# Operate Fixtures

Source: https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.3/HTML/operate_fixtures.html
This is grandocs, an unofficial mirror of MA Lighting documentation. For authoritative or safety-relevant information, cite the canonical page on help.malighting.com.

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When the fixtures are added and patched in the show, see [Patch and Fixture Setup](/grandma3/2-3/patch/). The next step is to select and operate them.

Different fixture types can do various things. Most fixtures have some intensity control, but if it is a moving light, it will also have pan and tilt control. If the fixture can change color, it will have a color wheel, an RGB, a CMY, or a scroller. If it is a media server, there are many other settings to control, such as which clip to play. All these different control elements are referred to as [Attributes](/grandma3/2-3/patch_attribute_definitions/).

|                                            |                                                                                                                                                                          |
| ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| ![](/img/grandma3/2-3/tip_gray-269535.png) | **Hint:**                                                                                                                                                                |
|                                            | Knowing the patched fixtures and their capabilities (attributes) is essential. Do not waste time trying to mix the perfect color if the fixture has a fixed color wheel. |

To learn more about the fixture sheet and attributes, see [Fixture Sheet](/grandma3/2-3/operate_fixture_sheet/) and [Attribute definitions](/grandma3/2-3/patch_attribute_definitions/).

One of the primary ways to operate fixtures is via the [E](/grandma3/2-3/ws_encoder_bar/)[ncoder Bar](/grandma3/2-3/ws_encoder_bar/).

![](/img/grandma3/2-3/window_encoder_bar-20v2-0-0-4-d87577.png)\
_Encoder Bar_

The **Encoder Bar** gives fast access to available attributes for the selected fixtures.

The [Dual Encoders](/grandma3/2-3/do_control_encoder/) change function depending on the selected [Feature Group](/grandma3/2-3/ws_eb_feature_group_control_bar/), for instance, Position. 

There is a window for color and shapers control, the [S](/grandma3/2-3/operate_special/)[pecial Dialog](/grandma3/2-3/operate_special/). It is an excellent tool for selecting a color independently of the fixture's color system.

The [Smart View](/grandma3/2-3/operate_smart/) provides quick access to fixture-defined values. For instance, most fixtures with a gobo wheel display information on the required value to select the gobo slots.

### Dimmer

The dimmer is a little special because it is a universal attribute. Almost all fixtures have some intensity control.

There are many ways to set the dimmer value on selected fixtures. Here are some of them:

- Use the level wheel to set the value.
- Use the numeric keys to set a specific value, for example, At 3 0 Please.
- Press Full to give the fixture 100% intensity.
- Select **Dimmer** in the encoder bar and use the dual encoders to set a value.
- Select **Dimmer** in the encoder bar and press on the inner ring of the dual encoder to open the [calculator](/grandma3/2-3/ws_calculator/). Use this to set a specific value.
- Tap and hold a cell in the fixture sheet under the **Dimmer** column to open the calculator and set a value.
- Use a dimmer preset.
- Enter the **Normal Value** by pressing At At. See [User Settings](/grandma3/2-3/user_settings/).

Subtopics

- [Select Fixtures](/grandma3/2-3/operate_select_fixtures/)
- [Fixture Sheet](/grandma3/2-3/operate_fixture_sheet/)
- [Parent Child Fixture Behavior](/grandma3/2-3/parent-child-fixture/)
- [What Is the Programmer](/grandma3/2-3/operate_programmer/)
- [Clone](/grandma3/2-3/operate_clone/)
- [Graphics](/grandma3/2-3/operate_fixture_graphic/)
- [Encoder Resolution](/grandma3/2-3/operate_encoder_resolution_multiplier/)
- [Special Dialog](/grandma3/2-3/operate_special/)
- [Gels Pool](/grandma3/2-3/operate_gel_pool/)
- [Selection Bar](/grandma3/2-3/operate_selection_bar/)
- [Align](/grandma3/2-3/operate_align/)
- [SMArt View](/grandma3/2-3/operate_smart/)
- [Selection Grid](/grandma3/2-3/operate_selection/)