File Formats

Spectralite uses several file formats to store projects, fixtures, effects, and other assets.

Project filesCopy Anchor Link

Spectralite Project (.slp)Copy Anchor Link

The main project file. It holds your complete show:

• Timeline with all layers
• Effect assignments
• Fixture patch configuration
• Fixture layouts
• BPM and timing settings

Save a project with Project > Save project (Cmd+S) and open one with Project > Load project (Cmd+O).

Asset filesCopy Anchor Link

Fixture Definition (.slf)Copy Anchor Link

Defines a lighting fixture's DMX channel layout and capabilities. It contains:

• Fixture name and manufacturer
• DMX channel definitions
• Channel types (color, dimmer, position)
• Multiple mode configurations

Import one with Library Manager > Fixtures > Import from file. To export one, right-click a fixture and choose Export.

You can also import a fixture from a .gdtf (General Device Type Format) file with Library Manager > Fixtures > Import GDTF.

Effect preset (.sle)Copy Anchor Link

Saves a complete node graph as a reusable effect. It contains:

• All nodes in the effect
• Node connections
• Parameter values
• Exposed parameters

To save one, click Export in the Node Editor toolbar. To import one, use Library Manager > Effects > Import.

MIDI mapping (.slm)Copy Anchor Link

Stores MIDI controller mappings. It contains:

• MIDI CC/Note assignments
• Target parameters
• Value ranges and input settings
• Channel assignments

Create one in the MIDI Input dialog (Edit > Inputs > MIDI) and import one with Library Manager > MIDI > Import.

Color library (.slc)Copy Anchor Link

A collection of colors and gradients. It contains:

• Named colors with gradient definitions
• Gradients with multiple stops
• Active color selections

Manage color libraries in the Color Libraries dialog (Color panel > Open Library) and import them through the Library Manager.

Import and exportCopy Anchor Link

Importing assetsCopy Anchor Link

1. Open Project > Library Manager.
2. Select the appropriate tab.
3. Click Import.
4. Select the file.
5. Choose the destination (Library or Project).

Exporting assetsCopy Anchor Link

1. Right-click any asset.
2. Select Export.
3. Choose a save location.

File storage locationsCopy Anchor Link

Library assetsCopy Anchor Link

The library folder has one subdirectory per asset type:

• default-fixtures/: .slf files.
• default-effects/: .sle files.
• default-midi-mappings/: .slm files.
• default-color-libraries/: .slc files.

Server settingsCopy Anchor Link

server-settings.json sits in the same data directory. It records whether you left the MCP server and Remote Control switched on, so each one comes back the next time you launch Spectralite.

The file also holds the bearer token that MCP clients authenticate with. The token gives an AI client full read and write access to the effects in whatever project is open. Spectralite writes the file owner-only (mode 0600), so other user accounts cannot read it from disk. Programs that you run yourself can still get the token. Anything that runs on this computer can ask the open Spectralite for it, the same way the MCP Server dialog shows it to you. The server only listens on this computer, and the token keeps the web pages open in your browser out of it.

You can delete the file safely. Both servers then start switched off, and Spectralite creates a fresh token the next time it needs one. Clients configured with the old token can no longer connect.

Technical detailsCopy Anchor Link

File format specificationsCopy Anchor Link

All Spectralite asset files are human-readable JSON in UTF-8, so you can keep them under version control with Git.

File size guidelinesCopy Anchor Link