Data exchange for previsualization
GDTF and .mvr files enable a seamless exchange of data between modeling programs, lighting consoles, and visualizers such as Vision. GDTF (General Device Type Format) is used to save and transfer custom fixture data.
You can download .gdtf files from the GDTF Share or create your own in the online Fixture Builder. See the GDTF Help for more information about these platforms.
GDTF files cannot be imported directly in Vision, but only as part of an MVR (My Virtual Rig) import. MVR files enable the transfer of all scene objects and parameter data. See Merging files for more information about MVR.
Setting the fixture type for MVR import
When importing a .mvr file from Vectorworks, you have the option to use GDTF fixtures or Vision fixtures, but it is also possible to use both in one scene. In Vision, this option is set by the Use Fixture Types from parameter in the Import options dialog box. However, the fixture import also depends on the fixture mode(s) specified in Vectorworks.
For more information on fixture modes in Vectorworks, navigate to help.vectorworks.net and refer to the section on “Lighting device properties.”
Set the parameters in Vectorworks and Vision for the desired fixture import:
To use only GDTF fixtures:
In Vectorworks, there is no need to specify a fixture mode.
In Vision, select GDTF as the fixture type. GDTF files are created for all fixtures in the scene, even if no GDTF Fixture Mode is specified in Vectorworks.
To use only Vision fixtures:
In Vectorworks, specify the Fixture Mode. You can also specify the GDTF Fixture Mode or set it to None.
In Vision, select Vision as the fixture type.
To use a mix of GDTF and Vision fixtures:
For fixtures that should use GDTF data: In Vectorworks, specify only the GDTF Fixture Mode and set the Fixture Mode to None.
For fixtures that should use Vision data: In Vectorworks, specify the Fixture Mode. You can also specify the GDTF Fixture Mode or set it to None.
When importing the mixed file in Vision, select Vision as the fixture type.
