File Formats

Spectralite uses several file formats for storing projects, fixtures, effects, and other assets.

Project files

Spectralite Project (.slp)

The main project file containing your complete show.

Contains:

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

Usage:

• Save: Project > Save project (Cmd + S)
• Open: Project > Load project (Cmd + O)

Asset files

Fixture Definition (.slf)

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

Contains:

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

Usage:

• Import via Library Manager > Fixtures > Import from file
• Export by right-clicking a fixture > Export

A fixture can also be imported from a .gdtf (General Device Type Format) file via Library Manager > Fixtures > Import GDTF.

Effect preset (.sle)

Saves a complete node graph as a reusable effect.

Contains:

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

Usage:

• Save via Library Manager > Effects > Save Current Effect
• Import via Library Manager > Effects > Import

MIDI mapping (.slm)

Stores MIDI controller mappings.

Contains:

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

Usage:

• Create in the MIDI Input dialog (Edit > Inputs > MIDI)
• Import via Library Manager > MIDI > Import

Color library (.slc)

Collection of colors and gradients.

Contains:

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

Usage:

• Managed via the Color Libraries dialog (Color panel > Open Library)
• Import via Library Manager

Import and export

Importing assets

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

Exporting assets

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

File storage locations

Library assets

Subdirectories:

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

MCP server settings

mcp-server.json sits in Spectralite's per-user application data directory, alongside the app's own settings rather than in your project. It holds two things: whether you left the MCP server switched on, and the bearer token clients authenticate with. Because that token grants an AI client full read and write access to the effects in whatever project is open, the file is written owner-only (mode 0600), so no other account on the machine can read it. Deleting the file is safe: Spectralite mints a fresh token the next time it needs one, and every client configured with the old token stops being able to connect.

Technical details

File format specifications

All Spectralite asset files are JSON-based:

• UTF-8 encoding.
• Human-readable.
• Can be version-controlled with Git.

File size guidelines