Patch Creator

Automate grandMA2 fixture setup by parsing My Virtual Rig (MVR), WYSIWYG, Depence or Excel tables into grandMA2-native patch, 3D coordinates and group generation.

TL;DR

“The unified successor for both DEP2GMA and WYG2GMA converter tools - with MVR support.”

Core Capabilities

• Flexible Multi-Source Data Ingest
  Import fixture data from MVR Files, Depence (R3/R4), WYSIWYG (R36+) or Excel. It supports source-specific settings, including custom fixture mapping (Spot, Channel, Unit, or Dimmer) and the ability to merge all dimmer channels into a single patch layer.
• 3D Spatial & Patch Transformation
  The core engine automates the translation of fixture XYZ positions and rotations into grandMA2-native data. All other necessary conversions, such as mapping alphanumeric universes (A-ZZ) to numeric values, will be automatically handled in the background.
• Modular Macro and Group Output
  Generate a Split-Macro system that allows for granular control over the import. Execute the full import, assign patch, move/rotate fixtures, or generate groups independently. Groups are automatically built based on various attributes including type, layer, position, or color.

Step-by-Step

1. Export MVR or CSV from Depence/Excel/WYSIWYG:
   • MVR:
     • Export MVR from your design tool.
       (Unit: Millimeters, Coordinates: World, No Mirroring)
   • Depence:
     • Open Windows > Fixture Manager > Update Patch
     • Show important columns
       (Right click “Fixture ID” > Column Chooser > Add all “Pos” and “Rotation” columns)
     • File > Export Table
   • Excel:
     • Prepare your data in Excel ensuring it includes necessary columns.
       Download the template: XLS2GMA_CSV_Template.xlsx
     • File > Save As … > “CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)”
   • WYSIWYG:
     • Open Data-View > Spreadsheet > “All data (sortable)”
     • Show ALL columns in view
       (Right click > View options… > Data View Options)
     • File > Export > Save as CSV
2. Import CSV or MVR into the Tool:
   • Configure import preferences, including ID-based sorting and filtering.
   • Customize source-specific preferences (e.g., WYSIWYG column mapping) via the Settings page.
   • Use Import CSV or MVR File to import data from the exported CSV or MVR file.
3. Setup Export Parameters:
   • Set options for individual layers in the table view.
   • Choose general export options.
4. Export to Console:
   • For manual import: Export the generated macros to a grandMA2 folder.
   • Start automatic import: Send the macros directly to the console.
     Select the first macro ID on the console (a popup window will appear).
5. Import Layers and Fixtures:
   • Start the first imported Macro “NAME import layers” on the console to import the patch layers.
     Select the drive where the exported setup was saved (should be 1 for direct console transfer or 4 in most cases if it’s on your USB storage).
   • In the “Patch & Fixture Schedule” window, import your chosen FixtureTypes and assign them to the fixtures.
   • Start Macro “NAME patch fixtures” to patch all fixtures.
     Make sure correct FixtureTypes were assigned.
   • Start Macro “NAME create groups” to generate groups based on your selection.
     Existing groups were merged.
     Make sure correct FixtureTypes were assigned.
   • Optionally, start Macro “NAME move fixtures” to update fixture position and roatation.
     Only if you want 3D positions to be updated without re-importing the fixtures.

Important Information

Please Note

• Only fixtures with a valid, unique ID will be processed.
• Exported coordinates must be in metric units (meters and degrees).
• Multi-Patch fixtures or Fixture-Accessories (e.g., Scrollers, multi-channel units like 4/8-lites, RGB bars, …) are not currently supported.
• MVR import is experimental. Make sure your fixtures are not mirrored or rotated in a way that grandMA2 cannot handle.

Tip

It is highly recommended to use FixtureType „Dimmer“ for import.
This helps to ensure MultiPart-Fixtures were handled correctly by grandMA2 software.

Note

Support for grandMA3 is not currently planned, as all major design tools now offer native MVR integration.

User Interface Guide

Import Options

• Sorting: Sorts the imported fixtures based on their IDs or maintain original order.
• Ignore Fixtures without ID on import: Ignores any fixture entries that lack a valid ID during the import process.

Export Configuration

• Ignore Patch Collisions: Forces the assignment of a DMX address even if it is already in use.
• Export Name: Set the macro name for export.
• Create Groups from: Create groups based on selected columns such as Type, Layer, Position, or Color.

Table Fields

• Fixture Type: The fixture type from the list.
• Count: The amount if layer in this layer.
• IDs: The Fixture ID’s (#) in this layer. Channel IDs are prefixed with a C.
• Import: Includes this layer in Import-Macro
• Patch: Includes this layer in Patch-Macro
• Move: Includes this layer in Move-Macro
• Groups: Includes this layer in Groups-Macro
• ↓ Layer Name: Change the layer name.
• ↓ FixtureType ID: The ID of the grandMA2 FixtureType for this layer (needs to be imported already).