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Lightwright: The Complete Guide to Stage Lighting Management

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Lightwright for Beginners: A Step-by-Step TutorialLightwright is a specialized paperwork and data-management tool used by lighting designers, electricians, and production teams to organize, track, and share information about lighting instruments, circuits, dimmers, gels, and cues. This tutorial walks you through the essential features and workflows so you can begin using Lightwright effectively for theatre, concert, film, or event lighting.

Who this tutorial is for

This guide is aimed at beginners who:

  • Are new to Lightwright but familiar with basic lighting concepts (instruments, channels, patches, color filters).
  • Need a practical workflow to build and maintain a lighting paperwork system.
  • Want to integrate Lightwright with Vectorworks Spotlight, ETC consoles, or other lighting tools.

Overview of core concepts

  • Instrument: A physical lighting fixture (e.g., ETC Source Four 19°).
  • Channel: The control channel assigned to an instrument (often 1–512 on a console).
  • Patch: Assignment of channels to dimmers, addresses, or control outputs.
  • Dimmer/Address: The circuit or dimmer number that provides power to the instrument.
  • Focus/Position: Where the instrument points onstage or in the venue.
  • Color/Gel: The filter or gel used in an instrument.
  • Template/Group: Saved settings for instrument types or channel groupings.
  • Console Data: Saved channel values and cue lists exported from consoles.

Installing and setting up Lightwright

  1. Download and install the latest Lightwright version from the publisher’s site (follow system requirements).
  2. Launch Lightwright and create a new show file: File → New Show. Name and save it in a dedicated show folder.
  3. Set show-wide preferences: Show → Show Preferences. Important items:
    • Channel numbering format (e.g., 1–512).
    • Dimmer/channel formatting and prefixes.
    • Default color library and gel manufacturer.
    • Units for distance or power (if relevant).
  4. Familiarize yourself with the main windows: Instrument window, Channel window, Patch window, Report dialog, and the Spreadsheet.

Building your instrument list (step-by-step)

  1. Open the Instrument window (Window → Instruments).
  2. Create a new instrument entry: Click “New” (or use the keyboard shortcut).
  3. Fill the key fields:
    • Number: A unique instrument ID (e.g., 1, 2A).
    • Description: Fixture type and lens (e.g., “ETC Source Four 19°”).
    • Channel: The channel number you intend to use (e.g., 12).
    • Dimmer/Address: The circuit or dimmer number (e.g., 24).
    • Position/Focus: “Upstage Left FOH 1 — downstage center”.
    • Color: Select from the gel library (e.g., “Rosco R80 Sky Blue”).
    • Template/Accessories: Add gobos, shutters, or other accessories.
  4. Repeat for all instruments. Use copy/duplicate for identical fixtures to save time.
  5. Use the Auto Number/Auto Channel features to sequentially assign instrument numbers or channels.

Tips:

  • Keep instrument descriptions consistent for easier sorting and reporting.
  • Use the Template library for repeated fixture types to auto-fill fields.

Patching channels and dimmers

  1. Open the Patch window (Window → Patch).
  2. Choose whether you’re patching to dimmers, addresses, or a console.
  3. Enter dimmer numbers or console addresses for each channel.
  4. If using an ETC or other console, export/format the patch for import (Lightwright supports various console and CSV formats).
  5. Validate the patch: ensure no dimmer duplication unless intentional (e.g., two instruments on one dimmer).

Using templates and libraries

  • Create templates for fixture types (gobo, gel, wattage, lamp type) so new instruments populate quickly.
  • Use color/gel libraries (Rosco, Lee) included in Lightwright — customize if your inventory differs.
  • Save commonly used positions and channel groups to speed setup on future shows.

Integrating with CAD and consoles

  • Vectorworks Spotlight: Export instrument lists from Vectorworks (ID tags) and import to Lightwright to sync paperwork with the plot. Likewise, export updated data from Lightwright to Vectorworks to update tag fields.
  • Consoles (ETC, Strand, etc.): Export channel lists, patch, and cue data from your console and import into Lightwright; conversely, export Lightwright data when programming to keep paperwork synchronized.
  • CSV/Excel: Use CSV exports when a direct integration is unavailable.

Managing colors, gels, and accessories

  1. Use the Color/Gel field in instrument records to select from the built-in libraries.
  2. When multiple instruments use the same gel, Lightwright can compile a Gel/Color report for ordering.
  3. Track accessory items (gobos, iris, barn doors) in the Accessories field so all prop/rigging lists are comprehensive.

Creating and using reports

  • Reports are the primary output: instrument schedules, patch lists, channel hookup, focus charts, gel lists, and inventory.
  • Open Report → New Report. Select the report type, filtering options (positions, areas, templates), and formatting.
  • Preview reports and export as PDF, RTF, or CSV for distribution to electricians and designers.
  • Customize headers, footers, and sort order for production-specific standards.

Working with cues and console data

  • Import cue lists and channel values from your console to map which channels are active in each cue.
  • Lightwright can store cue-only channel values for documentation, but it does not replace console playback for live operation.
  • Use cue reports to produce channel-by-cue breakdowns for followspot operators and board op reference.

Version control and backups

  • Regularly save the show file to your show folder.
  • Use File → Save As to create versioned backups (ShowName_v1.lw → ShowName_v2.lw).
  • Export to CSV/PDF as an additional archive format.
  • Keep a copy in your production cloud or external drive for redundancy.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Inconsistent naming conventions — establish a naming standard for fixture descriptions and positions early.
  • Forgetting to patch before running reports — always validate the patch to ensure accurate channel/dimmer reports.
  • Not using templates — templates save time and reduce typos.
  • Over-reliance on console exports without cross-checking — console data can differ from physical rig; verify on a hang plot or during focus.

Quick workflow checklist for a new show

  1. Create show file and set preferences.
  2. Import or manually build instrument list.
  3. Patch channels to dimmers/addresses.
  4. Apply templates and gels.
  5. Import console cues (optional).
  6. Generate key reports: Channel Hookup, Instrument Schedule, Gel List.
  7. Save and back up.

Learning resources and next steps

  • Lightwright user manual (in-app help and PDF manual).
  • Video tutorials and workshops from lighting educators.
  • Practice by recreating paperwork for small shows or rigs to build speed.
  • Join forums or communities for tips on templates, macros, and integrations.

Lightwright is a focused, production-oriented tool: investing time in setting up templates, consistent naming, and integrations with CAD/console will repay you with faster, more accurate paperwork. Start small, validate your patch and reports frequently, and build reusable libraries that speed future shows.

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