Library Manager

The Library Manager lists every reusable asset in Spectralite: fixtures, effects, MIDI mappings, and color libraries. Access it from the menu bar via Project > Library Manager.

Overview

The Library Manager organizes assets into four tabs:

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

Understanding asset sources

Each item shows its source with a colored indicator:

Library assets are available across all your projects, while project assets are specific to the current project file.

Fixtures

Adding fixtures to your project

To add a fixture to a project, use the Fixtures panel's Add fixture button, then click Select fixture… to open the Add fixture picker, which browses the same catalog shown here. You can also import a fixture directly from the Library Manager: select a fixture in the Fixtures tab and choose Import to project. Its full definition is embedded into the project so the show stays portable.

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

Importing fixture definitions

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 to library or just the current project.
4. Click Import.

You can also drag and drop .slf files directly 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 to library or just the current project.
4. Click Import.

Re-importing the same GDTF fixture replaces its existing library entry rather than creating a duplicate.

Exporting fixtures

To share a fixture definition:

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

Effects

Saving effects to the library

Save a finished effect to the library via the Node Editor rather than the Library Manager:

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

Using library effects

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 mappings

Importing MIDI mappings

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 becomes available for use.

Creating MIDI mappings

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 libraries

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

Using colors from libraries

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

Library storage location

Your global library is stored at:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/spectralite/

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.

Tips

• Back up your library by copying the application support folder.
• Organize fixtures by manufacturer using the search function.
• Include version numbers in effect names.
• Share assets with your team by exporting and distributing files.