GDTF

General Device Type Format - GDTF - is meant to provide a single file format to describe devices for the entertainment industry.

GDTF Specification

Articles

StageHex for SketchUp Grows Bigger

The StageHex extension for SketchUp has continued to grow in capability, offering a more mature implementation for GDTF (General Device Type Format) and MVR (My Virtual Rig) import and export. The plugin integrates deeply with SketchUp, enabling designers to use a professional library of trusses, lighting fixtures, platforms, audio/video equipment, and other technical elements directly in their models. It supports export of production-ready data to consoles and visualizers such as grandMA2, grandMA3, Depence, and other 3D formats without manual intermediate conversions.

Posted February 20, 2026  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, SketchUp, StageHex

MTC2025: Improving work efficiency on site and areas for future improvement.

This session brings together leading voices from the industry to discuss the current landscape and the challenges shaping today’s stage production environment. Moderated by Sadaji Okayama of Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd., alongside Assistant Moderator Nobuhiro Yonetani, the discussion offers practical insights from both technical and operational perspectives. Masahiro Yokoyama of Vectorworks Japan Co., Ltd., and Masakazu Mitsuhashi of Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. speak about effectiveness in professional workflows, share perspectives on improving on-site efficiency, and identify key areas for future development. Watch the full discussion to gain valuable insights into current industry practices and practical approaches to enhancing workflow and productivity.

Posted February 13, 2026  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting, Vectorworks

GDTF gearing up for ISE 2026

The GDTF Group has announced its participation at ISE 2026:
🎉 The GDTF Group is heading to Integrated Systems Europe! Join us in our exclusive GDTF meeting room each day of the show for:
🕚 11:00am – GDTF & MVR Overview + Demo
🕚 3:00pm – Open Q&A Session
No registration, no fuss – just great insights, live demos, and expert conversations.

Posted January 24, 2026  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Richard Cadena: A GDTF Workflow: How It Works and Why It Matters

Richard is describing on his website how the GDTF and MVR workflow is becoming an integral part of the industry. 'The first time I imported the MVR file, I thought it didn’t work. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I went back into the Patch window and eventually realized that there were so many objects that I had to scroll way down the patch to find the fixtures, which included the Fixture ID and DMX address. You can read the full article on LSA.

Posted December 26, 2025  ‐ Categories: Vectorworks, MVR, MA Lighting, GDTF

Unreal Engine DMX Tutorial Series by The Digital Proving Ground

Lighting and Unreal Engine can both feel intimidating when you’re starting out. Patch this, address that, modes, universes, DMX channels—it’s a lot. This tutorial series was created to make it simpler, clearer, and way more fun. Sometimes you just need to see it from a different angle for everything to click. Imagine, create… and see if it goes boom.

Posted December 4, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Unreal Engine

MVR and GDTF Booth at LDI 2025

MVR and GDTF will be exhibiting at LDI 2025 on the Booth #4505, demonstrating the end-to-end MVR based workflow. Stop by for demos, insights and swag.

Posted November 20, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

MediaMaster 25 with GDTF Export

MediaMaster 25 has added the ability to export the media server fixture definition as GDTF, for seemless interoperation with consoles supporting the GDTF specification. This allows quick and efficient patching on control systems like (alphabetically): BlinderKitten, Chamsys, Compulite, D::Light, ETC, gMA3, Vari-lite and more.

Posted September 26, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Chamsys, MA Lighting

Brad Schiller: Transforming the Industry; The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Showlight has released the long awaited and the most requested Showlight 2025 video recording of Brad Schiller’s presentation about the wonderful world of GDTF (aka General Device Type Format). The word GDTF sounds 77 times during Brad's educative and entertaining presentation, while he is pulling one trick after another from his wonderful bag.

Posted September 3, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Chamsys MagicQ GDTF Import Improved

The Chamsys MagicQ software added much improved fixture import via General Device Type Format (GDTF) in the MagicQ Software Update Version 1.9.7.1 (current latest version as of July 2025 is 1.9.7.2). The MVR import has also been improved for MVR files where fixtures are patched to an out-of-range universe.

Posted July 22, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Chamsys

MTC2024: Effective use of GDTF and MVR becoming a reality

This is an archive video of 'Effective use of GDTF and MVR becoming a reality,' which was held on the second day of 'MTC2024'. Okayama Sadaji from Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd. as moderator, and the panelists, Tamada Kunio from Tama Tech Lab, Inc., Yokoyama Masahiro from Vectorworks Japan Inc., Koshigoe Reiji from Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd., and Suzuki Masato from Technical Supply Japan Co., Ltd., speak about GDTF and MVR - entertainment equipment formats, efficient work in 3D data formats, and the role of data sharing.

Posted June 9, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting, Vectorworks

GDTF Share Crossing the 7000 Total File Count Mark

The total number of manufacturer- and user-generated GDTF files in the GDTF Share has surpassed 7000, marking a significant milestone, as the entertainment industry manufacturers move towards general support for this technology. Recent GDTF Share Reports of the past few months indicate a consistent increase in support for GDTF from multiple lighting fixture manufacturers, including the newly joining JB Systems, ER Productions, EK Lights, Rasha Professional, Volux, and others. Do note that the monthly reports are focused on total count of devices and do not include counts for multiple file revisions.

Posted May 15, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, GDTF Share

GDTF Specification Proposal Accepted for Attributes to Control Aurora Polaris

'The most important argument made during the acceptance process was that the hues of both the Northern and Southern Lights fit harmoniously with the GDTF project marketing color theme,' writes the GDTF Technical Commeddee in their report. The report also explains that 'adding support for the Control Particle Wave Guide (CPWG) protocol will be only a light touch to GDTF, thanks to its extensibility.'

Posted April 1, 2025  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

GDTF Share Launches Developer Section to Enhance Access to GDTF and MVR

GDTF Share has unveiled a new section specifically designed for developers. This dedicated page highlights the GDTF and MVR Specifications, offering quick access to their official DIN releases. Additionally, it showcases a robust fixture library containing over 6,000 GDTF files, providing valuable resources for users. To further support developers, the page features a free, production-ready C++ library that facilitates interaction with GDTF and MVR files, streamlining the development process. This initiative underscores GDTF project's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry.

Posted March 11, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, GDTF Share

Transforming the Industry: The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Self-proclaimed ‘lighting geek’ Brad Schiller returns to Showlight, this time with a look into the wonderful world of GDTF (aka General Device Type Format). This standardized system is a godsend in the entertainment industry, allowing us to describe easily the properties of lighting fixtures and other devices. But beware, there are also some pitfalls in the current implementations. Learn how to improve your workflow with GDTF and Brad!

Posted March 10, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

DMXtoColor for TouchDesigner

Nicola Mune has created a small tool DMXtoColorTD to easily convert DMX color signal from a light desk into normalized RGB values in TouchDesigner. The DMX channels and color information are taken from a GDTF file and provided to TouchDesigner for further usage.

Posted February 16, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF

Jacob Waite: Discover what GDTF and MVR can offer

Jacob Waite in his article for TPI discovers what what GDTF and MVR can offer the live entertainment sector and how it is striving to challenge and unify the exchange of data among live entertainment systems in a conversation with the founding partners of General Device Type Format (GDTF) and My Virtual Rig (MVR).

Posted January 19, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF

Chris Lose: Unlocking the Power of GDTF

Article written by Chris Lose at PLSN: Unlocking the Power of GDTF discusses the challenges programmers face with the increasing complexity of modern lighting fixtures, and how the industry has developed the GDTF standard to address this by providing a unified, collaborative, and customizable system for describing fixtures across software platforms.

Posted January 14, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF

Robe Lighting: Unifying the Industry in 2024

Robe Lighting has published a summary article of Robe GDTF files for 2024 on their GDTF Manufacturer page. The list includes files for their latest fixtures, as well as several older devices, including a notable 20-year-old Robe Lighting product from 2004. This commitment to providing GDTF files for both new and legacy products demonstrates an unprecedented level of service for all GDTF users.

Posted December 27, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Robe Lighting

GDTF and MVR Booth at LDI 2024

GDTF will be exhibiting at LDI 2024 on the Booth #2145 with live demos, exclusive insights, and fun swag.

Posted December 6, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Unreal Engine 5.5 with Enhanced GDTF and MVR Support

Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.5 featuring major enhancements to Virtual Production, and with GDTF compliance to the DMX Plugin for interfacing with GDTF and MVR enabled control devices and software. Virtual Production tools and many of it's VR support tools are now production ready and are surpassing competitors like Capture and others. See more details after the break.

Posted November 13, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Unreal Engine

Compulite Announces General Device Type Format (GDTF) Fixture Import for New Vibe Software

Compulite announced support for fixture import via General Device Type Format (GDTF) in the Vibe Software Update Version R_6.0. Read more details in the announcement. This is a great news for all Compulite customers who can benefit from more the 5000 GDTF device files in the GDTF Share, with about half of the files being provided and supported by the devices manufacturers.

Posted October 11, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF

GDTF Fixture Finder

We have launched a GDTF Fixture Finder, a tool to search for GDTF devices files by name, manufacturer and also by describing the required DMX channel layout of a device you are searching for.

Posted October 6, 2024  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF

GDTF Quiz - Identify This Light!

Due to popular demand, we have created an 'Identify This Light!' Quiz based on devices in the GDTF Share database. The quiz refreshes daily and features a set of devices provided by manufacturers.

Posted September 29, 2024  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF

MVR is essential to my workflow of pre-programming - Elliott Mountford

In a GDTF Share interview, Elliot Mountford explains how GDTF and MVR have become must-have tools, letting him dial in on the creative programming while cutting back on the data wrangling and patch jobs. 'GDTF is a big part of my workflow. It's an obvious choice to use it, and it's a shame that some manufacturers don't realize the potential of it yet. It's good that more and more manufacturers are catching on now — it seems like they understand that it's a big selling point to have all of your fixtures in the GDTF format.' Read the full testimonial here.

Posted August 6, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Pangolin Joins GDTF

Pangolin Laser Systems is thrilled to announce that it has officially joined GDTF, a file format used to describe devices in the entertainment industry. As a leader in laser display control technology, Pangolin is committed to enhancing the user experience for lighting and laser programmers worldwide.

Posted July 8, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF

Documentation Resources for GDTF

Planning to Create and Share GDTF files? Here is a handy list of documentation resources.

Posted June 25, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF

Chicotron Visuals: Natalie Taylor - In The Air Tonight - Pre-visual Render in Unreal Engine

Chicotron Visuals has shared a pre-visualization of the popular song 'In The Air Tonight', covered by Natalie Taylor. The visualization, created using Unreal Engine, features fixtures primarily based on GDTF imports and is controlled through the gMA2 onPC software. This was done to test and showcase the possibilities of UE, and while there is still a lot to learn and improve, the results look quite impressive.

Posted May 27, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Unreal Engine

Unleashing the Full Potential of DMX Lighting in BlenderDMX with Lasers, Gobos and IES Photometrics

BlenderDMX, the powerful DMX visualization and rendering tool, has continued to evolve, unlocking new levels of creative possibilities. Leveraging its strong foundations in the GDTF and MVR formats, as well as the robust capabilities of the Blender engine, BlenderDMX now offers an even more comprehensive solution for lighting designers and visual artists.

Posted May 20, 2024  ‐ 3 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, BlenderDMX

Kaizen GDTF!

Kaizen (Japanese: 改善, 'improvement'). After successful PL&S, and a manufacturers meeting on the GDTF booth, the GDTF group has been continously adding improvements to the GDTF Spec, to keep enhancing the DIN recognized open standards for describing devices of the entertainment industry.

Posted April 26, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

More Then 3000 Unique Devices Available in the GDTF Share

We have informed you in November about the total number of GDTF files in the GDTF Share surpassing 3000. Today, we are happy to share that another milestone has been reached and the GDTF Share now contains more then 3000 unique devices. For anyone interested, we keep publishing information about past seven days updates to the GDTF Share in our New section. With every uploaded device file, there are more happy customers being able to control their devices and more involved manufacturers, who have the updating and publishing process in their hands. Go GDTF! #gogdtf

Posted February 26, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, GDTF Share

GDTF Group Releases GDTF and MVR libMVRgdtf Library 9.0.6 to the Public

GDTF group has made a public release of the libMVRgdtf library - a software code which allows software authors and companies to implement and utilize GDTF and MVR in their products in a convenient way. libMVRgdtf has previously been available on request but now it has been released to the general public, allowing wider adoption of the GDTF and MVR DIN recognised formats. The MVR-xchange communication protocol is also included in the library. The library has been battle tested and used in other projects and is released with a liberal software licence, allowing usage in commercial, closed source projects. GDTF.eu is publishing documentation for the libMVRgdtf in a searchable, user friendly way here.

Posted February 8, 2024  ‐ Categories: MVR, GDTF

Importing GDTF into LXBeams and LXConsole

LXConsole does not support importing GDTF files directly, but, you can use LXBeams to import the GDTF and convert it into a file that LXConsole can use. Here are the steps.

Posted January 5, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Planning

GDTF and MVR at LDI 2023

GDTF and MVR had a successful presence at LDI, showcasing the DIN Spec recognized formats and workflow solutions in a dedicated booth as well as at various events throughout the exhibition. The presentations were well-received by attendees, resulting in increased interest and potential opportunities for future collaborations. This successful showing highlights the continued growth of GDTF and MVR in the industry. See short YouTube videos after the break.

Posted December 9, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Vectorworks 2024 Update 2 Improves GDTF in Vision

Vectorworks announced release of its second update for the Vectorworks 2024 product line, delivering an array of performance improvements aimed at enhancing the overall quality of the product line. For Vision users, this update brings even better support for GDTF files. Now, they can enjoy seamless compatibility with glTF/glb-backed GDTF files, and GDTF-based conventional fixtures can be focused and saved directly within the Vision platform.

Posted November 26, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Vectorworks

PLSN: Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting, and Robe Lighting Announce DIN SPEC 15801 Recognition for MVR

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: With fellow General Device Type Format (GDTF) and My Virtual Rig (MVR) founders MA Lighting and Robe Lighting , global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. announces that DIN SPEC 15801 officially recognizes MVR as an open standard for the entertainment industry worldwide. This groundbreaking development unlocks a new world of limitless opportunities for entertainment industry professionals to collaborate and efficiently bring their creative visions to life. Read More » Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting, and Robe Lighting Announce DIN SPEC 15801 Recognition for MVR Read more at PLSN…

Posted November 13, 2023  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF, MVR

Reaching a Milestone: GDTF Share Surpasses 3000 Total File Count

The total number of manufacturer- and user-generated GDTF files in the GDTF Share has surpassed 3000, a significant milestone as the entertainment industry moves towards general support for this technology. The report for October, which we have previously shared in this post, highlights another uptake of GDTF devices from multiple lighting fixture manufacturers like ADJ, JBL, and Chauvet. (The monthly report is focused on total count of devices without including their variations or revisions.) In this instance, the lucky file that hit the 3000 mark was one of Robe's GDTFs for older devices, demonstrating manufacturer's commitment to providing GDTF support even for products launched prior to its creation, while still in use in productions.

Posted November 3, 2023  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, GDTF Share

GrandMA3 MVR Workflow by Tue Knudsen

Tue Knudsen of Event Lighting shares step by step details of his workflow on the grandMA3 console, including a comprehensive description of how MVR allows him to be efficient when reusing his programming.

Posted October 30, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting

ETC announces General Device Type Format (GDTF) Fixture Import for Eos Family

ETC announced support for Basic fixture import via General Device Type Format (GDTF) in the Eos v3.2.4. Details given in this dedicated article explain that the initial implementation will only import the DMX definition and for the time being will not import 3D models, gobo images, color definitions nor multicell fixtures, but 'GDTF imports will continue to improve in future releases with planned work and user feedback on the forums'. Eos has previously already been able to import MVR, so the possibility to use GDTFs is another enhancement for the Eos platform and also a great confirmation of success for GDTF and MVR.

Posted September 29, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, ETC

Development of plugins for import and preview of GDTF-based virtual fixtures in Unreal Engine - a bachelor degree theses by Luca Sorace

Luca Sorace of Sapienza Università di Roma has published a bachelor degree thesis on the development of a plugin for import and preview of a GDTF based fixtures in the Unreal Engine. Part of the theses is a discussion on implementation of various parts of a typical moving head fixture with calculations and sample code. The repository with the thesis is here and the thesis paper in Italian in pdf is here.

Posted September 25, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, Unreal Engine

Where GDTF, MVR and OpenUSD meet: Creating Immersive Events with OpenUSD and Digital Twins

NVIDIA is featuring a story about the amazing work of Moment Factory, who has been combining the power of the OpenUSD with Omniverse together with MVR and GDTF, forming a digital twin of a real-world environment. Read on for details on how they utilize Epic Games Unreal Engine, Blender, Adobe Photoshop and Vectorworks for the immersive simulation in the Omniverse.

Posted September 12, 2023  ‐ Categories: Vectorworks, MVR, GDTF, OpenUSD

PLSN: Vari-Lite Brings Industry-Standard GDTF Support to Full Luminaire, Console Product Line

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: Vari-Lite, the originators of the modern moving head and a Signify entertainment lighting brand, announces support for the General Device Type Format (GDTF) in all currently shipping fixtures and consoles, including production luminaires such as the recently launched VL3600 Profile IP , theatrical fixtures like the Acclaim LED Series , and consoles running Neo or ZerOS software. GDTF support is included in ZerOS 7.13. Here’s a video overview of ZerOS 7.13 update from Signify: https://youtu.be/ZXsRJIOeK50 Read More » Vari-Lite Brings Industry-Standard GDTF Support to Full Luminaire, Console Product Line Read more at PLSN…

Posted September 8, 2022  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF

PLSN: Vectorworks Seminars | What GDTF and MVR Can Do for You

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: With GDTF and MVR, the promise of a simplified entertainment industry is no longer a dream — it’s a reality. Vectorworks, one of the companies behind General Device Type Format (GDTF) , will be holding a seminar on streamlining your design process with GDTF and My Virtual Rig (MVR) on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT. Read More » Vectorworks Seminars | What GDTF and MVR Can Do for You Read more at PLSN…

Posted June 15, 2022  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF, MVR

PLSN: General Device Type Format (GDTF) Founders Announce Updates to DIN SPEC 15800:2021

Michael S. Eddy writes on PLSN: Columbia, MD—With fellow General Device Type Format (GDTF) founders MA Lighting and Robe Lighting, Vectorworks, Inc. reveals several valuable updates to GDTF—the standard for describing the hierarchical and logical structure and controls of any type of controllable device in the lighting and entertainment industry. The GDTF file format has continued to evolve with input and involvement from manufacturers across the globe and critical feedback from its many adopters, resulting in a newly published update to DIN SPEC 15800:2021. Read More » General Device Type Format (GDTF) Founders Announce Updates to DIN SPEC 15800:2021 Read more at PLSN…

Posted November 17, 2021  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF

GDTF Founders Migrate GDTF Servers to VPLT Association

TPI has been reporting on the General Device Type Format (GDTF) founders MA Lighting, Vectorworks and Robe lighting transitioning the GDTF website to VPLT - the German Entertainment Technology Association. This migration will ensure a compliant platform for the exchange and future development of GDTF, which offers manufacturers and users a better way of planning and controlling complex productions from design to implementation for an event.

Posted October 17, 2020  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

LIVEDESIGN: Vectorworks, Inc. Announces GDTF 1.0 Availability

LIVEDESIGN: Columbia, MD (March 28, 2019)—On its first anniversary, the entertainment industry’s open file format, General Device Type Format (GDTF) version 1.0 is here. Through collective feedback from the GDTF founders, MA Lighting, Robe lighting and Vectorworks, Inc., as well as other participating manufacturers, the file format has received numerous updates since it was first introduced and can now be used by manufacturers around the world. GDTF 1.0 and the My Virtual Rig (MVR) file format — which creates a two-way connection between planning, previz and console systems — are now implemented with Vectorworks 2019, Vision 2019 and grandMA3. Read more at LIVEDESIGN…

Posted March 28, 2019  ‐ Categories: LIVEDESIGN, GDTF, MVR

LIVEDESIGN: New Product: Vectorworks, MA Lighting, Robe Lighting General Device Type Format

Marian Sandberg writes on LIVEDESIGN: Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting, and Robe lighting have jointly developed a new data format, General Device Type Format (GDTF), creating a unified definition for the exchange of device data between consoles, CAD, and previsualization software. Currently, most device manufacturers use a proprietary way to define luminaires. This lack of a standard requires lighting console manufacturers to support and maintain a complex web of file formats, also making it difficult for designers to leverage CAD files into consoles and link CAD software to previsualization software. GDTF creates a common data exchange language that will be the basis of a fully connected workflow. Luminaire manufacturers now have an open and universal data exchange format that can be read by any console manufacturer and be included in any CAD or previsualization software. No longer will custom, one-off interpretations of DMX values and conversions for specific control data be needed. The format is human-readable, royalty-free, and easy to implement and maintain. For Vectorworks users, devices in Vectorworks Spotlight are currently being updated to support GDTF. Updates will be released in future 2018 service packs. vectorworks.net Read more at LIVEDESIGN…

Posted April 12, 2018  ‐ Categories: LIVEDESIGN, GDTF

LIVEDESIGN: Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting and Robe lighting Pioneer Open Data Standard

LIVEDESIGN: Columbia, Md. (March 27, 2018)—Today, Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting and Robe lighting announce a new development for the entertainment design and production industry that will change the way lighting designers, lighting fixture manufacturers, lighting console manufacturers and lighting visualizers will work together. The three companies have jointly led the charge to develop a new data format, named the General Device Type Format (GDTF), which creates a unified definition for the exchange of device data between consoles, CAD and previsualization software. Read more at LIVEDESIGN…

Posted March 27, 2018  ‐ Categories: LIVEDESIGN, GDTF