

Window Menu.......................................................................................2-17

Help Menu.............................................................................................2-18

The Report Menus ...............................................................................................2-19

File Menu ..............................................................................................2-19

Edit Menu..............................................................................................2-19

Controlling Views

3-1

Hiding Layers ........................................................................................................3-2

Enabling and Disabling Layers..............................................................................3-3

Zooming into an Area of the Plan..........................................................................3-4

Zooming In and Out ..............................................................................................3-5

Redrawing the Current View.................................................................................3-5

Viewing the Complete Plan ...................................................................................3-6

Panning Across the Plan ........................................................................................3-6

Returning to the Previous View.............................................................................3-6

Defining and Using Preset Views..........................................................................3-7

Using Display/Window Layouts............................................................................3-8

Viewing an Elevation ............................................................................................3-9

Viewing the plan in Perspective ............................................................................3-9

Using the Perspective Camera Controls ..............................................................3-10

Primitives 4-1

Adding Primitives to the Plan................................................................................4-2

Point Group .............................................................................................4-4

Line Group ..............................................................................................4-5

Polygon Group ........................................................................................4-7

Ellipse

Group

.........................................................................................4-9

Text Group ............................................................................................4-10

Arc Group..............................................................................................4-11

Image Group..........................................................................................4-13

3D Group...............................................................................................4-14

Insert Group or Symbol.........................................................................4-16

Insert Outlet...........................................................................................4-17

Cable Run Group...................................................................................4-18

Pairing Line Group................................................................................4-19

Dimension Group ..................................................................................4-22

Special Group........................................................................................4-23

Focus Point Group.................................................................................4-25

Specifing the Default Drawing Parameters .........................................................4-26

Modifing a Primitive's Properties ........................................................................4-28

General Properties Sheet .......................................................................4-29

Line Properties Sheet ............................................................................4-30

Fill Properties Sheet ..............................................................................4-31

Position and Size Properties Sheet ........................................................4-32

Arrow Head Properties Sheet ................................................................4-33

Text Properties Sheet ............................................................................4-34

Dimension Properties Sheet ..................................................................4-35

Point Properties Sheet ...........................................................................4-36

Scale Bar Properties Sheet ....................................................................4-37

Title Box Properties Sheet.....................................................................4-38

Key Box Properties Sheet......................................................................4-39

Tab Line Properties Sheet .....................................................................4-40

Notes Box Properties Sheet...................................................................4-41

Creating Groups...................................................................................................4-42

Setting the Snap Mode.........................................................................................4-43

No Snapping..........................................................................................4-43

Snap to Grid ..........................................................................................4-43

Snap to Point .........................................................................................4-43

Snap to Right Angle ..............................................................................4-44

Setting the Lock Mode ........................................................................................4-45

No Lock.................................................................................................4-45

Lock Horizontal Movement ..................................................................4-45

Lock Vertical Movement.......................................................................4-45

Symbols 5-1

Adding Symbols to the Plan ..................................................................................5-2

Modifing a Symbols Properties .............................................................................5-3

General Properties Sheet .........................................................................5-4

Position Properties Sheet.........................................................................5-5

Scenic Properties Sheet ...........................................................................5-6

Truss/Bar Properties Sheet ......................................................................5-7

Fixture Properties Sheet ..........................................................................5-8

Colour Changer Properties Sheet ..........................................................5-10

Creating Symbols ................................................................................................5-11

Creating Symbol Alternates.................................................................................5-12

Modifing Library Data.........................................................................................5-12

Editing Entities

6-1

Selecting Entities ...................................................................................................6-2

Moving Entities .....................................................................................................6-2

Rotating Entities ....................................................................................................6-3

Resizing Entities....................................................................................................6-3

Deleting Entities ....................................................................................................6-4

Copying Entities ....................................................................................................6-4

Copying Entity Properties .....................................................................................6-5

Repeating Entities..................................................................................................6-6

Snapping Entities...................................................................................................6-9

Aligning Entites...................................................................................................6-12

Setting the Drawing Order of Entities .................................................................6-15

Working wih Scenic Entities

7-1

Using the Set Builder.............................................................................................7-2

Using Scenes .........................................................................................................7-4

Naming Scenes ......................................................................................................7-5

Working with Trussing & Bars

8-1

Using the Truss Builder.........................................................................................8-2

Setting Bar Visibility and Height ..........................................................................8-4

Copying Bars with their Fixtures...........................................................................8-5

Mirroring Fixtures on a Bar...................................................................................8-5

Duplicating Bars....................................................................................................8-6

Moving Fixtures from one Bar to Another ............................................................8-6

Creating a Tower or Boom ....................................................................................8-7

Locating Bars by Name .........................................................................................8-8

Working with Fixtures

9-1

Setting Channel/Dimmer Numbers........................................................................9-2

Adding and Removing Gels...................................................................................9-4

Adding Gels to the Design Palette.........................................................................9-6

Adding and Removing Gobos ...............................................................................9-7

Adding Gobos to the Design Palette......................................................................9-9

Adding and Removing Accessories.....................................................................9-10

Adjusting Beam Angles.......................................................................................9-12

Using the Beam Adjustment Controls...................................................9-12

Using Focus Points ..............................................................................................9-14

Turning Fixture Beams On or Off .......................................................................9-15

Locating and Replacing Gels...............................................................................9-16

Locating and Replacing Gobos............................................................................9-17

Locating and Replacing Fixtures .........................................................................9-18

Locating Fixtures by Channel/Dimmer Numbers................................................9-19

Plugging Up Fixtures...........................................................................................9-21

Renumbering Fixture IDs ....................................................................................9-21

Reports 10-1

Overview .............................................................................................................10-2

Used Channel Report ............................................................................10-2

Unused Equipment ................................................................................10-2

Gel Call .................................................................................................10-2

Fixture Details.......................................................................................10-3

Rigging Call ..........................................................................................10-3

Rigging Distances .................................................................................10-3

Channel Loading ...................................................................................10-3

Rack Loading ........................................................................................10-3

Phase Loading .......................................................................................10-3

Plug Up Report......................................................................................10-4

Focus Report .........................................................................................10-4

Selections Report...................................................................................10-4

User Reports ........................................................................................................10-4

Customizing Reports ...........................................................................................10-5

Short Form Reports .............................................................................................10-6

Used Fixtures Short Form .....................................................................10-6

Printing, Importing and Exporting

11-1

Printing the Plan ..................................................................................................11-2

Using a print bureau. .............................................................................11-4

Saving and Using Selections ...............................................................................11-7

Importing a DXF file ...........................................................................................11-8

Exporting a Plan ................................................................................................11-11

Creating A Venue Template ..............................................................................11-12

Creating a Venue/User Library..........................................................................11-12

File and Design Management

12-1

File Management .................................................................................................12-2

Automatic Backups..............................................................................................12-4

Project Details .....................................................................................................12-5

Contact Properties Sheet .......................................................................12-5

Venue Properties Sheet .........................................................................12-7

Event Properties Sheet ..........................................................................12-8

Notes Properties Sheet ........................................................................12-10

Dimmer to Channel Patching.............................................................................12-11

Configuration Options

13-1

General Properties Sheet .....................................................................................13-2

General Colour Properties Sheet .........................................................................13-4

Fixture Colour Properties Sheet...........................................................................13-5

Truss/Bar Colour Properties Sheet ......................................................................13-7

Cables Colour Properties Sheet ...........................................................................13-8

Grid Properties Sheet...........................................................................................13-9

Floor Area Properties Sheet...............................................................................13-10

Common Attributes Properties Sheet ................................................................13-11

Block Attributes Properties Sheet......................................................................13-12

Split Attributes Properties Sheet........................................................................13-13

Rigging Attributes Properties Sheet ..................................................................13-14

Cable Attributes Properties Sheet......................................................................13-16

File Locations Properties Sheet .........................................................................13-17

Layers Properties Sheet .....................................................................................13-18

3D Options Properties Sheet..............................................................................13-19

Library Editor

14-1

Overview .............................................................................................................14-2

The Desktop ..........................................................................................14-2

The General Toolbar .............................................................................14-3

The Filter Toolbar .................................................................................14-3

The Help Toolbar ..................................................................................14-4

The File Menu .......................................................................................14-4

The Edit Menu.......................................................................................14-4

The Help Menu......................................................................................14-5

Adding New Records...........................................................................................14-6

Deleting Records .................................................................................................14-7

Importing Records ...............................................................................................14-8

Exporting Records ...............................................................................................14-9

Locating Text within Records .............................................................................14-9

Filtering a Library..............................................................................................14-10

Library Specifications........................................................................................14-11

Gel Library ..........................................................................................14-11

Gobo Library.......................................................................................14-14

Cable Library ......................................................................................14-16

Lamp Library ......................................................................................14-18

Supplier Library ..................................................................................14-18

Accessory Library ...............................................................................14-18

Category Library .................................................................................14-18

Dimmer Racks Library........................................................................14-18

Control Equipment Library .................................................................14-18

Stock/Costs Editor

15-1

Overview .............................................................................................................15-2

The Desktop ..........................................................................................15-2


The Library Toolbar ..............................................................................15-3

The Help Toolbar ..................................................................................15-4

The File Menu .......................................................................................15-4

The Edit Menu.......................................................................................15-4

The Help Menu......................................................................................15-5

Graphical Patch Editor

16-1

Overview .............................................................................................................16-2

The Desktop ..........................................................................................16-2


The Parameters Toolbar ........................................................................16-4

The Help Toolbar ..................................................................................16-4

The File Menu .......................................................................................16-5

The Insert Menu ....................................................................................16-5

The Help Menu......................................................................................16-6

Appendix A - Supported Fixtures

17-1

ADB.....................................................................................................................17-2

CCT .....................................................................................................................17-3

Clay Paky ............................................................................................................17-3

ETC .....................................................................................................................17-3

High End..............................................................................................................17-4

Martin ..................................................................................................................17-5

Robert Juliat.........................................................................................................17-5

Selecon ................................................................................................................17-5

Spotlight ..............................................................................................................17-6

Strand...................................................................................................................17-7

Teatro...................................................................................................................17-8

Vari*lite...............................................................................................................17-8

Glossary of Terms

18-1

Index 19-1

Overview and Installation

This chapter provides an overview of the software suite and instructions on how to install the program on your machine.

Topics covered in this chapter are:

Topic

Page

Authorization 1.7

LxDesigner User's Guide Overview and Installation

• 1.1

Software Suite Overview

The software consists of a number of applications which together form the LxDesigner software suite.

LxDesigner Standard

LxDesigner Standard is a P.C. based 2D lighting design software application. The program is designed to run on a Windows® 95, 98,

2000, NT, ME or XP based P.C. and provides an easy to use design environment for stage lighting. Included are a number of libraries containing symbols for the various set, rigging and fixtures used in the design process. The plan is built up by simply dragging and dropping the required symbols on to the drawing area or by using one of the built-in tools such as the truss builder. The package has a number of built-in reports which can be used to generate the paperwork associated with the design such as gel, rigging and equipment calls. The plan and associated reports can be printed directly to a standard printer or transferred to other drawing packages, Word or Excel. There are a number of add-ons available to further extend the basic package enabling side, front and perspective views to be displayed. LxDesigner is now available in a number of different versions.

LxDesigner User's Guide

LxDesigner Lite

LxDesigner Lite is a cut down version of the standard LxDesigner version outlined in above. It provides a reduced number of editing features and reports than the standard package. LxDesigner Lite is an ideal package for capturing lighting rigs for producing high quality plans and supporting documentation at a fraction of the cost of a full feature package. It is possible to upgrade from the lite to the standard package at a later date.


• 1.2

LxElevations

LxElevations is an add-on for LxDesigner, standard or lite, which allows side and front elevations of the plan to be viewed and edited. It is not a

3D package as it simply renders the bars, trusses and fixtures as 2D symbols, which are viewed from either the front or side. However if 3D symbols have been designed then these can be used in place of the 2D ones. This is a useful addition for displaying beam angles and towers as these can be viewed in a cross sectional nature. This add-on is part of

LxDesigner and is enabled by the appropriate authorisation code.


LxPerspective

LxPerspective is an add-on for LxDesigner, standard or lite, which allows the plan to be viewed in 3D. This is useful for viewing beam angles on a completed design. It is not a true 3D package as there is no rendering. All 3D primitives, set, bars/truss and fixtures can be displayed along with fixtures’ beams. It is possible, by use of the camera controls to walk round, over and into the plan to view it from any angle or direction. The view is displayed in a separate window at the click of a button. This add-on is part of LxDesigner and is enabled by the appropriate authorisation code.


• 1.3


Library Editor

The library editor provides an easy to use spread sheet type interface to

LxDesigner’s non visual libraries. These include the gel, gobo, lamp and cable libraries. It enables the information to be edited and new items entered. This can be done either in the editor or the information can be exported to Excel, edited and then imported back into LxDesigner. The library editor is supplied with both the standard and lite versions of

LxDesigner.


The stock and costs editor provides an easy to use spread sheet type interface for creating and editing stock and cost files for use by

LxDesigner. These files are used by the equipment reports to highlight shortages and the cost of hiring or purchasing the required equipment.

The data is saved in CSV format which can be edited by Excel if preferred. A stock file simply lists all of the equipment available at a venue. A cost file specifies the hire or purchase cost for each piece of equipment added to the spread sheet. Multiple cost files can be produced for different suppliers. The one used is then specified in LxDesigner.

The stock/costs editor is supplied with both the standard and lite versions of LxDesigner.


• 1.4


The graphical patch editor provides an easy to use graphical interface to specifing the patch between desk, control and dimmer numbers. It allows each piece of control equipment to be added to the drawing sheet by selecting then from the available list. Each item is displayed as a list of channel blocks. These channel blocks can then be interconnected to define the patch. The editor also allows the allocation of dimmer channels to their correct phase either individually or as a block depending on the racks configuration. The graphical patch editor is only supplied with the standard version of LxDesigner.


• 1.5

System Requirements

To run LxDesigner on your computer the following hardware and software is required.

• Windows  95, 98, 2000, NT, ME or XP.

• 32Mbytes RAM minimum.

• 20Mbytes free hard disk space.

• CD-ROM drive.

• VGA video display (Settings : 16bit colour minimum, 800 *

600 minimum resolution)

• Mouse or equivalent pointing device.

Installing LxDesigner

To install the application on your computer follow the procedure given below.

1. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM disk drive.

2. The installation program will now run automatically.

3. You will now be guided through the installation by the set up application

4. To run LxDesigner select the program icon from your chosen program group.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.


• 1.6

Authorization

This application is protected by an authorization code system. To enable the complete application you must obtain an authorization code from us and enter this into the Registration window. This window is accessible from the Help menu option. To run the demonstration copy click on

Cancel when the window is displayed.

If you have to reformat your hard disk and reload LxDesigner then you may require a new authorization code. This is due to the unlock number being generated from the hard disk serial number.

A hardware dongle is now available to enable the application to be installed on a number of machines but only enabled if the dongle is present. Contact our office for further details.

Technical Support

Technical support for LxDesigner can be obtained in the following ways.

Web Site: www.lxdesigns.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Telephone/Fax: +44 (0) 1926 864181

Mail: LxDesigns

2, St Nicholas Avenue,

Kenilworth

Warwickshire

Great Britain

CV8 1JU

Please note that free technical support is included with the purchase price of LxDesigner for one year. After this period a valid support contact must be purchased, contact our office for further details.


• 1.7


Getting Started

This chapter provides an overview of how to create a simple design using the application. It gives a brief description of each of the toolbars and their buttons, along with the plan and report menus.


Topic

Page

The Desktop 2.7

LxDesigner User's Guide Getting Started

• 2.1

Creating Your First Design

A design in LxDesigner is created by following a simply process which is made up of 7 basic stages. These are:

Stage 1. Creating a Blank Design

Stage 2. Adding the Venue Outline

Stage 3. Adding the Set

Stage 4. Adding the Bars and Trussing

Stage 5. Adding the Fixtures

Stage 6. Generating the Reports

Stage 7. Printing the Plan

Stage 1. Creating a Blank Design

The first stage in creating a new design is to set up a blank plan and specify the maximum dimensions and grid to be used. The following steps perform this:

1. Click New on the File menu.

2. Enter the name of your new design in text box.

Floor Area setup screen is now displayed - this allows you to set the maximum size of your working area. This is used for printing, zooming to full and adjusting fixture heights.

Grid - this allows you to set up the ‘working grid’, which is the grid that all objects will snap to when added to the design, and the ‘screen grid’ which is the grid displayed on the screen.

Getting Started

• 2.2



Stage 2. Adding the Venue Outline

The next stage is to draw the venue outline. The following steps perform this:

1. Click Add on the General toolbar.

2. Select the required primitives and add to the plan as described in the Primitives chapter.

Stage 3. Adding the Set

The next stage is to add the set. The following steps perform this:

1. Either:

Click Symbol Libraries, Set from the View menu.

or

Click Set on the Libraries toolbar.

2. Click on the required scenic entity and while holding the mouse button down drag it onto the plan and drop it by releasing the mouse button.

3. Click Select on the General toolbar.

4. Click on the scenic entity this will display a selection box around the entity along with a yellow and red dot.

5. To move the bar click on the yellow.

6. Move the scenic entity to its required position and click again.

Note: Do not hold the mouse button down while moving the entity.

7. If you wish to rotate the entity repeat step 6 but click on the red dot instead.

8. To change the scenic entity's parameters i.e. colour, scene and layer, right-click inside the selection box

Properties from the pop-up menu. This will display a screen, which allows the parameters to be changed.

10. Repeat steps 2 to 8 for all of the scenic entities within the design.

Getting Started

• 2.3

Stage 4. Adding the Bars and Trussing

The next stage is to add any bars or trussing. The following steps perform this:

1. Either:

Click Symbol Libraries, Rigging from the View menu.

or

Click Rigging on the Libraries toolbar.

2. Click on the required bar and while holding the mouse button down drag it onto the plan and drop it by releasing the mouse button.


4. Click on the bar this will display a selection box around the bar along with a yellow and red dot.

5. To move the bar click on the yellow.

6. Move the bar to its required position and click again. Note: Do not hold the mouse button down while moving the bar.

7. If you wish to rotate the bar repeat step 6 but click on the red dot instead.

8. To change the bar’s parameters i.e. name and height, right-click inside the selection box

9. Click screen, which allows the parameters to be changed.

10. Repeat steps 2 to 8 for all of the bars within the rig.

Getting Started

• 2.4


Stage 5. Adding the Fixtures

The next stage is to add the fixtures. The following steps perform this:

1. Either:

Click Symbol Libraries, Fixtures from the View menu.

or

Click Fixtures on the Libraries toolbar.

2. Click on the required fixture and while holding the mouse button down drag it onto the plan and drop it by releasing the mouse button.


4. Click on the fixture this will display a selection box around the fixture along with a yellow and red dot.

5. To move the fixture click on the yellow dot.

6. Move the cursor to the position you what the bar and click again. . Note: Do not hold the mouse button down while moving the fixture.

7. If you wish to rotate the fixture repeat step 6 but click on the red dot instead.

8. Repeat steps 2 to 6 for all of the fixtures within the rig.

9. Right-click inside the selection box

10. Click Adjust Beam, Controls from the pop-up menu. This can be used to adjust the fixtures beam angles. It will display a window which allows ‘Pan’, ‘Tilt’, ‘Beam angle’ and ‘Height’ to be modified. The ‘Height’ control is only displayed when a fixture is not on a bar.

Getting Started

• 2.5


Stage 6. Generating the Reports

The next stage is to generate the reports. The following steps perform this:

2. Click the required report. This will generate the report and open it in a new window.

3. To print the report click Print from the File menu.

4. Select the required printer and it's parameters.

Stage 7. Printing the Plan

The next stage is to print the plan. The following steps perform this:

2. Select the required printer and print parameters.


• 2.6

The Desktop


The following is a brief description of the version areas of the desktop.

1 - Menu Bar

Used to access LxDesigners commands.

2 - Toolbars

Toolbars provide a quick access to the major commands and libraries of

LxDesigner

3 - Rulers

The rulers provide a quick indication of the current position and size of entities. The tick marks are based on the millimetres. The current position is indicated by the cross hair which moves along with the mouse cursor.

4 - Design Area

All drawing is performed in this area of the desktop.

5 - Status Bar

This area brief message describing the current toolbar button.

6 - Docking Area

This area is where palettes, libraries and short form reports will be docked.

7 - Coordinate Readout

These fields give a constant readout of the current cursor position and relative position if a entity is in the process of being drawn. The current snap mode will affect the readouts.

Getting Started

• 2.7

The Toolbars

There are a nuber of toolbars in LxDesigner which allow you to quick and easy access the major commands and functions of the application.

General Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of buttons that control the application input mode. The application can be in one of eleven input modes, which is selected by one of the buttons on the toolbar.

Command Function

Select Enters ‘Select’ mode.

Add

Set Builder

Truss Builder

Add Gel

Enters ‘Add’ mode.

Enters ‘Set Builder’ mode.

Enters ‘Truss Builder’ mode.

Enters ‘Add Gel’ mode.

Add Gobo

Assign Channel

Beam On/Off

Plug up

Focus Fixture

Enters ‘Add Gobo’ mode.

Enters ‘Assign Channel’ mode.

Enters ‘Beam On/Off’ mode.

Enters ‘Plug Up’ mode.

Enters ‘Focus Fixture’ mode.

Getting Started

• 2.8



Primitive Toolbar

This toolbar is only enabled when the application is within the Add mode. It contains a group of buttons, which allows the primitive to be drawn to be specified. Each of the buttons represents either a single primitive or a group of primitives. Refer to the section Adding

Primitives to the Plan in the 'Primitives' section for further details on each primitive and how to add them to the plan.


Point

Line

Polygon

Draw points in various shapes.

Draw lines or polylines.

Draw rectangles or polygons.

Draw circles or ellipses. Ellipse

Text

Arc

Image

3D

Draw single, multi line text.

Draw arcs.

Insert images.

Draw 3D objects.

Outlet

Cable Run

Pairing Lines

Dimensions

Special

Focus Point

Insert outlets.

Draw cable runs.

Draw pairing lines.

Draw dimensions.

Insert special symbols.

Insert focus points.

Getting Started

• 2.9


Drawing Toolbar

This toolbar is only enabled when the application is within the Add mode. It contains a group of controls which allow the primitive colour, fill pattern, line style, text style and layer to be specified. Refer to the section 'Specifing the Default Drawing Parameters' in the 'Primitives' section for further details on how each command works.


Pen Colour Sets current pen colour.

Brush Style

Line Style

Text Style

Current Layer

Sets current brush style.

Sets current line style.

Sets current text style.

Sets current layer.

Fixture Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of controls, which are used for controlling beam angle display, current channel number, and default pan and tilt controls.


Default Pan Sets/displays the default pan.

Default Tilt Sets/displays the default tilt.

Current Channel Number Sets/displays the current channel number.

Current Dimmer Number Sets/displays the current dimmer number

Beams On Turns all fixture beams on.

Beams Off Turns all fixture beams off.

Getting Started

• 2.10


Libraries Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of buttons, which provide a short cut to displaying the various libraries. If Dock Libraries is enabled on the

Drawing Setup dialog then the library will be docked on the right hand side of the screen when opened.


Set

Rigging

Fixture

Sound

Venue

Displays the set library.

Displays the rigging library.

Displays the fixture library.

Displays the sound library.

Displays the venue library.

Layers Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of controls which provide the ability to turn layers, scenes and bars on and off.. Refer to the sections 'Controlling

Views' or 'Trussing & Bars' for further details of how each command works.


Visible Layers

Visible Scenes

Protected Layers

Visible Bars

Selections List

Selections Visible

Allows layers to be turned on/off.

Allows scenes to be turned on/off.

Protects objects on layers.

Allows bars to be turned on/off.

Displays the selection list.

Turns selection on/off.

Getting Started

• 2.11

Zooming Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of controls which provide the ability to zoom in and out of the design. Refer to the section 'Controlling Views' for further details of how each command works.


Zoom Window

Zoom Full

Zooms a defined window to fit the editing window.

Views the full drawing.

Zoom In

Zooms in.

Zoom Out

Zooms out.

Views

Displays the views list.

Previous View

Returns to the previous view.

Front Elevation

Displays a front elevation.

Side Elevation

Displays a side elevation.

Perspective View

Displays a perspective view.


• 2.12


Snap Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of controls allowing the snapping and lock modes to be specified. Refer to the sections 'Setting the Snap Mode' and

'Setting the Lock Mode' in the 'Primitives' section for further details on how each command works.


No Snap Free draw – no snapping.

Snap to Grid Snap to nearest grid point.

Snap to Point

Snap to Right Angle

No Lock

Horizontal Lock

Vertical Lock

Snap to nearest point on object.

Snap to nearest right angle.

Free draw – no lock.

Vertical movement only.

Horizontal movement only.

Coordinate Toolbar

This toolbar contains a group of controls which allow a coordinate to be entered via the keyboard. This is usful to define relative or absolute points for entering primitives. This toolbar has been superseded by the coordinate input palette and is only available in the standard version.

Control Function

X Sets the X value of the coordinate.

Y Sets the Y value of the coordinate.

Z

Units

Abs

Sets the Z value of the coordinate.

Sets the base units for the X, Y and Z values.

If check coordinates are absolute otherwise they are offsets from the last point.

Getting Started

• 2.13

The Plan Menus

The plan window menus provide access to functions such as design management, printing, drawing setup and various editing tools.

File Menu

This menu contains all of the file and print related commands.


New Allows a new design to be created.

Open

Reopen

Save

Allows an existing design to be opened.

Displays a list of the last 10 designs edited.

Saves change made to the current design.

Save As

Close

Delete Design

Save As Template

Import Drawing

Export

Display/Window

Layouts

Print Plan

Automatic Backups

Backup

Restore

Saves the current design under a new name.

Closes the current design.

Deletes a design.

Saves the current design as a Templete.

Imports a DXF drawing file.

Exports the design in various formats.

Provides a means of saving/recalling display or window layouts.

Prints the current plan.

Enables/Disables automatic backups.

Backs up a design.

Restores a previous backed up design

Getting Started

• 2.14


Edit Menu

This menu contains all of the editing related commands.


Undo Undos the last action.

Redo

Copy

Redos the last action

Copies the currently selected entity.

Paste

Paste Properties

Delete

Pastes a copy of the currently selected entity.

Pastes the properties of one entity to another.

Deletes the curently selected entity.

Search Menu

This menu allows you to finding and replacing various items within the design.


Find Gel Highlights fixtures containing a particular gel.

Replace Gel

Find Gobo

Replace Gobo

Find Fixtures

Replace Fixtures

Locate Clear

Replaces a gel used in the current design.

Highlights fixtures containing a particular gobo.

Replaces a gobo used in the current design.

Highlights a particular fixture type.

Replaces a fiture used in the current design.

Clears any highlighting applied due to a Find command.

Getting Started

• 2.15



View Menu

This menu contains all of the library and palette viewing commands.


Symbol Libraries Displays a particular symbol library.

Palettes

Gels Library

Displays a particular design palette.

Displays the gel library.

Gobos Library

Cable Library

Lamp Library

Displays the gobo library.

Displays the cable library.

Displays the lamp library.

DMX Mimic

World View

Reserved for furture use.

Displays/Hides the world view.

Format Menu

This menu contains all of the formatting related commands.


Properties Displays the properties of the currently selected entity.

Send to Back Sends the currently selected entity to the rear of the drawing list.

Bring Forward

Align

Brings the currently selected entity to the front of the redraw list.

Aligns a group of entitys

Renumber Fixtures

Reload Symbols

Renumbers the designs fixtures.

Reloads all of the designs symbols from the system libraries.

Getting Started

• 2.16


Tools Menu

This menu contains all of drawing setup commands.


Drawing Setup Displays the drawing setup window.

Reset Toolbars

Scene Names

Resets all the toolbars to the default positions.

Displays the scene namewindow.

Project Details

Suppliers Details

Project Notes

Dispays the project details window.

Dislays the suppliers library.

Opens a basic text editor for project related notes.

Reports Menu

This menu contains all of the reporting commands.


System Displays the list of system reports and allows each to be run.

User

Short Form

Displays the list of user reports and allows each to be run.

Displays the list of shot form reports and allows each to be run.

Window Menu

This menu contains all of the standard window manipulation commands.


the their title bars visible.

Tile Arranges the windows so that they are equal size and side by side.

Arrange Icons Arranges any window icons allong the bottom of the application desktop.

Getting Started

• 2.17

Help Menu

This menu contains all of the help related commands.


Contents Displays the applications help file.

What Is This

Select Language

Enters what's this help.

Allows the applications lanaguage to be selected.

Opens the home page of the LxDesigns website. LxDesigns Home

Page

LxDesigns Members

Page

Opens the members page of the LxDesigns website.

Register

About

Displays the applications software registeration window.

Displays the applications about window.


• 2.18

The Report Menus

The report window menus provide access to functions such as report management, printing and various editing tools.

File Menu

This menu contains all of the file and print related commands.


Save As Saves the report in one of 5 formats.

Save in HirePoint Format Saves the equipment report in HirePoint format.

Specify Stock File Specifys the stock file to be used.

Edit Stock File

Specify Hire/Sales File

Edit Hire/Sales File

Page Setup

Print Preview

Opens a stock file for editing.

Specifys the hire/sales file to be used.

Opens a hire/sales file for editing.

Sets the page layout for the report up.

Displays a print preview of the report.

Report Configuration Sets the report configuration.

Edit Menu



Copy Copys the selected text.

Select All Selects all of the reports text.

Find

Find Next

Renumber Fixtures

Locate text within the report.

Repeat the Find command.

Renumber the fixtures.

Getting Started

• 2.19



This chapter explains how to move around the plan and control which entities are displayed on the plan.


Topic

Page

Hiding 3.2

Zooming into an Area of the Plan 3.4

the 3.5

Viewing the Complete Plan 3.6

Panning Plan 3.6

Returning to the Previous View

Defining and Using Preset Views

3.6

3.7

Viewing the plan in Perspective

Using the Perspective Camera Controls

3.9

3.10


• 3.1


Hiding Layers

Layers can be turned on or off by using the Set Layers On/Off button on the layers toolbar. If a layer is turned off then any objects which are on that layer will not be displayed.

The following example shows that the floor plan, dimmer numbers and gobo layers are hidden while all others are displayed.


To Hide or Show a Layer

1. Click Set Layers On/Off on the layers toolbar. This will display a drop down list of all the available layers.

2. Click on the tick box of the layer which you wish to show or hide. A tick next to a layer name will display any objects on that layer.

3. Click Set Layer On/Off to hide the drop down list and apply the layer display options you have set.


• 3.2

Enabling and Disabling Layers

Layers can be enabled or disabled by using the Protect Layers button on the Layers toolbar. If a layer is disabled then no object on that layer can be selected and hence modified.

The following example shows that the fixed bars and floor plan layers are disabled while all others are enabled.


To Enable or Disable a Layer

1. Click Protect Layers on the layers toolbar. This will display a drop down list of all the available layers.

2. Click on the tick box of the layer which you wish to enable or disable. A tick next to a layer name will protect any objects on that layer.

3. Click Protect Layers to hide the drop down list and apply the layer protection options you have set.


• 3.3

Zooming into an Area of the Plan

This command allows you to zoom into an area of the plan which is defined by a rectangle which you draw on the plan.

To View an Area of the Plan

Either:

1. Click Zoom Window on the Zooming toolbar.

2. Drag a selection box around the area which you wish to zoom into.

3. Release the mouse button and the plan window will be updated.

or



or

1. Right-click on the plan in free space.



LxDesigner User's Guide Controlling Views

• 3.4

Zooming In and Out

These commands allow you to zoom in and out of the plan by a factor of two each time. Two commands are provided one for zooming in and the other for zooming out.

To Zoom In

Either:

1. Click Zoom In on the Zooming toolbar.

or or


To Zoom Out

Either:

1. Click Zoom Out on the Zooming toolbar.

or or


Redrawing the Current View

This funtion performs a complete redraw of the current view. This is useful if the current of view of the plan has become corrupted for any reason.

To Redraw the Current View

Either:

or



• 3.5


Viewing the Complete Plan

This command allows the complete plan to be displayed in the plan window. It uses the maximum floor area values which were entered when the design was created to perform this.

To View the Complete Plan

Either:

1. Click Zoom Full on the Zooming toolbar.

or or


Panning Across the Plan

Panning around the plan is achieved by using the scroll bars

To Pan around the Plan

Either:

1. Click or drag the bottom to scroll bar to scroll the plan in a horizontal direction

or

1. Click or drag right hand scroll bar to scroll the plan in a vertical direction.

Returning to the Previous View

This command allows you to switch between the current view of the plan and the previous one.

To return to the Previous View

1. Click Previous View on the Zooming toolbar.


• 3.6


Defining and Using Preset Views

Preset views allow you to zoom in and pan to a particular area of the plan, ie. FOH and to save this as a 'view'. This then allows the area of the plan defined by the view to be recalled at any time, removing the need to zoom and pan back to the area of the plan. Views are saved or recalld by using the Prset Views palette. If 'dock palettes' is enabled on the

Drawing Setup dialog then the palette will automatically dock on the right hand side of the screen when opened.

To define a Preset View

1. Zoom and/or pan to the required area of the plan.

2. Click Views on the Zooming toolbar to display the Preset

Views palette.

4. Click Add on the preset views palette.

To recall a Preset View

1. Click Views on the Zooming toolbar to display the Preset

Views palette.

2. Click on the required view in the list box.


• 3.7


Using Display/Window Layouts

Display/Window layouts allow the current settings such as displayed layers, fixture attribute settings to be saved and recalled. This is useful when a particular setting is required when printing out the plan. For example one setting could define a layout for the colour call and another for channel numbering. Display and window layouts are saved and recalled via the Display/Window Layouts dialog.

To Save a Display/Window Layout

1. Set the required visible layers and fixture attributes.

4. Enter the name of the new Display/Window layout.

OK to save the new layout or Cancel to abandon the process.

To Recall a Display/ Window Layout

2. Click on the required layout in the list box.


• 3.8


Viewing an Elevation

Elevations of the plan can be viewed by taking a slice through the design either horizontally or vertically. These commands are any available if the

LxElevation add-in has been purchased.

To display a Side Elevation

1. Click Side Elevation on the Zooming toolbar.

2. Drag the selection line across the plan to the position that the slice is to be taken.

3. Release the mouse button and a new plan window will be opened displaying the side elevation.

To display a Front Elevation

1. Click Front Elevation on the Zooming toolbar.

2. Drag the selection line across the plan to the position that the slice is to be taken.

3. Release the mouse button and a new plan window will be opened displaying the side elevation.

Viewing the plan in Perspective

A perspective view of the plan can be viewed simply by clicking on the perspective button. These commands are any available if the

LxPerspective add-in has been purchased.

To display a Perspective View

1. Click Perspective on the Zooming toolbar. This will open a new plan window displaying the perspective view.

To move around the perspective view use the camera controls displayed on the right-hand side of the window.


• 3.9


Using the Perspective Camera Controls

These controls allow the camera used to display the perspective view to be moved around. Hence allowing the design to be viewed from any angle. These controls are any available if the LxPerspective add-in has been purchased.


Camera Forward

Camera Backward

Moves the camera into the design.

Moves the camera out of the design.

Camera Left

Camera Right

Camera Up

Camera Down

Reset Camera

Rotate Left

Rotate Right

Rotate Forward

Rotate Backward

Moves the camera to the left.

Moves the camera to the right.

Moves the camera up the design.

Moves the camera down the design.

Resets the camera to its default position.

Rotates the camera round the left of the design.

Rotates the camera round the right of the design.

Rotates the camera over the top of the design.

Rotates the camera under the design.


• 3.10


Primitives

This chapter explains how to add primitives to the plan and modify their properties. Primitives are the basic building blocks used within

LxDesigner to create a plan or symbol.


Topic

Adding Primitives to the Plan

Specifing the Default Drawing Parameters

Modifing a Primitive's Properties

Page

4.9

4.10

4.31

LxDesigner User's Guide Primitives

• 4.1

Adding Primitives to the Plan

Primitives are used to draw lines, polygons, text and other basic 2 or 3 dimensional shapes. Each type of primitive is added in a differnet way depending on its requirements. Some may require a single point to be entered where as others may require a number of points. All points of a primitive will snap to the nearest drawing point depending on which snapping mode has been selected.

Primitives are added by entering Add mode and selecting the required entity from the Primitives toolbar. The available primitives have been split into a number of groups, which may contain a single primitive or a collection of similar primitives. The available groups are:

Group Function

Point Draw points in various shapes.

Line

Polygon

Draw lines or polylines.

Draw rectangles or polygons.

Ellipse

Text

Draw circles or ellipses.

Draw single, multi line text.

Cable Run

Pairing Lines

Special

Focus Point

Draw cable runs.

Draw pairing lines.

Insert special symbols.

Insert focus points.

Primitives

• 4.2


To select a Primitive within a Primitive Group

If a primitive group contains more then one primitive then it is possible to select the active primitive by:

1. Click on the current primitive displayed for the group and hold the button down until a drop down panel is displayed.

2. Click on the required primitive, the drop down panel will disappear and the toolbar button updated.


• 4.3

Point Group

Use this group of primitives to add a point to the drawing.


Cross

Inserts a cross point.

Square

Insert a square point.

Diamond

Insert a diamond point.

Triangle

Insert a triangle point.

Circle

Insert a circle point.

To Insert a Point

1. Click Add Mode on the General toolbar.

2. Click , , , or Point on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Set the required snap mode.

4. Click on the drawing area at the required position to add the point.

Primitives

• 4.4



Line Group

Use this group of primitives to add lines to the drawing. These can be single or double lines between two points or a series of lines between consecutive points.

Primitive

Line

Double Line

Polyline

Function

Draws a single line beween two points.

Draws a double line between two points.

Draws a series of lines between consecutive points as a single entity.

To Draw a Line


2. Click Line on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Set the required snap and lock modes.

4. Click on the drawing area at the required starting point.

5. Move the mouse to draw the line and click at the second point.

To Draw a Double Line


2. Click Double Line on the Primitives toolbar.




Primitives

• 4.5

To Draw a Polyline


2. Click Polyline on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Left click on the drawing area at the required starting point.

5. Move the mouse to draw the line and click at the next point.

6. Repeat step 5 for all points that make up the series of lines.

7. To define the last point either double click at the last point or select Finish from the pop up menu.


• 4.6


Polygon Group

Use this group of primitives to add a regular and irregular shapes to the drawing.

Primitive

Rectangle

Double Rectangle

Polygon

Triangle

Right Angle Triangle

Function

Draws a single rectangle between two points.

Draws a double rectangle between two points as a single entity.

Draws a multi sided shape with consecutive points as a single entity.

Draws a triangle between two points.

Draws a right angle triangle between two points.

To Draw a Rectangle


2. Click Rectangle on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the rectangle and click at the second point.

To Draw a Double Rectangle


2. Click Double Rectangle on the Primitives toolbar.




Primitives

• 4.7

To Draw a Polygon


2. Click Polygon on the Primitives toolbar.






To Draw a Triangle


2. Click Triangle on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the triangle and click at the second point.

To Draw a Right Angle Triangle


2. Click Right Angle Triangle on the Primitives toolbar.




Primitives

• 4.8


Ellipse

Group

Use this group of primitives to add a ellipses and circles to the drawing.

Primitive

Ellipse

Circle

Function

Draws an ellipse based on a centre point and it's radius.

Draws a circle based on a centre point and it's radius.

To Draw a Ellipse


2. Click Ellipse on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required centre of the ellipse.

5. Move the mouse to draw the ellipse and left click at the second point.

To Draw a Circle


2. Click Circle on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Left click on the drawing area at the required centre of the circle.

5. Move the mouse to draw the circle and left click at the second point.

Primitives

• 4.9


Text Group

Use this group of primitives to add a text to the drawing.

Primitive

Single Line Text

Multi Line Text

Callout

Function

Inserts a single line of Text.

Inserts multi line Text.

Inserts multi line Text with an arrow.

To Insert Single Line Text


2. Click Text on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start point for the text.

5. Enter the require text into the Text Editor.

To Insert Multi Line Text


2. Click Multi Line Text on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start point for the text.


Primitives

• 4.10


To Insert a Callout


2. Click Callout Box on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start point for the callout line.

5. Move the mouse to draw the line and click at the second point, where the text is to be placed.



• 4.11

Arc Group

Use this group of primitives to add arcs to the drawing.

Primitive

90 degree Arc

180 degree Arc

Variable degree Arc

Function

Draws a 90 degree arc based on a centre point and it's radius.

Draws a 180 degree arc based on a centre point and it's radius.

Draws a variable arc based on a centre point, its radius and a start and end point..

To Draw a 90 degree Arc


2. Click 90 degree Arc on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Left click on the drawing area at the required centre of the ellipse which the arc forms part of.

5. Move the mouse to draw the arc and click at the second point.

To Draw a 180 degree Arc


2. Click 180 degree Arc on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required centre of the ellipse which the arc forms part of.

5. Move the mouse to draw the arc and click at the second point.

Primitives

• 4.12


To Draw a Variable Arc


2. Click Variable Degree Arc on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required centre of the circle which the arc forms part of.

5. Move the mouse to draw a circle which represents the radius of the arc and click at this point.

6. Move the mouse to the starting point of the arc on the circle and click at this point.

7. Move the mouse to draw the arc and left click at the finish point for the arc.


• 4.13

Image Group

Use this primitive to add a bitmap image to the drawing.

Primitive

Image

Function

Inserts an Image into the drawing.

To Insert an Image


2. Click Image on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the top left hand corner of the image.

5. Move the mouse to draw a rectangle which the image is to be loaded into and click at this point.

6. From the open file requester locate the required file and click

OK, to insert the image.


• 4.14


3D Group

Use this group of primitives to add 3D objects to the drawing. This group of primitives are only available in the Standard package and not the Lite one.

Primitive

Cube

Cylinder

Sloping Cylinder

Cone

3D Polygon

3D Polyline

Function

Draws an Cube.

Draws a Cylinder.

Draws a Sloping Cylinder.

Draws a Cone.

Draws a 3D Polygon.

Draws a 3D Polyline.

To Draw a Cube


2. Click Cube on the Primitives toolbar.




6. To set the depth and height of the cube use the Properties window for the cube.

To Draw a Cylinder


2. Click Cylinder on the Primitives toolbar.




6. To set the depth and height of the cylinder use the Properties window for the cylinder.

Primitives

• 4.15


To Draw a Sloping Cylinder


2. Click Sloping Cylinder on the Primitives toolbar.




6. To set the depth and height of the sloping cylinder use the

Properties window for the sloping cylinder.

To Draw a Cone


2. Click Cone on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the cone and click at the second point.

6. To set the depth and height of the cone use the Properties window for the cone.

To Draw a 3D Polygon


2. Click 3D Polygon on the Primitives toolbar.






8. To set the depth and height of the 3D Polygon use the

Properties window for the 3D Polygon .

Primitives

• 4.16

To Draw a 3D Polyline


2. Click 3D Polyline on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the line and click at the next point.



8. To set the depth and height of the 3D Polygon use the

Properties window for the 3D Polygon.


• 4.17

Insert Group or Symbol

These primitives allows a group or symbol to be added to the drawing.

The group or symbol must already of been created and saved to disk.

Refer to the section on Symbols for details on how to add symbols.

Primitive

Group

Symbol

Function

Inserts a Group into the drawing.

Inserts a Symbol into the drawing.

To Insert a Group


2. Click Group on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the point where the group is to be inserted.

5. From the open file requester locate the required group file and click OK, to insert the group.

To Insert a Symbol


2. Click Symbol on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the point where the symbol is to be inserted.

5. Repeat step 4 for further instances of the same symbol.

Primitives

• 4.18


Insert Outlet

This primitive allows an outlet to be added to the drawing. The symbol for an outlet is predefined but can be changed by replacing the

Outlet.sym. This primitive is only available in the Standard package and not the Lite one.

Primitive

Outlet

Function

Inserts an outlet into the drawing.

To Insert a Outlet


2. Click Outlet on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the point where the outlet is to be inserted.


• 4.19

Cable Run Group

This primitive allows a cable run to be added to the drawing. This primitive is only available in the Standard package and not the Lite one.

Primitive

Cable Run

Function

Draws a Cable Run between consective points.

To Insert a Cable Run


2. Click Cable Run on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the line and left click at the next point.

6. Repeat step 5 for all points that make up the sections of the cable run.

7. To define the last point either double click at the last point or select Finish from the pop up menu.Left click on the drawing area at the point where the group is to be inserted.

8. The cable builder will now be displayed where the actual cables are selected to make up the run.

Primitives

• 4.20


Pairing Line Group

Use this group of primitives to add pairing line entities to the drawing.

These can be used as a graphical indication of fixtures which are paired.

Primitive

Horizontal

Vertical

Horizontal Corner

Vertical Corner

Horizontal Split

Vertical Split

Parallel

Function

Draws a horizontal pairing line.

Draws a vertical pairing line.

Draws a horizontal corner pairing line.

Draws a vertical corner pairing line.

Draws a horizontal split pairing line.

Draws a vertical split pairing line.

Draws a parallel pairing line.

To Draw a Horizontal Pairing Line


2. Click Horizontal on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start of the pairing line.

5. Move the mouse to draw a line which joins the two points which the pairing line is to be draw between and click at this point..

6. Move the mouse to position the pairing line at the required point and click at this point.

Primitives

• 4.21


To Draw a Vertical Pairing Line


2. Click Vertical on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start of the pairing line.



To Draw a Horizontal Corner Pairing Line


2. Click

Horizontal Corner on the Primitives toolbar.



5. Move the mouse to draw the pairing line and click at the second point.

To Draw a Vertical Corner Pairing Line


2. Click Vertical Corner on the Primitives toolbar.




Primitives

• 4.22


To Draw a Horizontal Split Pairing Line


2. Click Horizontal Split on the Primitives toolbar.




To Draw a Vertical Split Pairing Line


2. Click

Vertical Split on the Primitives toolbar.




To Draw a Parallel Pairing Line


2. Click Parallel on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required start of the pairing bar.



Primitives

• 4.23



Dimension Group

Use this group of primitives to add dimension entities to the drawing.

Primitive

Horizontal Dimension

Vertical Dimension

Diagonal Dimension

Function

Draws a horizontal dimension.

Draws a vertical dimension.

Draws a diagonal dimesion.

To Draw a Horizontal Dimension


2. Click Horizontal Dimension on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the required starting point for the dimension.

5. Move the mouse to draw the line and click at the second point defining the end point for the dimension .

6. Move the mouse to position the dimension as required and click.

To Draw a Vertical Dimension


2. Click Vertical Dimension on the Primitives toolbar.





Primitives

• 4.24

To Draw a Diagonal Dimension


2. Click Diagonal Dimension on the Primitives toolbar.






• 4.25

Special Group

Use this group of primitives to add special objects to the drawing. These include title boxes, keys and note boxes. This group of primitives are only available in the Standard package and not the Lite one.

Primitive

Tab Line

Key Box

Title Box

Notes Box

Function

Inserts a tab line.

Inserts a fixture Key Box.

Inserts a Title Box.

Inserts a Notes Box.

To Insert a Tab Line


2. Click Tab Line on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Click on the drawing area at the point where the tab line is to be inserted.

To Insert a Key Box


2. Click Key Box on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Click on the drawing area at the point where the key box is to be inserted.

Note: The key box is only updated when a complete redraw is performed.

Primitives

• 4.26


To Insert a Title Box

1. Click Project Details on the Tools menu.

2. Enter the required project details which will then be used in the title box.


4. Click Title Box on the Primitives toolbar.

5. Click on the drawing area at the point where the title box is to be inserted.

To Insert a Notes Box


2. Click Notes Box on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Click on the drawing area at the point where the note box is to be inserted.


• 4.27

Focus Point Group

This primitive allows a focus point to be added to the drawing. This primitive is only available in the Standard package and not the Lite one.

Primitive

Focus Point

Function

Inserts a Focus Point into the drawing.

To Insert a Focus Point

1. Click on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the Primitives toolbar.


4. Click on the drawing area at the point where the focus point is to be inserted.

5. Enter the name of the focus point and click OK.


• 4.28

Specifing the Default Drawing Parameters

The default drawing parameters used when drawing primtives are specified on the 'Drawing' toolbar. This toolbar is only enabled when the application is within the 'Add' mode its controls allow such parameters as line style and colour, fill style, text style and layer to be specified. To draw a primitive with a specified style the required style needs to be set on these controls prior to drawing the primtive.


Pen Colour

Sets the current pen colour.

Brush Style

Sets the current brush style.

Line Style

Sets the current line style.

Sets the current text style.

Text Style

Current Layer Sets the current layer.


To set the default Pen Colour

1. Click Pen Colour on the Drawing toolbar. This will display a drop down panel.

2. Click on the required colour.

3. Click Pen Colour to hide the drop down panel and apply the new setting.

To set the default Brush Style

1. Click Brush Style on the Drawing toolbar. This will display a drop down panel of available styles.

2. Click on the required brush style.

3. Click Brush Style to hide the drop down panel and apply the new setting.

To set the default Line Style

1. Click Line Style on the Drawing toolbar. This will display a drop down panel of available styles.

2. Click on the required line style.

3. Click Line Style to hide the drop down panel and apply the new setting.

Primitives

• 4.29

To set the default Text Style

1. Click Text Style on the Drawing toolbar. This will display a drop down panel of available styles.

2. Select the required text style.

3. Click Text Style to hide the drop down panel and apply the new setting.

To set the default Layer

1. Click down panel of available lines.

2. Select the required layer.


• 4.30

Modifing a Primitive's Properties

Once a primitive has been drawn on the plan it's properties such as drawing style, position and size can be modified by using the 'Properties' windows. The properties window has a number of pages which are displayed depending on what type of primitive the window is being displayed for.

To modify a Primitives Parameters

1. Click on the Primitive, this will select it.

2. Right-click inside the red rectangle which has been drawn around the primitive.

4. Modify the required properties.

5. Click changes.


• 4.31

General Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for all primitives and allows general parameters to be edited.

The controls have the following functions:

Symbol

This control specifies the type of primitive or group name. It can not be modified.

Layer

This text box displays the name of the layer which the primitive is currently on. To change the layer click on the arrow and select the new layer from the drop down list.

Rotation Locks

If checked prevent the entity from being rotated if it is used to make up part of a group.

Primitives

• 4.32


Line Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for all primitives and allows parameters related to the pen used to draw the primitive to be edited.

Style

Allows the line style used to draw the primitive to be specified.

Width

Allows the width of the pen used to draw the primitive to be specified. If real line width is checked then the pen width is specified in real units otherwise it is in screen pixels.

Colour

Allows the colour of the pen which is used to draw the primitive to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.33


Fill Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for all primitives and allows parameters related to the brush used to fill an enclosed primitives to be edited.


Transparent To Beams

If checked then beams will not be clipped by the primitive. This means that the beam from a fixture will pass straight through the primitive.

Brush Style

Allows the brush style and colour used to fill the primitive to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.34


Position and Size Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for all primitives and allows the position, size and rotation of the primitive to be edited.

Position

Allows the position of the primitive to be specified.

Size

Allows the size of the primitive to be modified.

Rotation

Allows the primitives rotation to be modified.

Primitives

• 4.35


Arrow Head Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for line and dimension primitives only. It allows the type and size of the arrow heads to be edited.

Start Arrow

Allows the type, angle and size of the arrow to be drawn on one end of the line or dimension. This is normally the first point for a line primitive.

End Arrow

Allows the type, angle and size of the arrow to be drawn on one end of the line or dimension. This normally the second point for a line primitive.

Primitives

• 4.36


Text Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for text and dimension primitives only. It allows the string and font of the entity to be edited.



Text

Allows the actual text string of the primitive to be edited.

Height

Allows the height of the text to be modified. The drop down list specifies the base units for the height.

Font

Allows the font and height of the text to be specified.

Style

Allows the colour and style of the text to be specified.

Background

Allows the background colour of the text to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.37

Dimension Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for dimension primitives only. It allows the various options for drawing the dimension to be modified.

Dimension Line

If checked a line will be drawn between the two extension lines.

Text Position

Allows the position of the dimension text to be specified.

Extension Line

Allows the extension lines at either end of the dimension to the specified.

Units

Allows the base units of the dimension to be specified. If Display is checked then the base unit will be appended to the end of the actual dimension.

Primitives

• 4.38


Point Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a point.


Style

Allows the style of the point entity to be specified.

Height

Allows the height of the point entity to be specified.


• 4.39

Scale Bar Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a scale bar.


Height

Allows the height of the scale bar entity to be specified.

Length

Allows the length of the scale bar entity to be specified.

Base Units

Allows the base units of the scale bar entity to be specified. If Display

Units is checked then the base unit will be appended to the end of the measurements.

Primitives

• 4.40


Title Box Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a title box.



Columns

Allows the number of columns used in the title box entity to be specified.

Drawing Issue

Allows the drawing issue to be specified.

Gaps

This gorup of controls allow the gap between the title box outline and text along with the gap between columns to be specified.

Outline

Allows the gap between the outline of the title box and the internal text to be specified.

Intercolumn

Allows the gap between the columns with in the title box to be specified.

Units

Allows the base units used for the outline and intercolumn values to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.41

Key Box Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a key box.


The controls have the following function:

Columns

Allows the number of columns used by the key box to be specified.

Gaps

This gorup of controls allow the gap between the key box outline and symbols, the gap between symbol to name, along with the gap between symbols to be specified.

Outline

Allows the gap between the outline of the key box and the internal symbols and text to be specified.

Symbol to Name

Allows the gap between the symbols and their names to be specified.

Symbol to Symbols

Allows the gap between symbols to be specified.

Symbols

This gorup of controls allow the colour and fill used to draw the symbols to be specified.

Colour

Allows the colour used to draw the symbols to be specified.

Fill

If checked the symbols are also filled with the colour specified by the

Colour control.

Primitives

• 4.42

Tab Line Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a tab line.


Curve Size

Allows the diameter of the curves used to draw the tab line to be specified.

Number of Curves

Allows the number of curves used to draw the tab line to be specified.

Drop

Allows the drop of the tab line to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.43


Notes Box Properties Sheet

This sheet is only visible if the selected primitive is a notes box.


Notes

Allows the actual notes to be entered.

Gaps

This gorup of controls allow the gap between the notes box outline and interal text, along with the gap between notes to be specified.

Outline

Allows the gap between the outline of the notes box and the internal text to be specified.

Inter Note

Allows the gap between each note to be specified.

Primitives

• 4.44


Creating Groups

Groups consist of a collection of primitives that make up an item. Once created and saved to disk the group can be recalled for inclusion in the current design or any future design. Groups are very similar to symbols.

The major difference being that a symbol has associated parameters and a group does not.

To Create a Group

1. Click Add and draw the required primitives on the plan.

2. Click Select on the General toolbar.

3. Drag a selection box around all of the primitives that make up the group.

4. Right-click within the selection box.

Save Group from the pop-up menu. This will display the file save requester.

6. Select the required directory and filename.


• 4.45

Setting the Snap Mode

The snap mode defines how coordinates are determined as the mouse moves around the plan. There are a number of modes available depending on which version of the application you are running.

No Snapping

In this mode no snapping is performed. The coordinates follow the mouse as it is moved around the plan.

Snap to Grid

In this mode snapping is performed to the nearest working grid point.

The working grid is set on the Grid page of the Drawing setup screen.

Hence if a working grid of 1metre is set then as the mouse is moved coordinates will snap to 1 metre intervals.

Snap to Point

In this mode snapping is performed to the nearest point on an entity.

This mode is useful if you wish to draw an entity which has to start or finish on a point of an existing entity.

Primitives

• 4.46


Snap to Right Angle

In this mode snapping is performed to the nearest right angle. As the mouse is moved the coordiante will snap to the nearest right angle i.e. 0,

90, 180 or 270 degree. This mode is useful to draw polylines or polygons which have segments at 90 degrees to each other.

To change the Snap Mode

1. Click on one of the snapping mode buttons on the Snapping

Toolbar.

The available modes are:

No Snapping – coordinates follow the mouse

Snap to Grid – coordinates snap to the nearest working grid point

Snap to Point – coordinates snap to the nearest point on an entity.

Snap to Right Angle – coordinates snap to the nearest right angle.

Primitives

• 4.47


Setting the Lock Mode

The lock mode defines how coordinates are locked as the mouse moves around the plan. This feature is only available in the standard version of the application.

No Lock

In this mode no locking is performed. The coordinates follow the mouse as it is moved around the plan.

Lock Horizontal Movement

In this mode locking is performed in the horizontal direction. This means that as entities are moved around the can only be moved in the vertical direction.

Lock Vertical Movement

In this mode locking is performed in the vertical direction. This means that as entities are moved around the can only be moved in the horizontal direction.


• 4.48

To change the Lock Mode

1. Click on one of the locking mode buttons on the Snapping

Toolbar.

The available modes are:

No Locking – coordinates follow the mouse.

Lock Horizontal Movement – coordinates are locked in the horizontal direction.

Lock Vertical Movement – coordinates are locked in the vertical direction.


• 4.49

Symbols

This chapter explains how to add symbols to the plan and modify their properties. It also covers the creation of new symbols and modification of existing ones.


Topic

Adding Symbols to the Plan

Modifing a Primitive's Properties

Page

5.2

5.31

Creating 5.12

Modifing 5.12

LxDesigner User's Guide Symbols

• 5.1

Adding Symbols to the Plan

Symbols are used to add such items as set items, trussing, bars and fixtures to the plan. LxDesigner holds a number of libraries which are used to hold the symbols, these are:

Library Function

Set

Contains the set and staging symbols.

Rigging

Contains the rigging and bar symbols.

Fixture

Contains the fixture symbols.

Sound

Contains sound related symbols.

Miscellanous

Contains various symbols such as smoke machines, mirror balls etc.

Symbols are added to the plan by dragging and dropping them from a library on to the plan. They will snap to the nearest drawing point depending on which snapping mode has been selected.

To Add a Symbol to the Plan (Single)

1. Either:

Click , , or depending on which library is required.

or

Click Symbol Libraries on the View menu and select the required library.

2. Locate the required symbol in the library. To expand the library click +.


4. Drag and drop the required symbol onto the plan.

Symbols

• 5.2


To Add a Symbol to the Plan (Multiple)

1. Click Add on the General toolbar.

2. Click Symbol on the Primitives toolbar.

3. Either:


or


4. Locate and click on the required symbol in the library. To expand the library click +.


6. Click on the plan at the required position.

7. Either:

Repeat step 6 for multiple instances of the same symbol.

or

Repeat steps 3 to 6 for a different symbol.

Modifing a Symbols Properties

Once a symbol has been drawn on the plan it's properties can be modified by using the 'Properties' windows. The properties window has a number of pages which are displayed depending on what type of symbol the window is being displayed for.

To modify a Symbols Parameters

1. Click on the Symbol, this will select it.

2. Either:

Click Properties on the Format menu.

or

Right-click inside the red rectangle which has been drawn around the primitive.

Select Properties from the pop-up menu.

3. Modify the required properties.

OK to save the changes or Cancel to abandon the changes.

Symbols

• 5.3



This sheet is visible for all symbols and allows general parameters to be edited.


Symbol

This is a read-only text box which displays the symbols name.

Layer

This drop-down box displays the name of the layer which the symbol is currently on. To change the layer click on the arrow and select the new layer from the drop down list.

Scenes

The list of scenes is only displayed for scenic/set entities. It allows the scene which this entity appears in to be specified. The entity will appear in any scene with a tick next to it.

Symbols

• 5.4


Position Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for all symbols and allows position and rotation parameters to be edited.


Position

This group of controls allow the positioning of the symbol to be modified.

X

Allows the symbols' horizontal coordinate to be modified.

Y

Allows the symbols' vertical coordinate to be modified.

Height

Allows the symbols' height to be modified.

Units

Determines what base units are used by the X, Y and Height controls.

Rotation

This group of controls allow the rotation of the symbol to be modified.

Pan

Allows the symbols' pan to be modified. The value is specified in degrees.

Symbols

• 5.5

Scenic Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for scenic/set symbols only and allows specific parameters to be edited.



Use Defaults

If checked the brush and pen settings used when the symbol was created are used to draw the entity. Otherwise the values set on this page will be used.

Advanced Properties

This button when clicked displays the advance properties window for a scenic/set symbols.

Brush

This group of controls allow the brush used to fill the entity to be specified.

Style

These buttons allow the style of brush used to fill the entity to be specified. The selected style is indicated by a depressed button.

Colour

Allows the colour used to fill the entity to be specified.

Symbols

• 5.6

Pen

This group of controls allow the pen used to draw the entity to be specified.

Style

These buttons allow the style of pen used to draw the entity to be specified. The selected style is indicated by a depressed button.

Colour

Allows the colour used to draw the entity to be specified.

Truss/Bar Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for truss/bar symbols only and allows specific parameters to be edited.



Name

Allows the name used to identify the bar/truss to be specified.

Type

Allows the bar/truss type to be specified. To change the type click on the arrow and select the new type from the drop down list.

The options are Standard Bar/Truss or Tower

Tower Base Height

If the type parameter specifys a tower then the base of the tower is entered in this control.


This button when clicked displays the advance properties window for a bar/truss symbol.

Symbols

• 5.7

Fixture Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for fixture symbols only and allows specific parameters to be edited.



Channel

Allows the current channel number of the fixture to be modified.

Dimmer

Allows the current dimmer number of the fixture to be modified.

Channel Type

Indicates whether the channel number refers to a normal or independent one.

Outlet

This read-only text box displays which outlet the fixture has been plugged up to.

DMX Threshold

Reserved for future use.

Mark As Fixed Rig

Allows the fixture to be marked as being part of a venues fixed rig. If this control is checked then the fixture will be drawn in the colour and style specified for fixed rig fixtures.

Symbols

• 5.8

Location/Use

Allows the location/use string to be modified.

Focus Note

Allows the focus note to be modified.


This button when clicked displays the advance properties window for a fixture symbol.

LxDesigner User's Guide Symbols

• 5.9

Colour Changer Properties Sheet

This sheet is visible for colour changer symbols only and allows specific parameters to be edited.


Channel

Allows the current channel number of the fixture to be modified.

Mark As Fixed Rig

Allows the fixture to be marked as being part of a venues fixed rig. If this control is checked then the fixture will be drawn in the colour and style specified for fixed rig fixtures.


This button when clicked displays the advance properties window for a fixture symbol.

Symbols

• 5.10


Creating Symbols

New library symbols that are to be placed into one of LxDesigner’s symbol libraries are created from a group of primitives.

To create a new symbol

1. Draw the symbol outline using the required primitives. If the new symbol is a fixture then it should be draw pointing the right hand side of the plan. If the new symbol is a piece of trussing or bar then it is draw in a horizontal orientation.

2. Either:


or


3. Click Select on the General toolbar.

4. Drag a selection box around all of the primitives that make up the symbol.

5. Click on the yellow Move control and while holding down the mouse button drag and drop the symbol over the required library node within one of the symbol libraries. A library node is identified by an adjacent +/- symbol to the left of it's name.

6. This will create the symbol and display the Library Data

Requester.

7. Enter the new symbols name. If you enter a symbol name that already exists then it will over write the existing symbol.

8. Select the new symbols category i.e. Generic Fixture,

Rigging.

9. You can now fill in as much detail about the symbol as you wish to.

10. Click OK to save the new symbol or Cancel to abandon the process.

Symbols

• 5.11


Creating Symbol Alternates

All symbols once defined by the process specified in Adding Symbols to the Plan, can have a number of alternates defined. This is useful if a

different representation of the symbol is required on a plan. To create a new symbol alternate follow the procedure for . When requested for the directory and filename to save the group under locate the normal symbol in the libraries and change the file extension to ‘.a**’ where ** is a value from 00 to 09. LxDesigner uses a number of alternate groups for the elevations and perspective add-ins as follows:

<filename>.a91 = side elevation of symbol.

<filename>.a92 = front elevation of symbol.

<filename>.a93 = rear elevation of symbol.

<filename>.a95 = 3D version of symbol.

Modifing Library Data

Symbols in any of the libraries can have their parameters modified at any time by displaying the library data requester and editing the various parameters displayed.

To Modify an Existing Symbols Parameters

1. Either:


or


2. Locate the required symbol in the library. To expand the library click +.

3. Double-click on the symbol name.

4. Make the required changes to the symbols parameters.

OK to submit the changes or Cancel to abandon any changes.

Symbols

• 5.12



This chapter explains how to edit primitives and symbols that have been added to the plan within LxDesigner.


Topic

Selecting Entities

Page

6.2

Setting the Drawing Order of Entities 6.15


• 6.1


Selecting Entities

The selected colour is specified on the Drawing set up window.

Entities are selected by clicking on them with the left mouse button. If a single entity is under the cursor then a dotted box will be drawn around it to indicate that it is selected and its outline colour will change to that specified by the Selected Colour. However if there are multiple entities under the cursor then a pop up menu will be displayed and a dotted box drawn round the first item on the pop up menu. To select a particular item click on that entity on the pop up menu to display the dotted box around it and then click on it again. Positioned on the selection box will be a number of controls. These will depend on the type of entity that has been selected. These controls allow the selected entity to be moved, rotated or resized.

It is also possible to select a group of entities by clicking with the left mouse button on the plan and while holding down the button dragging a dotted box around the required entities. Once all entities are within the box let go of the mouse button and a box will snap around the selected entities and the controls detailed above will be displayed. Entities can also be added to or removed from the selection by holding down the shift key and clicking on the entity with the left mouse button.

Moving Entities

Once an entity has been added to the plan it can be moved to a new location. The basic way of moving an entity is to use the yellow move control which is displayed once the entity has been selected and move it with the mouse. When an entity is being moved it will snap to the nearest point defined by the current snap mode. It is also possible to lock either horizontal or vertical movement by using the locking.

To Move an Entity

1. Select the entity.

2. Click on the yellow move control.

3. Use the mouse move the entity around the plan. Do not hold the mouse button down while moving .


• 6.2


Rotating Entities

Once an entity has been added to the plan it can be rotated. The basic way of rotating an entity is to use the red move control which is displayed once the entity has been selected and rotate it with the mouse.

To Rotate an Entity


2. Click on the red rotate control.

3. Using the mouse rotate the entity. A line from the centre of the selected entity will follow the mouse to indicate the rotation.

Do not hold the mouse button down while moving .

Resizing Entities

Once an entity has been added to the plan it can be resized. The basic way of resizing an entity is to use the blue resize controls which are displayed once the entity has been selected and resize it with the mouse.

When an entity is being resized it will snap to the nearest point defined by the current snap mode. It is also possible to lock either horizontal or vertical movement by using the locking.

Note: It is not possible to resize symbols.

To Resize an Entity


2. Click on one of the blue resize controls.

3. Move the mouse to resize the entity. Do not hold the mouse button down while moving .


• 6.3


Deleting Entities

Once an entity has been added to the plan it can be removed by selecting and deleting it.

To Delete an Entity


Either:

2. Right-click within the selection rectangle. the delete the entity or Cancel to abandon the operation.

Or

the delete the entity or Cancel to abandon the operation.

Copying Entities

Once an entity has been placed on the drawing it is possible to copy it and place the new entity anywhere on the plan.

To Copy an Entity


Either:

2. Right-click within the selection rectangle.

4. Move the mouse to position the new copy and click.

or

3. Move the mouse to the position for the new copy and press

CTRL + V

4. Repeat step 3 if further copies are required.


• 6.4


Copying Entity Properties

This command allows the properties of one entity to be copied to another. These can be pen and brush style for primitives or channel, gel or focus note information for fixtures. The command is only available in the standard version of LxDesigner and not the Lite one.

To Copy a Entities Properties to Another Entity

1. Select the entity to copy. be copied.

4. Move the mouse over the entity to be changed and press CTRL

+ A.

5. Repeat step 3 if further entities are to be modified.

LxDesigner User's Guide Editing Entities

• 6.5

Repeating Entities

Entites can be step and repeated onto the drawing to form either a single horizontal/vertical line or an array of entities. The number of entities repeated and the offset between each one is set using the Step and repeat requester.

Horizontal

This group of controls set the horizontal offset between the entities and the number of entities to be created.

Offset

Enter a value in this box to specify the horizontal offset between enitities.

Count

Enter a value in this box to specify the number of horizontal enitities.

Vertical

This group of controls set the vertical offset between the entities and the number of entities to be created.

Offset

Enter a value in this box to specify the vertical offset between enitities.

Count

Enter a value in this box to specify the number of vertical enitities.

Units

Click in this drop-down box to specify the base units for the horizontal and vertical offset values.


• 6.6


Mode

This set of buttons sets which type of line or array is created as follows:

Use Horizontal Line to create a horizontal line of entities which match the selected one.

Use Vertical Line to create a vertical line of entities which match the selected one.

Use Array to create an array of the selected entity.


• 6.7



To Repeat an Entity to Create a Line

1. Select the entity to repeat.


4. Either:

Click Horizontal Line in the Mode box.

or

Click Vertical Line in the Mode box.

5. Set the base units for the offset dimension in the Units box.

6. Enter the offset required for each copy of the entiy into the

Offset box.

7. Enter the number of copies to be made into the Count box.

OK to complete the process or Cancel to abandon the changes.

To Repeat an Entity to Create an Array

1. Select the entity to repeat.


5. Set the base units for the offset dimensions in the Units box.

6. Enter the horizontal offset required for each copy of the entiy into the Horizontal Offset box.

7. Enter the number of horizontal copies to be made into the

Horizontal Count box.

8. Enter the vertical offset required for each copy of the entiy into the Vertical Offset box.

9. Enter the number of vertical copies to be made into the Vertical

Count box.

10. Click OK to complete the process or Cancel to abandon the changes.


• 6.8

Snapping Entities

Entities can be snapped together by using the Snap To option from the pop-up menu of the entity. This is useful when aligning entities such as flats or truss. However the snapping is not permanent, this means that if one of the entities is moved then the other will not automatically move with it. Snappping works on a bounding rectangle around the entities.

The snapping mode and offsets are specified on the Snap From - To requester which is displayed once the two entities hve been selected.


From

This group of buttons specifies which point on the first entity is used to snap from in the snap operation.

To

This group of buttons specifies which point on the second entity is used in the snap operation to snap to.

Offset

This group of controls allow an offset between the two entities to be specified. This can be used when two entities are snapped together but with a horiztonal or vertical offset.

Horizontal

Enter a value in this box to specify the horizontal offset.

Vertical

Enter a value in this box specifies the vertical offset.

Units

Click in this drop-down box to specify the base units for the horizontal and vertical offset values.


• 6.9

The From and To buttons have the following meanings. The numbers in the brackets refer to the drawing below.

Use Top Left (1) to specify the top left corner of the bounding rectangle.

Use Top Centre (2) to specify the centre of the top edge of the bounding rectangle.

Use Top Right (3) to specify the top right corner of the bounding rectangle.

Use Bottom Left (4) to specify the bottom left corner of the bounding rectangle.

Use Bottom Centre (5) to specify the centre of the bottom edge of the bounding rectangle.

Use Bottom Right (6) to specify the bottom right corner of the bounding rectangle.

Use Centre Left (7) to specify the centre of the left hand edge of the bounding rectangle.

Use Centre (8) to specify the centre of the bounding rectangle.

Use Centre Right (9) to specify the centre of the right hand edge of the bounding rectangle.


• 6.10


To snap one Entity to another

1. Select the entity to be moved.

2. Right-click in the selection rectangle.

4. Move the mouse and Click on the entity to be snapped to. A line will be drawn following the mouse from the centre of the first entity.

5. Select the required snapping modes on the Snap From – To window.

6. Click operation.


• 6.11

Aligning Entites

Entities can be aligned by using the Align option from Format option on the main menu. This command is only available when a group of enties has been selected. However the alignment is not permanent, this means that if one of the entities is moved then the others will not maintain any alignment which has been applied. All align commands with the exception of the rotation one work on the bounding rectangle which completely contains all of the entities within the group. The following types of alignment are available:

Use Top alignment to align the entities with the top of the bounding rectangle.


Use Middle alignment to align the entities with the horizontal centre line of the bounding rectangle.

Use Bottom alignment to align the entities with the bottom of the bounding rectangle.


• 6.12

Use Left alignment to align the entities with left hand edge of the bounding rectangle.

Use Centre alignment to align the entities with vertical centre line of the bounding rectangle.

Use Right alignment to align the entities with right hand edge of the bounding rectangle.


Use Vertical Centre Line alignment to align the entities with vertical centre line of the plan.

Use Horizontal Centre Line alignment to align the entities with horizontal centre line of the plan.

Use Rotation alignment the rotation of all the entities within the bounding rectangle


• 6.13

To Align a group of Entities

1. Select the entities to be aligned.

3. Select the required alignment from the menu list.

To Align the Rotation of a group of Entities

1. Select the entities to be aligned.

4. Enter the required rotation in the text box.

5. Click operation.


• 6.14

Setting the Drawing Order of Entities

All entities are allocated to a layer when they are added to the plan.

However the order in which they are drawn within the layer depends on the order in which they are added. It is possible to move an entity to the rear or front of the drawing list for the layer on which it has been added.

This allows a basic idea of depth to be achieved on a 2D drawing.

Entities which are at the rear of the list are drawn first with entities at the front of the list drawn over the top.

To set the Drawing Order of an Entity


2. Either

Click Send to Back on the Format option of the main menu to send the entity to the rear of the list for it's layer.

or

Click Bring to Forward on the Format option of the main menu to bring the entity to the front of the list for it's layer.


• 6.15



This chapter explains how to work with staging and scenic entities within LxDesigner.


Topic

Using the Set Builder

Using Scenes

Naming Scenes

Page

7.2

7.4

7.5

LxDesigner User's Guide Working wih Scenic Entities

• 7.1

Using the Set Builder

Not aviable in the lite version.

The Set Builder allows a length of set to be built up using a number of sections from a specified family or a custom set to be specified. Once the set has been built it will be treated as a single object when being moved or rotated on the plan. However when listed on the equipment usage report each section will be detailed.


Creating a Standard Set

1. Click Set Builder on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the plan at the point you wish to add the custom set.

4. Click on the required set family. This will display all of the available items within the family.

5. Select the required item in the Available list box.

6. Click on the right arrow button. This will add the item to the

Allocated Order list box.

7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for all of the required items.

8. If an incorrect item is added select the section in the Allocated

Order list and click on the ‘left arrow button’ to remove it.

9. Items can be moved up and down the order within the Allocated

Order list by selecting the item to be moved and clicking on the

‘Up or Down arrow buttons’.

10. Once all items have been added set the angle box to the required rotation and click OK. This will build the set and add it to the plan.


• 7.2

Creating a Custom Set

1. Click Set Builder on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the plan at the point you wish to add the custom set.

4. Select the shape of the custom Set.

5. Enter the required parameters, such as length, width and thickness.


• 7.3

Using Scenes

When adding a scenic entity to the design it is possible to specify which scene it relates to. This allows scenic entity of different scenes to be hidden if not required at any stage of the design.

To Assign a Scenic Entity to a Scene

1. Select the scenic entity.


5. Click on the tick box next to the required scenes for the entity.

Note: A tick indicates that the entity will be included in that scene.

6. Click changes.

To Hide or Show a Scene

1. Click Turn Scenes On/Off on the Layers toolbar. This will display a drop down list of all the available scenes.

2. Click on the tick box of the scene which you wish to show or hide. A tick next to a scene name will display any objects in that scene.

3. Click Turn Scenes On/Off to hide the drop down list and apply the scene display options you have set.


• 7.4

Naming Scenes

With LxDesigner there are upto 32 different scenes which can be used.

Each of these can have a name associated with it to help when allocating scenic entities to scenes. Scene names are entered via the scene names dialog.

To Allocate a Scene Names

1. Click the scene names dialog.

2. Click on the scene number to be changed in the list box.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 for other scenes. operation.


• 7.5


This chapter explains how to work with trussing and bars within

LxDesigner.


Topic Page

Truss 8.2

Setting Bar Visibility and Height 8.4

Copying Bars with their Fixtures

Mirroring Fixtures on a Bar

8.5

8.5

Moving Fixtures from one Bar to Another 8.6

Creating a Tower or Boom 8.7

Locating 8.8

LxDesigner User's Guide Working with Trussing & Bars

• 8.1

Using the Truss Builder

Not available in the lite version.

The Truss Builder allows a length of truss to be built up using a number of sections from a specified family or a custom bar to be specified. Once the truss/bar has been built it will be treated as a single object when being moved or rotated on the plan and for the truss rigging and loading reports. However when listed on the equipment usage report each section will be detailed.


Creating a Standard Truss

1. Click Truss Builder on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the plan at the point you wish to add the custom truss.

4. Select the required truss family. This will display all of the available sections within the family.

5. Select the required item in the Available list box.

6. Click on the ‘right arrow button’. This will add the section to the Allocated Order list box.

7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 for all of the required sections.

8. If an incorrect section is added select the section in the

Allocated Order list box and click on the ‘left arrow button’ to remove it.

9. Sections can be moved up and down the order within the

Allocated Order list box by selecting the section to be moved and clicking on the ‘Up or Down arrow buttons’.

10. Once all sections have been added set the angle box to the required rotation and click OK. This will build the truss and add it to the plan.


• 8.2

Creating a Custom Bar

1. Click Truss Builder on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the plan at the point you wish to add the custom truss.Select Custom from the Type box.

3. Select the shape of the custom bar.

4. Enter the required parameters, such as length, width and diameter.


• 8.3

Setting Bar Visibility and Height

Bars and trussing can be turned on or off and have their heights set by using the Bar Settings button on the layers toolbar. If a bar is turned off then it and any associated fixtures with not be displayed.


Name

Displays the user name of the bar/truss.

Visible

If checked the bar/truss is visible otherwise it is invisible.

Height

Displays the current bar height setting, in millimetres. Click on the box and enter a new value to change the bars' height.

To set the height and visibility of bars

1. Click Bar Settings on the layers toolbar. This will display

Truss/Bar dialog listing all the available bars, along with their height and visibility.

2. To hide a bar click on the tick box in the visible column next to the bar's name. A tick next to a bar name will display any objects on that layer.

3. To set a bar's height enter the new height into the height column next to the bar's name.

4. Once all settings have been made click OK to close the dialog and apply the new settings. If you wish to cancel the modifications made click Cancel.


• 8.4

Copying Bars with their Fixtures

This command allows a bar or truss along with all of it's associated fixtures to be copied and added to the plan in one easy step. The function adds a copy of the original bar and all the fixtures and their details, ie

Gels/Gobos to the plan.

To copy a Bar with its Fixtures

1. Select the bar or truss.

2. Right-click in the selection box.

3. Click copy the bar and it's fixtures.

4. Move the selection box to the new position and click.

Mirroring Fixtures on a Bar

This command allows a bar or truss along with all of it's associated fixtures to be copied and added to the plan in one easy step. The function adds a copy of the original bar and all the fixtures and their details, ie

Gels/Gobos to the plan.

To mirror the Fixtures on a Bar



4. A warning message is now displayed indicating that fixtures may overlap one another.

5. Click operation.


• 8.5


Duplicating Bars

This command allows the fixtures on one bar or truss to be copied to another bar. This function is useful when all the bars are in a template ie. the bars in a fly tower, and it is just required to copy the fixtures on one bar to another.

To duplicate the Fixtures on one Bar to another



4. Select the target bar from the drop down list.

OK to complete the process or Cancel to abandon the operation.

Moving Fixtures from one Bar to Another

This command allows the fixtures on one bar or truss to be moved to another bar. This function is useful when all the bars are in a template ie. the bars in a fly tower, and it is just required to move the fixtures on one bar to another.

To move the Fixtures from one Bar to another



4. Select the target bar from the drop down list.

OK to complete the process or Cancel to abandon the operation.


• 8.6


Creating a Tower or Boom

Towers or booms are supported in the standard version of LxDesigner.

When a bar/truss is marked as a tower/boom then the application creates both a side elevation and plan view of the tower/boom. This allows fixtures to be added at the correct heights usign the side elevation. The side elevation can be positioned any where on the as the plan view is actually used to position the tower/boom in the correct position. Fixtures added to tower/boom can only be moved up and down the length of the tower.

To create a Tower or Boom

1. Add a bar or truss to the plan which is the length of the tower.



6. Click on the Type drop down list and select Tower.

7. Enter the base height of the tower in the Tower Base Height box. operation.

This will create two symbols on the plan one will be the side elevation and the other the plan view. These can now be moved to the required positions.


• 8.7

Locating Bars by Name

The locate name command allows you to locate and display on the plan, bar/truss with a specified name. Bars/Truss which match the selected name are highlighted on the plan in the select colour defined on the colour page of the Drawing Setup dialog.

To Locate a Bar/Truss by Name

1. Right-click in free space on the plan.

3. Click on the drop down list of bar names and select the required one.

OK to locate the bar/truss or Cancel to abandon the operation.


• 8.8


This chapter explains how to work with fixtures within LxDesigner.


Topic

Setting Channel/Dimmer Numbers

Page

9.2

Adding Gels to the Design Palette 9.6

Adding Gobos to the Design Palette

Adding and Removing Accessories

9.9

9.10

Turning Fixture Beams On or Off 9.15

Locating Fixtures by Channel/Dimmer Numbers 9.19

Renumbering 9.21


• 9.1


Setting Channel/Dimmer Numbers

A fixture’s channel and dimmer numbers can be set by entering Set

Channel. Clicking on this button will display the Channel Number palette. The current channel number is also displayed in the channel control on the fixture toolbar.


The channel number palette has a toolbar containing the following command buttons.


Locate Channel

Locates the selected channel within the design.

Locate Dimmer

Show Phases

Locates the selected dimmer within the design.

Locates the selected gel within the design.

On changing the channel number the dimmer number will be automatically updated to that which was specified by the patch. If more then one dimmer is patched to a channel then the drop down list will display all available dimmers for the channel. When a new design is created the patch between channels and dimmers is either set to a basic 1 to 1 patch or if a venue template is used which has a patch file associated with it, then this is used.


• 9.2

To set a Fixture's Channel and Dimmer Number

1. Click Set Channel on the General toolbar. This will display the channel numbering palette. the controls on the Fixture toolbar.

3. Click on the fixture to set the channel/dimmer number.

4. Either:

Repeat step 3 for other fixtures with the same channel/dimmer numbers.

or

Right-click to advance the channel number by one and repeat step 3

or

Repeat steps 2 and 3.

LxDesigner User's Guide Working with Fixtures

• 9.3

Adding and Removing Gels

Each design has a sub set the of main gel library from which gels are selected and add to the fixtures.


The gel palette has a toolbar containing the following command buttons.


Add Gel to Palette

Delete Gel from Palette

Allows gels to be added from the system library.

Allows the selected gel to be removed from the palette.

Locate Gel

Locates the selected gel within the design.

To add a Gel to a Fixture

1. Click Add Gel on the General toolbar. This will display the gel palette.

2. Click on the required gel in the palette.

3. Click on the fixture on the plan to add the gel to that fixture.

4. Either:

Repeat step 3 for other fixtures with the same gel.

or

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other fixtures with a different gel.


• 9.4

To remove a Gel from a Fixture


2. Select the fixture.


7. Click on the gel to be deleted in the Selected box

10. Click OK.

To remove all the Gels from a Fixture




5. Click Remove All Gels


• 9.5

Adding Gels to the Design Palette

Gels are added to the design gel palette by selecting them from the main system library. Multiply selections can be made by using the Ctrl and

Shift keys. The system library has a number of filters which can be used to display gels from a particular supplier and family or with a particular name or code.


To Add Gels to the Design Palette

1. Click Add Gel to Palette on the design palette

2. Select the required gels from the list. Multiple selections can be made by using the Ctrl and Shift keys.

3. Click abandon the operation.

To Filter the Gel Library by Supplier or Family

1. Click list.

2. Click on the tick box on the left hand side to either include or remove the specified supplier/family from the displayed list.

Only items with a tick next to them will be displayed.

3. Click on the Supplier or Family buttons to remove the drop down list and apply the filter.

To Filter the Gel Library by Name or Code

boxes. A * can be used as a wild card.


• 9.6

Adding and Removing Gobos

Each design has a sub set the of main gobo library from which gobos are selected and add to the fixtures.

The gobo palette has a toolbar containing the following command buttons.


Add Gobo to Palette

Allows gobos to be added from the system library.

Delete Gobo from

Palette

Locate Gobo

Allows the selected gobo to be removed from the palette.

Locates the selected gobo within the design.

To add a Gobo to a Fixture

1. Click Add Gobo on the General toolbar. This will display the gobo palette.

2. Click on the required gobo in the palette.

3. Click on the fixture on the plan to add the gobo to that fixture.

4. Either:

Repeat step 3 for other fixtures with the same gobo.

or

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other fixtures with a different gobo.


• 9.7


To remove a Gobo from a Fixture




7. Click on the gel to be deleted in the Selected box

10. Click OK.

To remove all the Gobos from a Fixture




5. Click Remove All Gobos


• 9.8

Adding Gobos to the Design Palette

Gobos are added to the design gobo palette by selecting them from the main system library. Multiply selections can be made by using the Ctrl and Shift keys. The system library has a number of filters which can be used to display gobos from a particular supplier and family or with a particular name or code.


To Add Gobos to the Design Palette

1. Click Add Gobo to Palette on the design palette

2. Select the required gobos from the list. Multiple selections can be made by using the Ctrl and Shift keys.

OK to add the selection gobos to the palette or Cancel to abandon the operation.

To Filter the Gobo Library by Supplier or Category

on down list.

2. Click on the tick box on the left hand side to either include or remove the specified supplier/family from the displayed list.

Only items with a tick next to them will be displayed.

3. Click on the Supplier or Category buttons to remove the drop down list and apply the filter.

To Filter the Gobo Library by Name or Code

the boxes. A * can be used as a wild card.


• 9.9

Adding and Removing Accessories

Fixture accessories include items such as barn doors, gobo holders, hook clamps and saftey chains. When a fixture symbol is created a set of accessories can be assigned to it which are automatically included when the fixture is added to the plan. Certain accessories are visual i.e. barn doors, these will therefore be displayed on the plan when added to a fixture. It is also possible to create a set of associated items, which can be added depending on the design. Accessories can be added or removed at any point in the design by using the advance properties dialog for the fixture. If associated items exisit for the fixture then they can be assigned or removed using the fixtures context menu.

To add or remove an Associated Item




5. Click the required item.

If an item is checked then it has already been added to the fixture and clicking on it again will remove it from the fixture.

To add an Accessory to a Fixture




7. Click and drag the required item from the Available box to the

Selected box.

OK to add the new items or Cancel to abandon the changes.


• 9.10


To add an Accessory to a Fixture




7. Click on the item to be removed in the Selected box.

10. Click OK.


• 9.11

Adjusting Beam Angles

A fixture’s beam angle can be set by 'Controls' which use the beam adjustment controls to adjust the beams pan/tilt and focus along with any barn door or shutter adjustment. The second method uses the mouse to position the beam on the plan. This method only allows the pan/tilt to be modified and is not available in the lite version.

Using the Beam Adjustment Controls

The beam adjustment controls allow you to position the beam of a fixture anywhere on the plan. They also provide lamp rotation for parcans and barndoor/shuttering adjustment. The barndoor/shuttering controls are only available in the lite version.


Focus

This group of controls allow the fixtures beam angle to be adjusted between its minimum and maximum focus settings. These are defined in the library data when the fixture symbol was created.

Lamp

This group of controls allow the lamp to be rotated. This group of controls is normally only enabled for fixtures which have a elliptical beam such as parcans.

Height

This group of controls allow the fixture height to be modified. This group of controls is not enabled if the fixture is assocated with a bar or truss.


• 9.12

Pan

This group of controls allow the fixtures pan to be modified.

Tilt

This group of controls allow the fixtures tilt to be modified.

Barn Doors/Shutters

This group of controls allow the beam to be modified as if a leaf of a barn door or shutter has been adjusted.

To adjust a Fixtures Beam by Controls

1. Select the fixture to be focused.


5. Adjust the beam by using the slider controls.

6. Click on the plan to close the adjustment dialog.

To adjust a Fixtures Beam by Point



5. Move the mouse around the screen to the new location for the centre of the beam and click.


• 9.13


Using Focus Points

Focus points are a way of ensuring that a fixture always points to a given point on the plan. This is useful if the point at which the fixture is focused is moved then the fixtures pan and tilt will be modified to follow the point around the plan. It can also be used to add a new fixture to plan that points to the same focus point. This is achieved when a fixture which already points to the focus point is copied as the new fixture is also set to point to the focus point. This function is only available in the standard version and not the lite one.

To Allocate a Fixture to a Focus Point

1. Add a focus point to the plan.

Either:

2. Click Focus a Fixture from the General toolbar.

3. Click on the fixture to be focused. A line will follow the cursor from the centre of the fixture.

4. Click on the focus point.

or



4. Click will follow the cursor from the centre of the fixture.

5. Click on the focus point.


• 9.14

Turning Fixture Beams On or Off

Fixture beams can be turned off in a number of ways. This is useful as when a large number of fixtures are added to the plan then it can become very confussing if all the beams are displayed. It is possible to either turn all fixture beams on or off or just an individual fixture's beam on or off.

It is also possible to prevent beams from being displayed by turning the

Beam Angles layer off.

To turn all Fixture Beams On

Either:

1. Click Turn All Beams On on the Fixture toolbar.

or


To turn all Fixture Beams Off

Either:

1. Click Turn All Beams Off on the Fixture toolbar.

or


To turn a single Fixtures Beam On or Off

1. Click Set Beam On/Off on the General toolbar.

2. Click on a fixture to toggle the beam between on and off.

3. Repeat step 2 for all required fixtures.


• 9.15


Locating and Replacing Gels

The locate gel command allows you to locate and display on the plan, fixtures containing a specified gel. The replace gel command allows you to replace gels used within the design with an alternative. This can be done on a complete design basis or only for the currently selected fixtures.

To Locate a Gel

2. Select the gel to be located in the Find What box.

OK to locate the selected gel. If any fixtures contain the selected gel then they will be redrawn in the location colour.

To Replace a Gel in the Complete Design

2. Select the gel to be replaced in the Find What box.

3. Select the gel to be used as the replacement in the Replace

with box.

To Replace a Gel in the Current Selection

1. Select the required fixtures.

3. Select the gel to be replaced in the Find What box.

4. Select the gel to be used as the replacement in the Replace

with box.


• 9.16


Locating and Replacing Gobos

The locate gobo command allows you to locate and display on the plan, fixtures containing a specified gobo. The replace gobo command allows you to replace gobos used within the design with an alternative. This can be done on a complete design basis or only for the currently selected fixtures.

To Locate a Gobo

2. Select the gobo to be located in the Find What box.

OK to locate the selected gobo. If any fixtures contain the selected gobo then they will be redrawn in the location colour.

To Replace a Gobo in the Complete Design

2. Select the gobo to be replaced in the Find What box.

3. Select the gobo to be used as the replacement in the Replace

with box. changes.

To Replace a Gobo in the Current Selection


3. Select the gobo to be replaced in the Find What box.

4. Select the gobo to be used as the replacement in the Replace

with box.

6. Click changes.


• 9.17


Locating and Replacing Fixtures

The locate fixture command allows you to locate and display on the plan, fixtures of a specified type. The replace fixture command allows you to replace fixtures of one type used within the design with an alternative. This can be done on a complete design basis or only for the currently selected fixtures.

To Locate a Fixture

2. Select the gobo to be located in the Used Fixtures box.

OK to locate the selected fixture. If any fixtures match the selected type then they will be redrawn in the location colour.

To Replace a Fixture in the Complete Design

2. Select the fixture type to be replaced in the Used Fixtures box.

3. Select the fixture type to be used as the replacement in the

Available Fixtures box.

OK to replace the fixture or Cancel to abandon the changes.

To Replace a Fixture in the Current Selection


3. Select the fixture type to be replaced in the Used Fixtures box.

4. Select the fixture type to be used as the replacement in the

Available Fixtures box.

OK to replace the fixture type or Cancel to abandon the changes.


• 9.18


Locating Fixtures by Channel/Dimmer Numbers

The locate channel or dimmer command allows you to locate and display on the plan, fixtures with a specified channel or dimmer number.

Fixtures which match the entered channel or dimmer number are highlighted on the plan in the select colour defined on the colour page of the Drawing Setup dialog.

To Locate a Fixture by Channel Number

Either:


8. Enter the required channel number in the text box.

9. Click operation.

or

1. Click Set Channel on the General toolbar. This will display the channel numbering palette.

2. Click Locate Channel.

3. Click on the channel number to be located.

4. Repeat step 3 for other channel numbers or click to exit locate mode.


• 9.19

To Locate a Fixture by Dimmer Number

Either:


4. Enter the required dimmer number in the text box.

OK to locate the fixtures or Cancel to abandon the operation.

or

1. Click Set Channel on the General toolbar. This will display the channel numbering palette.

2. Click on the dimmer number to be located.

3. Click Locate Dimmer.

4. Repeat step 3 for other channel numbers or click to exit locate mode.


• 9.20

Plugging Up Fixtures

Fixtures can be plugged up to any outlet symbol that has been added to the plan. An outlet can either represent a fixed channel outlet or a cable run. If a fixture is plugged up to an outlet that represents a dimmer then it will be assigned that dimmer number and its associated channel number. However if the outlet represents a cable run the outlet identification will be added to the fixture.

To Plug Up a Fixture

1. Click Plug Up on the General toolbar.

2. Click on the fixture to be plugged up. A line will follow the mouse from the centre of the fixture.

3. Click on the required outlet.

To Disconnect a Fixture from an Outlet


2. Select the fixture to be disconnected.


Renumbering Fixture IDs

Every fixture has a unique unit ID which is allocated when it is added to the plan. It is offer useful to change these ID such that they count from top to bottom either within the drawing or along a bar. Fixture Ids can not be directly edited but one of the functions provide must be used to change the IDs.

To Renumber Fixture IDs within the Drawing

2. Either:

Click Top to Bottom to renumber the fixtures on the plan from top left to bottom right.

or

Click Bottom to Top to renumber the fixtures on the plan from bottom right to top left.

3. Enter the value required for the first fixture and click OK.


• 9.21



To Renumber Fixture IDs along a Bar

1. Select the bar on which the fixtures are rigged.


4. Either:

Click Left to Right to renumber the fixtures on the bar from left to right

or

Click Right to Left to renumber the fixtures on the bar from right to left.

or

Click Top to Bottom to renumber the fixture on the bar from top to bottom.

or

Click Bottom to Top to renumber the fixtures on the bar from bottom to top.


To Renumber Fixture IDs within a Group

1. Drag a selection box around the required fixtures.


4. Either:

Click Left to Right to renumber the fixture on the bar from left to right

or

Click Right to Left to renumber the fixtures on the bar from right to left.

or

Click Top to Bottom to renumber the fixture on the bar from top to bottom.

or

Click Bottom to Top to renumber the fixtures on the bar from bottom to top.



• 9.22

Reports

This chapter explains the reports available within LxDesigner.


Topic

Overview

User Reports

Page

10.2

10.4

LxDesigner User's Guide Reports

• 10.1

Overview

When a report is run it is displayed in a new window. Once run it is disabled within the reports menu and is added to the Windows menu. If the report window is closed by clicking on the close window icon or selecting close from the file menu of the report window the report option in this menu is enabled. If the plan is modified while a report window is open, the report will be automatically updated when that window is next selected. It is possible to select any area of a report by using the mouse and then to copy this to the clipboard by typing control C. This will able the copied data to be imported into another application such as Excel or

Word. There is also the ability to save the report as an Excel or Word document if these applications exist on the host machine.

Used Channel Report

The used channel report displays a table based on channel numbers of their associated dimmer numbers, cable Ids and channel use. Clicking on a channel number will cause the corresponding fixtures on the plan to be displayed in the locate colour.

Unused Equipment

The used equipment report displays a list of all the equipment used within the design including all associated accessories and gobos. For each item the quantity required, available stock and hire costs are given.

Gel Call

The gel call report will scan all of the generic fixtures and colour changes within the design to generate a gel call table. This table consists of a grid of gels along the horizontal axis and fixtures down the vertical axis. The number of fixtures using each gel is then place in the grid.

Reports

• 10.2



Fixture Details

The fixture details report will list all of the fixtures within the design along with their associated truss/bar, gels, gobos and channel numbers.

Clicking on a fixture will cause the corresponding fixture on the plan to be displayed in the locate colour.

Rigging Call

The rigging call report will list all of the fixtures associated with each bar/truss with in the design. Clicking on a truss/bar name will cause the corresponding truss/bar on the plan to be displayed in the locate colour.

Rigging Distances

The rigging distances report will generate a list of each bar/truss and its associated fixtures with their distances from the centre of the bar/truss.

Clicking on a truss/bar name will cause the corresponding truss/bar on the plan to be displayed in the locate colour.

Channel Loading

The channel loading report will calculate the load on each channel and display the results in a table. Clicking on a channel number will cause the corresponding fixtures on the plan to be displayed in the locate colour.

Rack Loading

The rack loading report will calculate the loading on each rack within the design. For this report to function then rack symbols must have been added to the design and their base channel specified.

Phase Loading

The phase loading report will calculate the loading on each phase within the design. For this report to function then rack symbols must have been added to the design and their phase parameter specified.

Reports

• 10.3

Plug Up Report

The plug up report will display a table of dimmer numbers, channel numbers and their associated cable Ids.

Focus Report

The focus report is very similar to the fixture report but contains fewer columns of data.

Selections Report

The selections report is a special report which lists all of the fixtures within each defined selection. For each selection it gives the channel number, dimmer number and use fields of all the fixtures which are contained within the selection.

User Reports

User reports are based on the standard reports outlined in the above sections. It is possible to save the configuration of any report into a new user report, which can be run. This removes the need to have to customize a standard report each time that it is run.

Reports

• 10.4


Customizing Reports

You can customize any standard report in a number of ways.

1. Clicking on the header can change the column, which the report is sorted on. The column, which the report is sorted on, displays a triangle. This triangle indicates where the sort is up or down depending on the direction of the triangle.

2. Columns can be turned on or off. Right mouse clicking on the report will display a menu of column names. Selecting a column name will turn that column on or off.

3. Columns can be moved. To move a column, click on the column header and drag it into the new position.

If you change the layout of a report it will only be retained if you save the new layout as either a user defined report or as the report default.

LxDesigner User's Guide Reports

• 10.5

Short Form Reports

Short form reports provide useful information in a form which can be viewed during the design process. A short form report is continously updated during the design and can be docked on the right hand side of the application for easy reference.

Used Fixtures Short Form

The used fixtures short form gives a continous report on the type and quantity of fixtures used within the design.


This short report has a toolbar containing the following command buttons.


Specify Stock File

Edit Stock File

Highlight Shortage

Allows the stock file to be specified.

Edits the current stock file.

Highlights the shortages between used and available equipment.

Reports

• 10.6


This chapter explains how to print or export the plan and how to import a ground plan for use in LxDesigner.


Topic Page

Creating a Venue/User Library 11.12

LxDesigner User's Guide Printing, Importing and Exporting

• 11.1

Printing the Plan

The plan can be printed to any standard windows supported printed at any point in the design. When the plan is printed the scale, orientation and page setup are defined on the Print Setup dialog.

Printer

Click in this drop-down box to specify the printer to be used.

Paper

This group of controls set the paper and scaling used to print the plan.

Size

Click in this drop-down box to specify the paper size to be used.

Scale

Click in this drop-down box to specify the scale to be used.

Fit To Page

If checked then the scale will automatically be set to ensure that the plan will fit on 1 sheet of the paper set in the size box.

Orientation

This group of buttons allow the orientation of the paper to be specified.


• 11.2


Mode

This group of buttons specified where the complete plan or current view is printed.

Options

This group of controls define the printing options.

Draw Outline

If checked an outline is drawn around the plan as defined by the floor area dimensions for the design.

Centre On Page

If checked the plan will be centred on the paper.

Page Layout

This image shows the number of pages required to print the plan with the current settings. The red box represents the plan outline based on the floor area dimensions and the black dotted lines represent the printed pages.

To print to a local or networked printer

1. Ensure that the required printer driver has been installed and the printer added to the list of available printers.

3. Set the required printing parameters on the Print Setup dialog. on operation.


• 11.3

Using a print bureau.

It is possible to use any printer, which is supported by Windows to print out a plan designed using LxDesigner. However as most printers are A4 and at best A3, for large plans it can mean splitting the plan across a number of pages and sticking them together. This may be OK but is not ideal for large plans. The following details how it is possible to output the design for printing by a print bureau on to any size of paper.

There are three methods, the second or third one is strongly recommended by LxDesigns as the way to obtain the best results at the lowest cost.

To use a Print Bureau via DXF

standard Windows file save dialog.

3. Enter the required filename

This will produce a DXF file, which can be read by other CAD programs used by printing bureaus. However some programs may not be able to read the file as there are different requirements between applications which read these files and the printing bureau may not be able to open it.

If they can read the file then they will be able to print it out to a specified scale using the third party CAD program.


• 11.4

To Use a Print Bureau via HPGL

This method uses the in built printing capability of LxDesigner to print the design at the required scale to any Windows supported printer - but saving it to a file for the print bureau to send to their plotter.

1. It will be necessary to add a plotter to the list of available printers on your machine. We recommended that you add HP

7586B as this supports paper sizes up to A0. To do this, use the

'Add Printer' option from the Windows Printers folder.

3. Click on the Printer drop-down list and select the HP 7586B printer.

4. Set the required printing parameters.

8. Enter the required filename.

This will produce a HPGL file, which the printing bureau will be able to send directly to their plotters hence removing the need to use a third party package and reducing the cost.


• 11.5

To use a Print Bureau via disk file

This method is similar to method 2 except it can be any printer or plotter which a Windows driver can be obtained for. These are usually found and download from the printer manufactures’ web site and should match the printer being used by the bureau.

1. It will be necessary to install and add the printer to the list of available printers on your machine.

3. Click on the Printer drop-down list and select the required printer.

4. Set the required printing parameters.

8. Enter the required filename.

This will produce a ‘.prn’ file, which the printing bureau will be able to send directly to the printer hence removing the need to use a third party package and reducing the cost.


• 11.6

Saving and Using Selections

It is possible to save the currently selected group of objects for recall and use at a later time in the design. This is useful if you require to change or move a common group of objects. For example it could be used to change a group of fixtures from one type to another with out affecting the complete design. To save the selection:

1. Select the objects that will make up the new selection.

2. Click on the ‘Selection List’ button on the ‘Layers’ toolbar, this will display the Selections window.

3. Click on the yellow ‘Move’ control, drag and drop it over the list of available selections on the ‘Selections’ window. This will cause a new selection to be created and added o the list.

4. To change the name click on the new selection, type in the new name in the edit control at the top of the window and click

‘Rename’.

Once a selection has been added to the Selection List it can be recalled by the clicking on its name within the list. The Selection list is saved along with the design.


• 11.7

Importing a DXF file

It is possible to import a DXF file which has been generated by another drawing package such as AutoCAD. This is useful as it allows the import of exisiting venue outlines and set drawings directly into

LxDesigner, which can then have the necessary rigging and fixtures added. The import of the DXF file is controlled by the DXF Import dialog.


Colour Mapping

This group of controls allow the mapping between colour numbers used in the DXF file and real colour values. The default mapping is to use the standard AutoCAD colour translation table.

Change Colour

Click on this button to display the standard windows colour dialog to select a new colour for the selected colournumber in the list box.

Map All to Black

Click on this button to set all import colours to black.

Reset Defaults

Click on this button to set the import colours to th AutoCAD default colour translation values.

Blocks

This group of controls determine if the blocks defined in the DXF file are used or the blocks are remapped to LxDesigner symbols. The default mapping is to use the blocks as defined in the DXF file.


• 11.8

Layer Mapping

This group of controls allow the mapping between layers used in the

DXF file and layers available in LxDesigner. The default mapping is that all entities in the DXF file are mapped to the Floor Plan layer.

Import All

Click on this control to cause all layers to be imported from the DXF file. This will cause new layers to be created.

Map All >>

Click on this control to cause all DXF layers to be mapped to the one displayed in the drop-down list. Click on the drop-down list of layers to select the one to use.

Lines

This group of controls allow the mapping between line types used in the

DXF file and line types available in LxDesigner. The default mapping is that all lines will be solid.

File Dimensions

This group of buttons determines what units are used during the import of the DXF file. As DXF files do not contain an indication of the base units used when the drawing was created then you will need to experiment with this group of controls to obtain the current results.

Options

This group of controls specify the import options.

Scale

This control functions in a similar wayto the File Dimensions buttons to determine the current import scaling.

Elevations

Thos group of buttons determine if the imported DXF file is a plan view or if it should be rotated to form a side or front elevation.


• 11.9


To Import a DXF file

3. Using the standard windows file open dialog locate and select the file to be imported.

5. Set the required import options on the DXF Import dialog.

Import to import the DXF file or Cancel to abandon the command.


• 11.10

Exporting a Plan

It is possible to export the plan into one of several formats for importing into other drawing packages such as AutoCAD. This is useful to allow designs to be printed out or edited by third parties.

To Export the plan

1. Click Export from the File menu. This will display the standard Windows file save dialog.

Select AutoCAD Files to export the plan as a DXF file

or

Select Bitmap Files to export the plan as a bitmap image

or

Select Meta Files to export the plan as a Windows Meta File

or

Select Enhanced Meta Files to export the plan as a

Windows Enhanced Meta file

3. Enter the required filename


• 11.11

Creating A Venue Template

A template is an outline of the floor area of a venue. It can also include fixed bars that are always present. A template always the default information for a venue to be used time and again with out the need to re enter the information.

To create a Venue Template

2. Enter a name for the new design

6. Enter the maximum floor area and height for the new template.

7. Add the necessary primitives and bars/trusses to the plan.

9. Enter the name of the template

10. Click Save.

Creating a Venue/User Library

A Venue/User Library is a collection of symbols that you wish to use in a design or are available at a particular venue. Venue/User Libraries are created using the Stock/Costs Editor.


• 11.12


This chapter explains how to manage files and designs options within

LxDesigner.


Topic Page

LxDesigner User's Guide File and Design Management

• 12.1

File Management

File management is consists of a number of commands all of which are locate under the file menu option of the main menu. When creating a new design, opening or deleting an existing one or backing a design up the Design Selection dialog is displayed. If a design is backed up or restored then the backup path specified on the Drawing Setup dialog is used.

To Create a New Design

2. Enter the new designs name in the text box at the top of the dialog.

To Open an Existing Design

Either:

2. Select the required design name from the list of available designs.

or

2. Click the required name in the list of recently opened designs.


• 12.2


To Save changes to the current Design

To Save the current Design under a New Name

2. Enter the new designs name in the top text box

To Close the current Design

2. If the design has been modified since the save then

Either:

Click Yes to save the changes and close the design.

or

Click No to close the design without saving the changes.

or

Click Cancel to abandon the command.

To Delete an Existing Design

2. Select the required name from the list of available designs.


To Backup an Existing Design


To Restore a Design



• 12.3

Automatic Backups

Automatic backups can be used to allow regular backups to be made during the design process. This is useful if the computer crashes as it allows the last bakup to be restored, hence all work on a design is not lost.

To Enable or Disable Automatic Backups

then backups are enabled otherwise they are disabled.

To Set the Automatic Backup Interval

3. Enter the new backup interval, in minutes, in the text box.

4. Click command.

To Restore the last Automatic Backup


• 12.4

Project Details

The Project Details dialog allows the details of the project to be setup.

It consists of a number of sheets which are detailed below. The contact sheet is held globally so it only has to be set up once. These details are then used by title box primitives to design the information.

Contact Properties Sheet

This sheet allows contact information to be specified. This is normally used to enter your personal details.


Designer

Click on these two text boxes to enter the lighting designers name. This field is used by the lighting designer field of the title box primitive and is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.

Company

Click on this text box to enter your company's name. This field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.

Address and Post Code

Click on these text boxes to enter your company's address. This field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.

Phone

Click on this text box to enter your company's telephone number. This field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.


• 12.5

Fax

Click on this text box to enter your company's fax number. This field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.

Email

Click on this text box to enter your company's email address. This field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.

Customer Code


Alternate Contact



• 12.6

Venue Properties Sheet

This sheet allows venue specific information relating to the design to be specified.

Venue

Click on the text box to enter the venue name. This field is used by the venue field of the title box primitive.

Address

Click on the text boxes to enter the venues address. This field is reserved for future use.


• 12.7

Event Properties Sheet

This sheet allows event specific information relating to the design to be specified.

Production/Event

Click on this text box to enter the production or event name. This field is used by the event field of the title box primitive.

Company

Click on this text box to enter the production company name. This field is used by the company field of the title box primitive.

Director

Click on this text box to enter the director's name. This field is used by the director field of the title box primitive.

Set Designer

Click on this text box to enter the set designer's name. This field is used by the set designer field of the title box primitive.


• 12.8


Dates

This group of controls provides a means of entering the production dates. These fields are used by the production dates of the title box primitive.

From

Click on this text box to enter the production starting date.

To

Click on this text box to enter the production ending date.

Hire/Sale Options

This group of controls provides a means of selecting the hire period or sales options which are then used by the used equipment report.

Type

This group of buttons allow whether the design is hire or sale.

Period

This group of buttons allow the hire period to be specified.

Duration

Click on this text box to enter the hire duration.

Order Number

Click on this text box to enter the order number.


• 12.9

Notes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows specific design notes to be specified. Thise field is written to the HirePoint required equipment export file.


• 12.10

Dimmer to Channel Patching

The patch is modified can be modified in one of two ways. Either the basic patch editor dialog can be used or the Graphical Patch Editor.


The basic patch dialog, shown above, consists of a grid of dimmer and channel numbers and a number of controls.

Block Patch

This group of controls allows a block of channels to be patched in one operation.

Dimmer

Specifies the starting dimmer number for a block patch.

Channel

Specifies the starting channel number for a block patch.

Count

Specifies the number of dimmers to be patched for a block patch.

Patch

Clicking on this button will patch the dimmers and channels as defined in the controls detailed above.

1:1 Patch

Clicking on this button changes the patch to a 1:1 configuration.

Save Patch

Clicking on this button saves the current patch information.


• 12.11

To change the patch of a single dimmer

1. Click on the channel number next to the required dimmer

2. Enter the new value.

3. Press Enter or move to the next dimmer to be changed.

To change the patch of a block of dimmers

1. Enter the first dimmer number into the Dimmer control.

2. Enter the first channel number into the Channel control.

3. Enter the number of dimmers to patch into the Count control


• 12.12


This chapter explains how to change the general and drawing configuration options of the application. The configuration screens are available from the Tools option on the main menu.


Topic Page

General Colour Properties Sheet

Fixture Colour Properties Sheet

13.4

13.5

Truss/Bar Colour Properties Sheet 13.7

Properties 13.8

Grid Properties 13.9

Common Attributes Properties Sheet 13.11

Split Attributes Properties Sheet

Rigging Attributes Properties Sheet

13.13

13.14

Cable Attributes Properties Sheet 13.16

Properties 13.17

3D Options Properties Sheet 13.19


• 13.1



This sheet allows general parameters for the application to be specified.


Delete Verification

This control turns on and off the delete verification requester. If checked a confirmation requester is displayed each time an object is deleted.

Undo/Redo Enable

This control turns on and off the undo/redo option. If checked undo/redo is enabled.

Default Dock Mode

This group of controls determine if palettes, libraries and short reports are docked or not when opened. If the option is checked then the palette, library or report will automatically be docked on the right hand side of the desk top when opened.

Maximums

This group of controls allows the maximum number of channels, dimmers and independents to be specified. These are reserved for future use.


• 13.2

Values

This group of controls is only enabled if the LxActive add-in has been enabled. It specifies where DMX values are displayed as percentages or true DMX codes.

Tower Elevations

This group of controls determine how tower/boom elevations are displayed. It allows elevations of towers and booms to be created automatically and which symbols to use on the elevation view. These elevations are added to the plan view.

Reports

This group of controls specify global report options.

LxDesigner User's Guide Configuration Options

• 13.3

General Colour Properties Sheet

This page allows the colours used for general settings and to draw fixtures, rigging and cabling to be specified.

Locate

Specifies the colour used by the locate commands to render the located objects.

Paper

Specifies the colour used for the drawing sheet.

Selection

Specifies the outline colour for objects in the current selection.


• 13.4

Fixture Colour Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the colours used to draw the fixtures to be specified.


General

This group of controls specify the general options for drawing fixtures.

Outline Using Gels

If checked fixtures that have a gel assigned to them will have there outline rendered using the gel colour.

Fill Using Gels

If checked fixtures that have a gel assigned to them will be filled using the gel colour.

Fill Symbols

If checked the fixture symbols will be filled with the colour specified by the colour control.

Colour

Clicking on this control with display the standard colour dialog from where the fill colour for the fixtures can be chosen.

Real Line Width

If checked then the pen width to draw the outline of fixtures is specified in real units otherwise it is in screen pixels.

Line Width

Specifies the line width used to draw fixtures.


• 13.5


Fixtures on Booms/Towers

This group of controls allows the colour and fill of fixtures which are on booms and towers to be specified. This only applies to the duplicate symbols which are on the plan view of the tower.

Fill Symbols

If checked the fixture symbols on the plan view will be filled with the colour specified by the colour control.

Colour

Clicking on this control with display the standard colour dialog from where the fill colour for the plan view symbols can be chosen.

Fixed Rig Fixtures

This group of controls allows the colour and line width of fixtures marked as fixed rig to be specified.

Real Line Width

If checked then the pen width to draw the outline of fixed fixtures is specified in real units otherwise it is in screen pixels.

Line Width

Specifies the line width used to draw fixed fixtures.

Outline Colour

Specifies the colour used to draw fixed fixtures.

Beams

This group of controls allows the rendering of beam angles to be specified.

Lines

If checked straight lines defining the four extreme points of the beam’s coverage will be drawn.

Coverage

If checked the actual coverage of the beam will be drawn.

Use Gels

If checked fixtures that have a gel assigned to them will have their beam’s rendered using the gel colour.

Fill Beams

If checked the fixture symbols will be filled

Invert

If checked the beams colour will be inverted.


• 13.6

Truss/Bar Colour Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the colours used to draw the rigging to be specified.

Use Symbols Colour

This allows the colour, which the bar/truss was originally drawn in when it was defined, to be used.

Fill Symbols

This allows the fixture symbol to be filled.

Colour

This is the default bar/truss colour if Use Symbol Colour is not selected.


• 13.7

Cables Colour Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the colours used to draw the cabling to be specified.

Colour

This control allows the colour used to render cables to be specified.


• 13.8

Grid Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the various grids to be specified.


Style

Clicking on one of these two buttons sets the grid style to either:

Lines in which the grid is drawn as a series of vertical and horizontal lines.

Or

Dotes in which the grid is drawn as a series of dots.

Minor/Major Tabs

This group of controls allows the grid, which is displayed on the screen to be set. It is possible to set both a major and minor grid that allows two grid overlays to be defined. For example ever 10 th highlighted as on normal graph paper. grid interval could be

Working Grid Interval

This group of controls allows the grid, which is used when adding or moving objects to be set. All entities, which are added to the plan, will snap to the working grid if snap to grid mode is selected.

Options

This group of controls set the display options for the grid.


• 13.9

Floor Area Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the maximum floor area and height of the design to be specified.

Dimensions

This group of controls allows the dimensions of the design cube to be specified. All designs are done inside a cube with dimensions set by these controls, which are normally set to the maximum floor area, and height of the venue being used for the design.

Options

This group of controls allows the colour used for the design cube outline and the real floor colour.


• 13.10


Common Attributes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the way in which attributes associated with fixtures in either block or split mode are displayed on the plan.


Font

Sets the font used in block mode.

Display Mode

Clicking on one of these two buttons sets the attribute display mode for fixtures to either:

Block in which the attributes are displayed on after another in a vertical block.

Or

Split in which the attributes are split and positioned around the fixtures as defined by the Fixture – Spit attributes sheet.

Attributes

This grid allows prefix and postfix strings to be defined.

Prefix

This column allows a prefix for fixture parameters to be specified. Each parameter can have a different prefix, which helps it to be identified on the plan.

Postfix

This column allows a postfix for fixture parameters to be specified. Each parameter can have a different postfix, which helps it to be identified on the plan.


• 13.11

Block Attributes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the way in which attributes associated with fixtures in block mode are displayed on the plan.


Text Height

Sets the height of the text used in block mode.

Single Line Gels

If checked fixtures’ with multiple gels will have them displayed on a single line.

Attributes

This grid allows the order and colour used for drawing attributes in block mode.

Order

This column allows the drawing order of the attributes to be specified.

The first attribute will have a 1 in this column.

Colour

This column allows the colour used to draw the attribute in block mode to be specified.


• 13.12

Split Attributes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the way in which attributes associated with fixtures in split mode are displayed on the plan.


• 13.13

Rigging Attributes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the way in which attributes associated with rigging

(bars and truss) are displayed on the plan.

General

This group of controls specify the general style used for trussing and bars related text.

Font

Sets the font used for trussing related text.

Text Height

Sets the height of the text used for trussing related text.


• 13.14

Name Orientation

This group of controls specify the orientation for the user name on bars and trusses.

Mode

Clicking on one of these two buttons sets the user name orientation to either:

Follow Truss in which the name will have the same orientation as its parent trussing.

Or

Fixed Angle in which the user name orientation is specified by the Angle control.

Angle

Sets the user name orientation in Fixed Angle mode.

Tower Elevation Identifier

This group of controls specify the identifier appended to the user name for tower or boom elevations.

Identifier Text

Sets the identifier text appended to user names.

Append Automatically

If ticked the identiifier text is automatically appended to the tower/booms user name when the elevation is created.


• 13.15

Cable Attributes Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the way in which attributes associated with cable

(cable runs and outlets) are displayed on the plan.

General

This group of controls specify the general style used for cabling and outlet related text.

Font

Sets the font used for cabling related text.

Text Height

Sets the height of the text used for cabling related text.


• 13.16


File Locations Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the location of the various file groups and common files used by LxDesigner be specified.


Locations

This is useful if the libraries are installed on a central machine that is accessed over a network.

To change the location of a group of files

1. Click on the group of files to be relocated.

Special Symbol Files

This group of controls allows the special symbols used for outlets and focus points to be specified.

To change the special symbol files

2. Using the standard open file dialog locate the required file.


• 13.17

Layers Properties Sheet

This sheet allows the order in which layers are drawn to be specified.


Add New Layer

When clicked a new design layer is appended to the end of the layer list.

Clear Marked Layers

When clicked this button executes a command to delete all entities on the layers which have a tick mark in their clear column.

Restore Defaults

When clicked this button restores the system default values for the name and order settings.

Layers

This grid allows the nam and order of the layers to be defined.

Name

This column allows a user name to be defined for each layer. These names are then used within the design in place of the system ones.

Order

This column allows the drawing order of each layer to be specified. The layers are drawn depending on the value in the this column starting with all those layers specified with an order value of 1.

Clear

This column works in conjunction with the Clear Marked Layers button.


• 13.18

3D Options Properties Sheet

This sheet is only displayed if the elevations or perspective add-ins have been purchased. It allows options relating to how symbols, beams and walls are displayed in side, front or perspective views.


Use 3D Symbols for

This group of controls specifies which symbols will use their 3D alternates if available.

General

This group of controls defines various options relating to the display of walls and fixture details when in the perspective view.

The bounding wall group of controls determines if the walls are drawn and if so if they are solid or transparent. The bounding walls are drawn around the floor area as specified on the floor area tab.

The fixture details control turns the channel, dimmer, gel, gobo values on or off when in perspective view.

Colours

This group of controls specifies what colours to use for the inside and outside of the bounding walls when displayed in the perspective view.


• 13.19

Library Editor

This chapter explains how to use the library editor which is used to edit the non visual libraries. The library editor is a separate application within the LxDesigner software suite.


Topic

Overview

Page

14.2

Exporting Records 14.9

LxDesigner User's Guide Library Editor

• 14.1

Overview

The Library Editor is a separate application which allows the non-visual libraries such as gels and gobos to be edited. It is possible to add, edit import and export records within each of the libraries. Each library is displayed on a separate page of the library editor. There are two files associated with each library. One is the system file was is maintained and updated by LxDesigns. You can modify this file but any updates from LxDesigns will overwrite the changes you have made. The second file is the user file was is maintained and updated by you the user.

The Desktop



1 - Menu Bar

Used to access the library editor commands.

2 - Toolbars

Toolbars provide a quick access to the major commands of the library editor.

3 – Library Records

The contains of the current library are displayed in this spreadsheet type grid.

5 - Status Bar


Library Editor

• 14.2


The General Toolbar

There is a single toolbar in the library editor which allows you to quickly and easy access the major commands and functions of the application.


System Library Selects the system library.

User Library

Add New Record

Save Changes

Export Library

Import Library

Find

Filters

Selects the user library.

Adds a new record to the end of the current library.

Saves the changes to the current library.

Exports the current library.

Imports records to the current library.

Search for the specified text.

Applies various filters.

The Filter Toolbar

This toolbar allows you to transfer items from the library to the stock file and to filter the current library.


In Use Only Displays only in use records.

Categories

Name

Applies various filters depending on the library.

Applies various filters filters depending on the library.

Library Editor

• 14.3


The Help Toolbar

This toolbar allows you to enter the What's This help mode to get help on individual controls.


What's This Enters What's This help.

The File Menu

This menu contains all of the file management and print related commands.


Save

Export Data from Library

Saves the changes to the current library.

Exports the current library.

Import Data to Library

Imports records to the current library.

Exit

Exits the library editor.

The Edit Menu



Add Record

Find Text

Adds a new record to the end of the current library.

Search for the specified text.

Library Editor

• 14.4

The Help Menu



Contents

Displays the contents page of the help file.

Index

Displays the index page of the help file.

What's This ?

Enters What's This help.

Select Language

LxDesigns Home Page

LxDesigns Members Page

About

Allows the application lanaguage to be selected.

Opens the home page of the

LxDesigns website.

Opens the members page of the

LxDesigns website.



• 14.5

Adding New Records

New records are added to the end of the current library file. The current library file is indicated by the depressed library button.

To Add a New Record

1. Click the required library name on the spreadsheet heading tabs. i.e. Gel/Gobo/Cable

2. Either:

Click System Library to select the system library.

or

Click User Library to select the user library.

3. Either:

Click Add Record.

or

Press Ctrl+A.

4. Enter the data into the new record, which was added to the bottom of the list. Refer to section 3 onwards for a detailed description of the format of the records in each library.

5. Either:

Click Save Changes .

or

Type Ctrl+S.

Library Editor

• 14.6


Deleting Records

It is not possible to delete records from the libraries. The way to indicate that a record is not to be displayed is to mark it as not in use.

To Delete a Record


2. Either:


or


3. Remove the tick from the In Use column by clicking on it.

4. Either:

Click Save Changes.

or

Type Ctrl+S.


• 14.7

Importing Records

Records can be imported from other applications, such as Excel, in various formats. This is useful when a large number of records have to be entered as it may be easier to use another spreadsheet application which has more built in features. Records can either be appended to the end of the library or replace the current ones.

To Import Records


2. Either:


or


3. Click Import Records.

4. Select the file type and enter the file name in the Import File dialog.

7. To append the new records to the end of the current library click OK on the next dialog.


• 14.8

Exporting Records

Records can be exported from any library in various file formats which can be read by other applications, such as Excel.

To Export Records


2. Either:


or


3. Click .

4. Select the file type and enter the file name in the Export File dialog.

Locating Text within Records

It is possible to locate text within records. This helps when it necessary to see if a particular record exists within the library.

To Locate Text


2. Either:


or


3. Click Find Text.

5. Select the required options.

7. Repeat step 6 to find the next match.

Library Editor

• 14.9


Filtering a Library

It is possible to filter the current library to display only certain records which meet the search criteria. This helps when it is necessary to see only a sub set of a particular library.

To display In Use Records only

1. Click on the In Use check box. If a tick is displayed then only in use records are displayed.


• 14.10

Library Specifications

Each library has a particular format which is detailed in the following sections.

Gel Library

This library contains a list of all the gels that are currently available within LxDesigner. These are non-visual items that are normally added to fixtures. The fields available within the library are:

Field:

Use:

Name

Specifies the name of the gel.

Format: Accepts up to 40 alphanumeric characters.

Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Code

Specifies the code of the gel, less any prefix such as # for Rosco.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Supplier

Specifies the supplier.

Select from drop-down list of suppliers.

The supplier must be entered into the supplier library and marked as being a ‘gel supplier’ to appear in the list.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Family

Specifies the gel family.

Select from drop-down list of families.

The gel family must be entered into the categories library and marked as being a ‘gel family’ to appear in the list.

Library Editor

• 14.11



Notes:

Field:

Use:

Notes:

Field:

Use:

Notes:

Notes:

Field:

Use:

Notes:

Field:

Use:

Field:

Use:

Notes:

Field:

Use:

Colour (Red)

Specifies the Red content of the gels RGB value.

The Colour field will be update automatically to reflect this fields value.

Colour (Blue)

Specifies the Blue content of the gels RGB value.


Colour (Green)

Specifies the Green content of the gels RGB value.


Transmission

Specifies the gels transmission value.

This field is currently not used within LxDesigner.

Sheet Width

Specifies the sheet width.


Sheet Length

Specifies the sheet length.


Library Editor

• 14.12

Field:

Use:

Roll Width

Specifies the roll width.

This field is currently not used within LxDesigner. Notes:

Field:

Use:

Roll Length

Specifies the roll length.

Notes: This field is currently not used within LxDesigner.

Field:

Use:

Hire ID

Specifies the gels default hire ID.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Stock

Specifies the default stock level.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

In Use

Specifies whether the gel is currently in use and available within LxDesigner.

Format: Tick box. A tick indicates the gel is available.

Notes: None.

Library Editor

• 14.13


Gobo Library

This library contains a list of all the gobos that are currently available within LxDesigner. These are non-visual items that are normally added to fixtures. The fields available within the library are:

Field:

Use:

Name

Specifies the name of the gobo.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Code

Specifies the code of the gobo.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Supplier

Specifies the supplier.

Select from drop-down list of suppliers.

The supplier must be entered into the supplier library and marked as being a ‘gobo supplier’ to appear in the list.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Category

Specifies the gobo category.

Select from drop-down list of categories.

The gobo category must be entered into the categories library and marked as being a ‘gobo category’ to appear in the list.

Library Editor

• 14.14


Field:

Use:

Image

Specifies the file name which contains the gobos image.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Hire ID

Specifies the gobos default hire ID.

Accepts up to 10 alphanumeric characters.

Notes: None.

Field: Stock

Use:

Format:



Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

In Use

Specifies whether the gobo is currently in use and available within LxDesigner.

Format: Tick box. A tick indicates the gobo is available.

Notes: None.


• 14.15


Cable Library

This library contains a list of all the cables that are currently available within LxDesigner. Cables cannot be added directly to the plan but are used by the cable builder to define cable runs and are only available in the Standard package. The fields available within the library are:

Field:

Use:

Name

Specifies the name of the cable.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

A End

Specifies the type of connector on the A End of the cable this is normally a plug.

Select from drop-down list of A End connectors.

The A End connector must be entered into the category library and marked as being a ‘Cable A

End’ to appear in the list.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

B End

Specifies the type of connector on the B End of the cable this is normally a socket.

Select from drop-down list of B End connectors.

The B End connector must be entered into the category library and marked as being a ‘Cable B


Field:

Use:

Length (in mm)

Specifies the length of the cable in millimetres.

Notes: None.

Library Editor

• 14.16


Field:

Use:

Circuits

Specifies the number of circuits in the cable.

Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Weight per M

Specifies the weight of the cable per metre.

Notes:

Field:

Use:


Max. Current

Specifies the maximum current per circuit.


Field:

Use:

Hire ID

Specifies the cables default hire ID.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Stock



Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

In Use

Specifies whether the cable is currently in use and available within LxDesigner.

Format: Tick box. A tick indicates the cable is available.

Notes: None.

Library Editor

• 14.17


Lamp Library

This library contains a list of all the lamps that are currently available within LxDesigner. These are non-visual items that are normally added to fixtures when they are defined. They allow the lamp type fitted within a fixture to be specified at design time. The fields available within the library are:

Field:

Use:

Name

Specifies the name of the lamp.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Base

Specifies the lamp base type.



Field:

Use:

Power

Specifies the lamp's power rating.

Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Lumens

Specifies the lamp's lumens.

Notes:

Field:

Use:

Notes:


Colour Temp

Specifies the lamp's colour temperature.


Library Editor

• 14.18

Field:

Use:

Life

Specifies the lamps life.


Field:

Use:

Format:

In Use

Specifies whether the lamp is currently in use and available within LxDesigner.

Tick box. A tick indicates the lamp is available.

Notes: None.


• 14.19


Supplier Library

This library contains a list of suppliers that are used by the other nonvisual and symbol libraries to specify the supplier of the item. The fields available within the library are:

Field:

Use:

Name

Specifies the name of the cable.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Address 1

Specifies the type of connector on the A End of the cable this is normally a plug.

Select from drop-down list of A End connectors.

The A End connector must be entered into the category library and marked as being a ‘Cable A


Field:

Use:

Format:

Notes:

Address 2

Specifies the type of connector on the B End of the cable this is normally a socket.

Select from drop-down list of B End connectors.

The B End connector must be entered into the category library and marked as being a ‘Cable B


Field:

Use:

Address 3

Specifies the length of the cable in millimetres.

Notes: None.

Library Editor

• 14.20


Field:

Use:

Post Code

Specifies the number of circuits in the cable.

Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Country

Specifies the weight of the cable per metre.

Notes:

Field:

Use:


Phone

Specifies the maximum current per circuit.


Field:

Use:

Fax

Specifies the cables default hire ID.


Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

Stock



Notes: None.

Field:

Use:

In Use

Specifies whether the cable is currently in use and available within LxDesigner.

Format: Tick box. A tick indicates the cable is available.

Notes: None.

Library Editor

• 14.21

Accessory Library

This library contains a list of accessories, which are currently available within LxDesigner and are associated with the different symbol libraries.

These can be either non-visual or visual items that are added to set, bars, truss or fixtures. The fields available within the library are:

Category Library

This library contains a list of categories that are used by the other nonvisual libraries to specify certain fields such as gel family or cable connectors. The fields available within the library are:

Dimmer Racks Library

This library contains a list of all the dimmer racks that are currently available within LxDesigner. This information is used within the graphical patch editor when added racks to the patch. The fields available within the library are:

Control Equipment Library

This library contains a list of all the control equipment that are currently available within LxDesigner. This information is used within the graphical patch editor when added racks to the patch. The fields available within the library are:


• 14.22


This chapter explains how to use the stock/costs editor which is used to edit venue stock level files and supplier costs files.


Topic

Overview

Page

15.2

LxDesigner User's Guide Stock/Costs Editor

• 15.1

Overview

The Stock/Costs Editor is a separate application which allows stock and cost files to be edited. Stock files are used by LxDesigner to highlight shortages during the design process and to load the venue library palette which provides a short cut to the fixtures and equipment available at a particular venue. The costs files are used by the equipment usage report to generate the hiring or purchase costs of the design.

The Desktop



1 - Menu Bar


2 - Toolbars


3 - Stock/Cost file equipment list and data.

The contains of the current stock/costs file are displayed in this spreadsheet type grid.

4 - Librarys

The contains of the libraries either visual or non-visual are displayed here.


• 15.2


5 - Status Bar



This toolbar allows you to quickly and easy access the major commands and functions of the stock/costs editor.


New Creates a new, blank stock/costs file.

Open

Save

Delete

Find

Opens an exisiting stock/costs file.

Saves the changes to the current file.

Deletes the current stock item.

Search for the specified stock item.

The Library Toolbar



System Library

Category

Name

Selects the system library.

Applies various filters depending on the library.

Applies various filters filters depending on the library.


• 15.3






The File Menu



New

Creates a new, blank stock/costs file.

Open

Opens an exisiting stock/costs file.

Save

Saves the changes to the current file.

Save As

Close

Saves the current stock/costs file under new name.

Closes the current stock/costs file.

Exit

Exits the stock/costs editor.

The Edit Menu



Add to Stock

Adds the current item from the library to the stock file.

Delete Stock Item

Find Stock Item

Deletes the current stock item.

Search for the specified stock item.


• 15.4

The Help Menu



Contents


Index


What's This ?


Select Language

LxDesigns Home Page


About



LxDesigns website.


LxDesigns website.


LxDesigner User's Guide Stock/Costs Editor

• 15.5


This chapter explains how to use the graphical patch editor which is used to create patch information in graphical format.


Topic

Overview

Page

16.2

LxDesigner User's Guide Graphical Patch Editor

• 16.1

Overview

The Stock/Costs Editor is a separate application which allows stock and cost files to be edited. Stock files are used by LxDesigner to highlight shortages during the design process and to load the venue library palette which provides a short cut to the fixtures and equipment available at a particular venue. The costs files are used by the equipment usage report to generate the hiring or purchase costs of the design.

The Desktop



1 - Menu Bar


2 - Toolbars


4 - Status Bar



• 16.2


This toolbar allows you to quickly and easy access the major commands and functions of the stock/costs editor.


New Creates a new, blank patch design.

Open

Save

Opens an exisiting patch design.

Saves the changes to the patch design.

Add Desk

Add Control Stream

Add Distrubution

Add Dimmer

Add a control desk to the design.

Add a control stream to the design.

Add distrubution equipment to the design.

Add a dimmer to the design.

Add Control Channels Add control channels to the design.

Move Enters 'Move' mode.

Single Patch

Bulk Patch

Enters 'Single Patch' mode.

Enters 'Bulk Patch' mode.

Set Phase Enters 'Set Phase' mode.

Set Channel Number Enters 'Set Channel Number' mode.

Zoom Full

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Views the full drawing.

Zooms in

Zooms out.


• 16.3


The Parameters Toolbar



Phase Sets the current phase.

Channel Sets the current channel number.






• 16.4

The File Menu



New Creates a new, blank patch design.

Open

Save

Save As

Close

Opens an exisiting patch design.

Saves the changes to the patch design.

Saves the current patch design under new name.

Closes the current patch design.

Print

Exit

Prints the patch drawing.

Exits the stock/costs editor.

The Insert Menu

This menu contains all of the equipment insert related commands.


Add Desk

Add Control Stream

Add Distrubution

Add Dimmer

Add Control Channels

Add a control desk to the design.

Add a control stream to the design.

Add distrubution equipment to the design.

Add a dimmer to the design.

Add control channels to the design.


• 16.5


The Help Menu



Contents


Index


What's This ?


Select Language

LxDesigns Home Page


About



LxDesigns website.


LxDesigns website.



• 16.6


LxDesigner User's Guide Appendix A - Supported Fixtures

• 17.1

ADB

CCT


The following ADB fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

A56C A57F A59Z

C101 C103 C201

C51 C203 DS51

DN105 DS105 DS205

F101 F201 F51

DW105

SH50

The following CCT fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Freedom 15/32 Freedom 20 Freedom 28/58

Freedom 40

Freedom PC

SIL 10

Starlette FR (1K)

Starlette PC (2K)

Starlette Cyc 1

Turbo Z00TWW

Turbo Z00DWW

Turbo Z00DX

Minuette 26

Minuette FR

Minuette Flood 3

Minuette Flood 1

Freedom 50

Freedom 30

SIL 15

Starlette PC (1K)

Starlette FX

Starlette Cyc 4 Hor

Turbo Z00TX

Turbo Z00DY

Minuette 17/36

Minuette PC

Minuette Flood 4

Freedom 7/17

Freedom F

SIL 30

Starlette FR (2K)

Starlette Cyc 4 Vert

Turbo Z00TY

Turbo Z00DS

Minuette 30/48

Minuette 6/10

Minuette 21/36


• 17.2

Clay Paky

ETC

High End

The following Clay Paky fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Combi Scan 3

Mini Scan 150

Piper ICC

Shadow QS-LT 1200

Stage Colour 300

Stage Zoom 1200

Tiger CC 575

Golden Scan 3

Mini Scan 300

Shadow Basic 1200

Shadow QS-ST 1200

Stage Light 300

Super Scan Zoom

Tornado

Golden Scan HPE

Mini Scan HPE

Shadow Basic 575

Stage Colour 1200

Stage Scan

Tiger CC 1200

The following ETC fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Source 4 - 10 Source 4 - 19 Source 4 - 26

Source 4 - 5

Source 4 - 36

Source 4 - 50

Source4 Zoom 15-30

Source 4 - PAR

Source4 Zoom 25-50

The following High End fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Studio Spot Studio Wash

Technobeam Technopro Technoray

Cyberlight Intellabeam EC-1


• 17.3

Martin

Robert Juliat

The following robert juliat fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

306 HF 306 HPC 310 HF

325 HF

611 SX

713 SX

710 SX

329 HF

613 SX

714 SX

326 HPC

614 SX

310 HPC

Selecon

The following Martin fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Imagescan

MAC250 MAC300

MAC500 MAC600

Roboscan 812 Roboscan Pro1220 Roboscan Pro218

Roboscan Pro918 Roboscan Pro518

The following Selecon fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Acclaim Condensor Acclaim F Acclaim PC

Acclaim Flood

Compact F Compact PC

ZS1200 15/31

ZS1200 28/52

Arena F

Arena Zspot 20/37

Aurora Cyc

Aurora Groundrow

Single

ZS1200 18/34

ZS1200 9/21

Arena PC

Arena Zspot 9/18

Aurora Cyc 4 Linear

Aurora Groundrow

4 way

ZS1200 24/40

Arena Zspot 14/32

Aurora Cyc 4 Square


• 17.4


Spotlight

The following Spotlight fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Area 05 F

Combi 05 F

Combi 12 PC

Combi 50 F

Figura 05 ZW

Figura 25 ZS

Area 12 F

Combi 05 PC

Combi 25 F

Combi 50 PC

Figura 12 ZS

Figura 25 ZW miniFresnel LW miniFresnel LW/CT miniFresnel MC/SBA miniFresnel ME

Area 25 F

Combi 12 F

Combi 25 PC

Figura 05 ZS

Figura 12 ZW miniFresnel MC miniFresnel ME/SBA miniFresnel NO miniPC MC miniPC LW miniPC MC/SBA miniPC ME/SBA miniPC NO miniProfile 20 LW/CT miniProfile 20 MC miniProfile 20 NO miniProfile 40 MC miniProfile 40 ME miniProfile 40 LW miniProfile 40 MC/SBA miniPC LW/CT miniPC ME miniProfile 20 LW miniProfile 20 MC/SBA miniProfile 40 LW/CT miniProfile 40 ME/SBA miniProfile 40 NO miniProfile 8 LW miniProfile 8 LW/CT miniProfile 8 MC/SBA miniProfile 8 ME miniProfile 8 MC miniProfile 8 ME/SBA miniProfile 8 NO miniProfile zoom LW miniProfile zoom

LW/CT miniProfile zoom MC miniProfile zoom

MC/SBA miniProfile zoom ME miniProfile zoom

ME/SBA

Piccolo HS (Long-

Throw)

Piccolo MS (Long-

Throw)

Vario 05 PC miniProfile zoom NO

Piccolo HS (Standard) Piccolo HS (Wide-

Beam)

Piccolo MS (Standard) Piccolo MS (Wide-

Beam)

Vario 12 PC Vario 25 PC

Vedette 12 M CR

Vedette 25 CM CR

Vedette 25 M HR

Vedette 12 M HR

Vedette 25 CM HR

Vedette 12 M MT

Vedette 25 H


• 17.5


Strand

Brio 18/30

Beamlite 500

Cadenza 12/22

Cadenza F

Cantata 18/32

Cantata PC

Coda 1000

Iris 1

Minim F

Nocturne 1000

Parcan CP60

Patt 123

Patt 743

Prelude 16/30

Quartet F

Quartet 22/40

The following Strand fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Alto F

Alto 14/32

Alto PC

Alto 20/38

Brio 25/50

Beamlite 1000

Cadenza 19/32

Cadenza PC

Cantata 11/26

Cantata F

Coda 3

Iris 4

Minim PC

Nocturne 500

Parcan CP61

Patt 137

Patt 750

Prelude 28/40

Quartet PC

Alto 8/16

Cadenza 9/15

Cadenza EP

Cantata 26/44

Coda 4

Coda 500

Parcan CP62

Patt 23

Parcan EXG

Prelude F

Quartet 15/25

Prelude F

SL 15/32

SL 10

SL 36

Mizar

Bambino 5K

Prelude PC

SL 23/50

SL 19

SL 50

Bambino 1K

Polaris

SL 5

SL 26

Bambino 2K

Castor


• 17.6


Teatro

Vari*lite

The following Teatro fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

Parcan (CP60)

Parcan (EXG)

Parcan (CP61) Parcan (CP62)

The following Vari*lite fixtures are supported within LxDesigner.

VL2C VL4 VL5Arc

VL5B VL6A VL6B

VL7B VLM VL5A

VL7A


• 17.7


attributes

A symbols properties such as gel, channel number or name.

bar

A standard piece of aluminum bar or pipe.

entity

An entity can be a primitive, symbol or group.

fixture

A generic lantern or intelligent moving light.

primitive

A primitive is the basic graphical building block of a drawing or symbol.

selection rectangle

A rectangle drawn around the currently selected entity or group of entities

symbol

A symbol consists of a number of primitives and additional data which describe its behavior.

truss

A section of performed triangular, box or ladder trussing.


• 18.1


Index

3

3D Polygon

Drawing 4.15

3D Polyline

Drawing 4.16

A

Arc

Drawing 4.11, 4.12

C

Cable Run

Insert 4.18

Circle

Drawing 4.9, 4.12

Cone

Drawing 4.15

Cube

Drawing 4.14

Cylinder

Drawing 4.14

D

Dimension

Drawing 4.22, 4.23

Properties 4.35

Double Line

Drawing 4.5

Double Rectangle

Drawing 4.7

E

Ellipse

Drawing 4.9

Entities

Aligning 6.1, 6.11

Copying 6.1, 6.4


Copying Properties 6.1, 6.4

Deleting 6.1, 6.3

Drawing Order 6.1, 6.14

Moving 6.1–6.2

Resizing 6.1, 6.3

Rotating 6.1–6.2

Selecting 6.1–6.2

Snapping 6.1, 6.8

Step and Repeat 6.1, 6.5

F

Fixtures

Accessories 9.9

Beam Angles 2, 10, 9.11

Beams On/Off 9.1, 9.14

Channel Numbers 9.18–9.19, 2–4,

11.10

Dimmer Numbers 2, 9.1, 9.18, 2, 4

Gels 8, 9.1–9.2, 9.5

Gobos 8, 9.6, 9.8

Properties 5.8

Focus Point 9, 4.2, 4.25, 9.13

Insert 4.25

G

Group

Creating 4.1, 4.37

Insert 4.16

I

Image

Insert 4.13

K

Key Box

Insert 4.24

L

Layers

Hide/Show 2

Protect 3

Line

Drawing 4.5, 4.19–4.21

Locate

Bar/Truss 8.8

Fixture 9.17–9.19, 9.18, 9.19

Gel 9.15

Gobo 9.16

Lock Mode 13, 4.40–4.41

Index

• 19.1

Horizontal 4.40–4.41

None 13, 4.40

Vertical 4.40–4.41

M

Menus 1, 14

Edit 15

File 2, 6, 14, 8, 2, 11.3–11.6, 11.8–

11.9

N

Notes Box

Insert 4.24

O

Outlet

Inserting 4.17

P

Pairing Line

Drawing 4.19, 4.20, 4.21

Palettes

Gel 9.3, 9.5

Gobo 9.6, 9.8

Point

Insert 4.4

Properties 4.36

Polyline

Drawing 4.6

Primitives

3D Group 4.14

Arc Group 4.11

Dimension Group 4.22

Ellipse Group 4.9

Focus Point Group 4.25

Image Group 4.13

Line Group 4.5, 4.19

Pairing Line Group 4.19

Point Group 4.4, 4.25

Polygon Group 4.7

Properties 4.29, 4.30, 4.31, 4.32,

4.33, 5.4

Special Group 4.23

Text Group 4.10

R

Rectangle

Drawing 4.7, 4.13

Replace


Fixture 9.17

Gel 9.15

Gobo 9.16

S

Scene

Allocating Names 7.5

Assign To 7.4

Hide/Show 7.4

Set

Builder 8, 7.1

Properties 5.6

Scene 7.1–7.3

Sloping Cylinder

Drawing 4.15

Snap Mode 7, 13, 4.4, 4.38–4.39,

5.2–5.3, 6.2–6.3

Grid 13, 4.38–4.39, 12.9

None 13, 4.38–4.39

Point 13, 4.38–4.39

Right Angle 13, 4.39

Symbol

Insert 4.17

Symbols

Alternates 5.1, 5.12

Creating 5.1, 5.11

Library Data 5.1, 5.11–5.12, 9.11

Properties 5.1, 5.3, 5.5

T

Tab Line

Insert 4.23

Text

Inserting 4.10, 4.11

Properties 4.34

Title Box

Insert 4.24

Truss

Builder 8, 8.1

Copy with Fixtures 8.5

Duplicate Fixtures 8.6

Height 8.4

Mirror Fixtures 8.5

Move Fixtures 8.6

Properties 5.7

Towers/Booms 8.7

Visibility 8.1–8.3

Index

• 19.2

LxDesigns LxDesigner Standard, LxDesigner Lite, LxElevations, LxPerspective, Library Editor, Stock/Costs Editor, Graphical Patch Editor software User's Manual

Assistant Bot

LxDesigner

User’s Manual

Rev 1.08

By LxDesigns.

2, St Nicholas Avenue

Kenilworth

Warwickshire

CV8 1JU

Phone/Fax: +44 (0) 1926 864181

Email: [email protected]

Web Site: www.lxdesigns.co.uk

Printed in Great Britain

Contents

Overview and Installation 1-1

Getting Started

2-1

Controlling Views

3-1

Primitives 4-1

Group

Symbols 5-1

Editing Entities

6-1

Working wih Scenic Entities

7-1

Working with Trussing & Bars

8-1

Working with Fixtures

9-1

Reports 10-1

Printing, Importing and Exporting

11-1

File and Design Management

12-1

Configuration Options

13-1

Library Editor

14-1

Stock/Costs Editor

15-1

Graphical Patch Editor

16-1

Appendix A - Supported Fixtures

17-1

Glossary of Terms

18-1

Index 19-1

Overview and Installation

Software Suite Overview

LxDesigner Standard

LxDesigner Lite

LxElevations

LxPerspective

Library Editor

Stock/Costs Editor

Graphical Patch Editor

System Requirements

Installing LxDesigner

Authorization

Technical Support

Getting Started

Creating Your First Design

Stage 1. Creating a Blank Design

Stage 2. Adding the Venue Outline

Stage 3. Adding the Set

Stage 4. Adding the Bars and Trussing

Stage 5. Adding the Fixtures

Stage 6. Generating the Reports

Stage 7. Printing the Plan

The Desktop

The Toolbars

General Toolbar

Primitive Toolbar

Drawing Toolbar

Fixture Toolbar

Libraries Toolbar

Layers Toolbar

Zooming Toolbar