# Group Masters

Source: https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.3/HTML/group_master.html
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Groups can be masters of the fixtures in the group. For more information, see [Masters](/grandma3/2-3/masters/).

If the value is adjusted often, assigning the group to an executor can be advantageous.  Learn how in the [Assign Object to an Executor topic](/grandma3/2-3/executor_assign/).

There are four different kinds of group masters:

- **Positive** - This is an HTP group master, indicated by ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/icon_plus_15_v1-5-9f4773.png)  icon in the upper right corner of the pool object. The output of the fixtures is reduced depending on the value of the group master. 
- **Negative** - This is a LoTP group master, indicated by ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/icon_minus_15_v1-5-9d1100.png)  icon in the upper right corner of the pool object. The output of the fixtures is reduced depending on the values of the group master.
- **Scaling** - This scales the intensity output. Scaling is indicated by ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/icon_cross_15px-ba31d0.png) icon in the upper right corner of the pool object. For example, if the fixture is at 50% and the group master is at 50%, then the output is 25%. 
- **Additive** - This master does not limit output but adds output as HTP merges with values from the programmer and playbacks. A small circle icon in the upper right corner of the pool object indicates it.

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## Difference Between Positive, Negative, and Scaling

The difference between the positive and negative masters is relevant when several groups contain the exact or overlapping fixtures. A negative master has priority over a positive. For example, if two groups include a fixture with 100% output, and if one group is a positive master at 80% and the other group is a negative master at 60%, then the output is 60% (limited by the negative master). If the negative master is turned up, the output stops at 80% when the positive master becomes valid. If you switch both groups to Scaling, the output will be 48% since the fixture output of 100% is multiplied by 60% and 80% of the second group master. 

![](/img/grandma3/2-3/window_group-pool_v1-9-d62c9c.png)

_Group pool with masters_

Groups with a mode assigned have a horizontal bar that displays the master level if it is relevant.

The master mode can be selected using the **Edit Group pop-up**. Read more about the pop-up in the [Edit Groups topic](/grandma3/2-3/group_edit/).

The mode can also be assigned using the [Set keyword](/grandma3/2-3/keyword_set/).

### Example

Using the command line to set the master mode of group 4 to positive:

|                                                                    |                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/icon_commandline-input_logo_v2-0-59d23e.png) | User name\[Fixture]>Set Group 4 Property "Mode" "Positive" |

The mode type is capital sensitive. Writing "positive" fails, but "Positive" works.

|                                            |                                                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/tip_gray-269535.png) | **Hint:**                                                                                  |
|                                            | A pop-up appears if the mode is not specified, allowing you to choose a mode from a list.  |

## Delete a Group Master

Deleting a group assigned to an executor does not delete the group from the pool.

If a group is deleted from the group pool, it is deleted from the show.

|                                            |                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/tip_gray-269535.png) | **Hint:**                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|                                            | Deleting a group from an executor keeps the fixtures limited, as the group still exists in the pool. When deleting a group directly, the fixtures return to their non group master limited value. |