Library Manager

The Library Manager lists every reusable asset in Spectralite: fixtures, effects, MIDI mappings, and color libraries. Open it with Project > Library Manager.

OverviewCopy Anchor Link

It has one tab per asset type:

• Fixtures: hardware fixture definitions.
• Effects: reusable effect presets created in the Node Editor.
• MIDI: MIDI controller mappings.
• Colors: color palettes and gradient libraries.

Asset sourcesCopy Anchor Link

Each item shows its source with a colored indicator:

Library assets are available in all your projects. Project assets belong to the current project file only.

FixturesCopy Anchor Link

Adding fixtures to your projectCopy Anchor Link

To add a fixture to a project, click Add fixture in the Fixtures panel, then Select fixture…. The Add fixture picker that opens shows the same catalog as the Library Manager. You can also import a fixture from the Library Manager. Select it in the Fixtures tab and choose Import to project. Spectralite embeds its full definition in the project, so the show stays portable.

To bring an external definition into the catalog, open the Fixtures tab. Use Import from file for a .slf file or Import GDTF for a .gdtf file.

Importing fixture definitionsCopy Anchor Link

Spectralite imports .slf (Spectralite Fixture) files:

1. Click the Import from file button in the Fixtures tab.
2. Select a .slf file from your computer.
3. Choose whether to save it to the library or only to the current project.
4. Click Import.

You can also drag .slf files into the Library Manager.

To import a fixture from a .gdtf (General Device Type Format) file:

1. Click the Import GDTF button in the Fixtures tab.
2. Select a .gdtf file from your computer.
3. Choose whether to save it to the library or only to the current project.
4. Click Import.
5. If the import dropped or adapted anything, the dialog lists it by mode. After you read the list, click Done. Import a GDTF profile explains the notes.

Each GDTF import adds a new fixture, even when the same profile is already in your library or built in.

Exporting fixturesCopy Anchor Link

To share a fixture definition:

1. Right-click the fixture.
2. Select Export.
3. Choose a location to save the .slf file.

EffectsCopy Anchor Link

Saving effects to the libraryCopy Anchor Link

Save a finished effect to the library from the Node Editor:

1. Select the effect in the Node Editor.
2. Click Export in the Node Editor toolbar. Spectralite writes a .sle file.
3. Open the Effects tab of the Library Manager.
4. Click Import.
5. Pick the .sle file.
6. Choose to save it to the library (global) or to this project only.

Using library effectsCopy Anchor Link

1. Find the effect you want to use.
2. Click the + button to add it to your project.
3. The effect appears in your project's effect list.

MIDI mappingsCopy Anchor Link

Importing MIDI mappingsCopy Anchor Link

MIDI mappings (.slm files) define how controllers map to Spectralite:

1. Select the MIDI tab.
2. Click Import.
3. Select your .slm file.
4. The mapping is ready to use.

Creating MIDI mappingsCopy Anchor Link

1. Open the MIDI Input dialog from Edit > Inputs > MIDI.
2. Connect your MIDI controller.
3. In the Mapping pane, map controls to functions.
4. Save the mapping to your library.

Color librariesCopy Anchor Link

Color libraries (.slc files) contain collections of colors and gradients.

Using colors from librariesCopy Anchor Link

1. Open the Color panel.
2. Click Open Library in the toolbar.
3. Browse available libraries and import colors into your project.

Library storage locationCopy Anchor Link

Your global library is at ~/Library/Application Support/com.Spectralite.Spectralite-Studio/. Each asset type has its own subdirectory:

• default-fixtures/: fixture definitions.
• default-effects/: effect presets.
• default-midi-mappings/: MIDI mappings.
• default-color-libraries/: color libraries.

TipsCopy Anchor Link

• To back up your library, copy the application support folder.
• Use the search function to organize fixtures by manufacturer.
• Include version numbers in effect names.
• To share assets with your team, export the files and send them.