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Manipulating Attributes in GrandMA3
Description
Controlling attributes like intensity, color, position, and gobo is at the heart of lighting programming. GrandMA3 gives you multiple ways to interact with these parameters—whether through the encoder wheels, number pad shortcuts, or the attribute calculator—so you can program efficiently and intuitively.
Feature Groups and the Encoder Toolbar
The encoder toolbar is divided into major feature groups: Dimmer, Position, Gobo, Color, Beam, and Focus. Each group can contain multiple features and attributes, depending on your fixture type. Click or drag to toggle between them or open a full list.
Shortcuts include:
At 100orAt 50to set intensity directly.At Atsends lights to their normal (default) value.Dot Dot(..) always sends them to 0%.++or--double taps adjust values in 10% increments.
Attribute Calculators
For attributes like gobo or color, the Attribute Calculator provides visual options:
Channel Sets show fixture manufacturer-provided values.
Presets let you reference pre-programmed looks.
Specials offer tools to deactivate, normalize, or release attributes.
These calculators streamline the process of applying complex looks without memorizing values.
Readout Modes and Encoder Behavior
Your readout (Natural vs. Percent) affects how values are displayed—critical for understanding ranges like pan and tilt that use degrees, not percentages.
Encoders respond to what's visible on screen: the leftmost encoder controls the leftmost displayed attribute. This consistency makes manual adjustments predictable and quick.
On, Off, and Selective Programming
On + Attribute brings a value into the programmer at its current level.
Off + Attribute removes just that parameter without touching others.
Use these tools to make precise adjustments or edits without storing unnecessary data.
Mastering these attribute controls will help your operators make confident, real-time changes during rehearsals or live worship.