Scale

It is extremely important that everything on Lighting Graphic is drawn to scale. To know what scale to draw it too, you first need to know the definition of scale: Scale is the relative size of which the drawing is produced. In different countires around the world, different scales are used, 

Legend/Key

The Legend/Key is a boxed decription of the symbols and units used in the plot, there is o set place for it in a design but it should be placed in a convient location - ideally you should include:
  • Symbols of all fixtures and devices used in the plot with a description and the number used and possibly Power requirements
  • Symbols of extra accessories such as barn doors, and gels
  • Beam spread of the fixture such as Source Four 30 degrees

Title Block

As the name suggests, the title block is a block located in the bottom right hand corner of the design showing the important information about the design, by adding a title block, it is extremely clear what the pdrawing is and who it is designed for - ideally it should contain the following:
  • Name of Producing Organisation
  • Designer's Name and Title
  • Name of Production
  • Venue Name and Location
  • Title of Drawing e.g. Cross Section
  • Drawing Number
  • Scale of Drawing
  • Date of Drawing
  • Revision Date
  • Contact Information

Numbering

Fixture Numbers

When drawing a lighting plot, you should number every fixture but not all the accessory- a good rule is that if the accessory requires power, number it, if not, don't! This is so anything can be easily identified on a plot!
  • If you need to add a fixture in between to already numbered fixtures, they are given a sub-lettered number. To get this take the fixture next to it with the lower number and this number will become your inbetween fixtures nuber and add an approriate letter for example 42A.
  • Fixtures all on the same circuit such a string strobes are assigned a letter and then a number such as B5 or A1.
  • Some LD's number multiple control attribute fixtures such as movers with a whole number followed with a decimal point for each attribute e.g. 56.2 being Pan Left channel.
  • When numbering along hanging positions (most FOH positions), units are numbered from Stage Left to Stage Right.
  • Vertical hanging positons are numbered from top to bottom or downstage to upstage
  • Fixtures mounted parallel to the centre line should be numbered from nearest the plaster line (imaginary line marking front of stage)

Cable Lengths

Some LD's will not bother with cabling lengths on the plans as they feel it is down to the riggers ot them but if you want to add them, clearly mark on next to the cable its type and length or use a key.

Hanging Positons

You may find it useful to mark on th hanging position of your fixtues so it is clear for the riggers, if the postion of your fixtures crosses the centre line (run from SL to SR), you should follow these rules:
  • Number from downstage to upstage
  • If it doesnt cross the line, go from SL to SR.
  • FOH positions ae numbered from the middle out.

You can also assign cells or bays which help group areas of the stage, if your not sure number from SL to SR, in a clockwise motion.

Channels

Assigning DMX channels is down to personal preference, some LD's will do it in order of where the fixtures are mounted but most will do it by groups of fixtures so for instance all floor mounted Clay Paky Sharpies from Stage Left to Stage Right.

The most important thing is that it is done in a convient manner for the Lighting Operator.
Back to Top