Understanding how to navigate GrandMA3 efficiently makes programming faster and more intuitive, especially during high-pressure live moments. With built-in tools like the help manual, command line history, and customizable screen elements, you can move fluidly through the software and stay focused on your show.

Built-in Help and Locking the Desk

The Help key lets you tap on any part of the screen and jump straight to that section in the built-in manual—great for quick answers without breaking focus.

Locking the desk is simple:

• Use the power button in the control bar.

• Or use the secret screen-tap sequence (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) to unlock without a keyboard.

Programmer vs. Playback

Everything you do falls into one of two categories:

• Programmer holds changes you’re actively making before they’re stored.

• Playback contains stored cues that are actively running live.

Knowing where values are coming from helps you make clean updates without unintentional changes to the stage.

Using Clear and Oops Safely

The Clear button has multiple layers:

• First tap: deselects fixtures.

• Second tap: deactivates values in the programmer.

• Third tap: clears everything from the programmer.

Use Oops to undo changes step-by-step or long press it to open a menu of previous actions.

Editing the Command Line

Use Escape instead of Clear if you only want to reset your command line without changing output or selection.

Oops also functions as a backspace when you make typing mistakes—essential for correcting command inputs without disrupting the rest of your work.

Programmer-Only View

The “Prog Only” toggle in the fixture sheet shows you what’s actively in the programmer. Keeping this visible in an external monitor helps you stay aware of what you're storing into cues—ideal for reducing mistakes during live programming.