How do I create a new fixture for use with DMXIS or D-PRO?

Use the online fixture editor

The easiest solution is to use the DMXIS online fixture editor. This public fixture database is an easy way to create fixture definitions for use in both DMXIS and D-PRO, and to download fixtures already created by other DMXIS/D-PRO users.

Simply go to fixtures.dmxis.com and create an account. Then you can log in and download or create fixtures for both DMXIS and D-PRO. More help and a tutorial video is available on the fixture editor page.

D-PRO fixtures

Currently, the only way to create an import a new fixture into D-PRO is via the online fixture editor (see above). Fixtures can be imported into D-PRO directly from the Patch window.

DMXIS fixtures

Manually create a fixture file

If you do not want to use the online editor, you can manually create the fixture file in a text editor. Fixture files must be saved as UNIX format. Most OS X editors save in this format by default, On Windows, Crimson Editor is a good choice.

Installing a new fixture file

Once you have a new fixture file (either downloaded from the online editor or created by hand) it must be saved into the DMXIS fixture library folder:

  • Windows: C:/Program Files (x86)/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/
  • OS X : /Library/Application Support/ENTTEC/DMXIS/DmxLibrary/

The DmxLibrary folder contains a subfolder for each manufacturer. You can copy your own fixture files into to any existing subfolder, or create your own subfolder (e.g. “DmxLibrary/Bobs Fixtures”).

Fixture file internal format

Each DMXIS fixture file contains a simple list of channels. Each channel in turn contains a number of ranges covering 0-255 (the range of possible DMX values).

For example, a 3 channel fixture with Pan/Tilt/Speed channels might look like this:

Pan
V,0,255,
Tilt 
V,0,255, 
Speed 
V,0,255,
  • Each range contains the fields type, min, max, label
  • Type can be V (variable), S (static), D (dimmer) or B (blackout)
  • Variable ranges are displayed as a percentage under the DMXIS slider
  • Static ranges only display a label under the DMXIS slider.
  • Only Dimmer ranges will react to the DMXIS Master Level control.
  • Blackout values are automatically loaded for that fixture when the DMXIS Master Level control is set to minimum.
  • If the label is blank (as above) we only see a percentage displayed under the fader.
  • Static ranges always need a label (or you will see an empty label uder the slider!)

You can mix static & variable ranges in one channel. This is necessary, as manufacturers often squeeze lots of features into a single channel:

Gobo
S,0,30,Closed 
S,31,60,Circle 
S,61,90,Tunnel,
S,91,120,Open, 
V,121,255,Spin