Focusing instruments

To focus a lighting instrument assembly and beam on a particular area or object, a focus point needs to be defined.

The focus point can also be used to create Magic Sheets that show the instruments focused on a particular area (see Magic sheets). In addition, the focus point can be used as one of the criteria for finding instruments with the Find and Modify command (see Find and modify). It is also possible to select all lighting devices assigned to a particular focus point for quick editing (see Editing lighting instruments).

Focused instruments can automatically point towards their focus point in 2D views; see Spotlight preferences setup.

Creating a focus point object

An object defined as a focus point specifies where instrument assemblies and light beams should be directed. If the focus point is moved, any instruments that are aimed at it update their focus position based on the focus point information.

Like hanging positions and instruments, focus points should be inserted on their own design layer, to facilitate selection, viewing, and printing. Alternatively, it is acceptable to insert the focus points on the same design layer as the scenic elements. Focus points can also be inserted into their own classes.

A 3D stage object can be used as a focus point for lighting instruments by naming it as the focus point in the instrument Object Info palette (see Lighting device properties).

1. Click the tool, and then click Preferences to specify the default focus point settings. These settings can be changed later for existing focus points from the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
Show Focus Point Name	Select whether to display the focus point name along with the focus point shape
Focus Point Shape	Select a shape for the focus point. ● Standard Hybrid: an octagon in both Top/Plan view and 3D views. ● Standard 2D: an octagon in Top/Plan view and a 3D locus in 3D views. ● Standard 3D: a 2D locus in Top/Plan view and an octagon in 3D views. ● Locus Points Only: a 2D locus point in Top/Plan view and a 3D locus in 3D views (does not display in rendered views). ● Default content: Existing focus shape symbols are provided as default content (a selected symbol is automatically imported into the current file and displays in the Resource Manager).
Default Class	To control visibility, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class.

3. The Place Focus Point dialog box opens. Enter the name of the focus point, and the focus height above the stage floor. The focus point name is required later to specify the focus point for the lighting instruments.

The name of a focus point can be changed on the Data tab of the Object Info palette, and can be updated in the drawing file by selecting Reset on the Shape tab of the Object Info palette. Place focus points in their own class so they can be easily hidden for a 3D rendering. Alternatively, select Standard 2D or Locus Points Only for the Focus Point Shape.