Workflow: Creating accessory symbol definitions

If you are an advanced user, and the accessory symbol you need is not available, use this workflow to create a custom symbol definition. The workflow describes how to create the accessory's 2D and 3D geometry, combine the 2D and 3D versions into a hybrid symbol, define the symbol's default position on a lighting device, and attach the record data needed for accessory functionality.

The process of creating the accessory symbol is similar to creating a standalone lighting device, so this workflow makes frequent reference to Workflow: Creating lighting device symbol definitions.

There are a few items to note before getting started. By default, accessory symbols are positioned at the front of a lighting device and they behave like lens accessories. To set a custom position, use a layout symbol. To make an accessory behave like part of the lighting device body, yoke, or base, assign the appropriate part in the Parts record.

Base accessories have special behavior. When a base accessory attaches to a lighting device, the accessory automatically offsets the lighting device insertion point so the device hangs correctly when inserted on a rigging object. By default, the lighting device insertion point matches the insertion point of the base accessory. However, some base accessories, such as clamps with umbrellas, require a special offset for the lighting device insert point. You can specify this offset position by placing locus points on the accessory's 2D and 3D geometry.

Once the accessory symbol definition is created, you'll use the Lighting Accessory tool to attach the accessory to a lighting device in the drawing. You can also embed the accessory in a lighting device symbol definition, so the light is inserted with the accessory pre-attached. (For more information about accessories, see Concept: Lighting accessories.)

Drawing the accessory's 3D geometry

To draw the accessory's 3D geometry: 

Follow the steps described in Creating the 3D geometry, but keep in mind these special considerations for accessory symbols:

Base accessories such as boom arms may require the attached lighting device to be inserted at an offset from the accessory insertion point. Place a 3D locus point on the accessory at the desired location for the lighting device insertion point.

There is no need to create a 3D locus point for rotation.

The 3D components should be drawn below the Z axis to properly align with the front of the lighting device.

Creating the accessory's 3D symbol definition

To create the 3D symbol:

Follow the steps described in Creating the 3D symbol definition, but keep in mind these special considerations for accessory symbols:

When creating clamp accessories, it is recommended that you place the clamp symbols in a class to control their appearance and visibility; see Symbooldefinities creëren for more information.

The standard insertion point for accessories is the back center of the bounding cube in 3D.

Drawing the accessory’s 2D geometry

To draw the accessory's 2D geometry:

Follow the steps described in Creating the 3D geometry, but keep in mind this special consideration for accessory symbols:

For base accessories that require a special offset for the lighting device, as described in Workflow: Creating accessory symbol definitions, place a 2D locus point on the base geometry at the desired location for the lighting device insertion point.

Creating the accessory's hybrid symbol definition

To create the hybrid symbol definition:

Follow the steps described in Creating the hybrid symbol definition.

Attaching the Parts record to the accessory

The Parts record assigns the accessory to a specific part of the lighting device:

Body and Lens accessories form part of the body and respond to tilting.

Accessories with no Parts record attached behave like lens accessories.

Yoke accessories form part of the yoke and respond to panning.

Base accessories form part of the base and respond to the device’s XYZ movements and rotation. When a base accessory is attached, it changes the lighting device insertion point so the device hangs correctly.

For base accessories that require a special offset for the lighting device, the Parts record also defines the lighting device insertion point.

To attach the Parts record:

From the Resource Manager, locate a Parts record from one of the lighting device library files included with the Spotlight program, and drag it to the active file. Alternatively, right-click on the record, and select Import from the context menu.

Select the new accessory symbol, and select Modify > Edit Symbol.

Click the Data tab on the Object Info palette. Click Attach Record to open the Resource Selector, and double-click the Parts record to attach it.

Select the appropriate part for the accessory to associate with (Body, Lens, Yoke, or Base).

A Base accessory will offset the insertion point of any lighting device it attaches to, so make this designation wisely.

For base accessories that use loci to define a special offset for the lighting device, do the following for the 2D locus and the 3D locus:

In the Edit Symbol window, select the 3D locus point.

Click the Data tab on the Object Info palette. Click Attach Record to open the Resource Selector, and double-click the Parts record to attach it.

Select Point from the record fields.

Click Exit Symbol at the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing.

Defining the accessory's default position

The accessory's default position controls where the Lighting Accessory tool places the accessory in Default Insertion mode. By default, accessories are positioned at the top-center of the lighting device's (or the cell’s) bounding box in 2D views and the back-center of the bounding cube in 3D views.

Change the default position with the use of a layout symbol. Any lighting symbol from the Vectorworks libraries can be used. If your accessory is a hybrid 2D/3D symbol, choose a hybrid layout symbol; if your accessory is pure 2D or 3D, choose the equivalent layout symbol.

Position the accessory as desired on the layout symbol. When adding the accessory to different lighting devices, the accessory will maintain the same relative position. For example, if the accessory is placed on the center of the layout symbol, it will be inserted at the center of any lighting device to which it attaches.

To define the accessory's default insertion point:

Select the new accessory symbol and select Modify > Edit Symbol.

Click the Symbol Insertion tool, and then click Active Symbol Def and select a lighting device to use as the layout symbol.

Click to place the layout symbol in the Edit Symbol window.

On the Object Info palette, set the X/Y/Z position of the layout symbol to 0,0,0.

The layout symbol must have a Light Info Record attached with a Device Type other than Accessory or Static Accessory, or else it will be considered part of the accessory geometry. To attach the Light Info Record, see Attaching the Light Info Record and EntEquipUniversal record.

Use the Selection tool to position the accessory as desired on the layout symbol.

By default, accessories attach to the front of a lighting device. To attach the accessory to the back of a lighting device instead, send the layout symbol to the front of the stacking order in Top/Plan view; see De volgorde van objecten wijzigen.

Click Exit Symbol at the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing.

Attaching the Light Info Record and EntEquipUniversal record

These two records specify the default accessory values and they are required for your accessory symbol to function properly.

To attach the required record formats:

From the Resource Manager, locate the Light Info Record and the EntEquipUniversal record from one of the lighting device library files included with the Spotlight program, and drag them to the active file. Alternatively, right-click on the records, and select Import from the context menu.

Select the new accessory symbol and select Modify > Edit Symbol.

In the Edit Symbol window, click an empty location so that nothing is selected.

Click the Data tab on the Object Info palette. Click Attach Record to open the Resource Selector, and double-click the Light Info Record to attach it to the symbol.

Specify the Device Type, as well as any other fields you want the accessory object to read. Accessories such as color frames, barn doors, and top hats are Static Accessory types; accessories that require a control channel, such as color scrollers, are Accessory types.

Similarly, attach the EntEquipUniversal record and enter its record information.

The Short name field parameter can be set to a custom name. Use a name that works for your reports.

Click Exit Symbol at the upper right corner of the window to return to the drawing.

Information from the Light Info and additional records attached to the accessory symbol applies only to the lighting device’s accessory-specific parameters. These parameters are indicated in the Accessory column of the parameter list on the Spotlight preferences: Lighting Devices: Parameters pane.

Concept: Lighting accessories

Workflow: Creating lighting device symbol definitions

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