A CSV (Comma Separated Values) files is a generic file for transfering information. CSV files can be generated from most spreadsheet programs like Excel or Numbers, and exported by Vectorworks and grandMA2 (OnPC or Console).
The Import Process
Once this process has been finalized, this section will be updated to include better directions. In the mean time, below is a rough outline of the process and some helpful definitions for some terms.
Select a CSV file to import. See the other sections of this guide for helping generating CSV file.
This page has general options for the import process, as well as the Fixture Trait matching section.
Replace all existing fixtures in the showThis option DELETES every fixture currently in the Project. Use this option if the Fixture details have changed and you'd rather re-import from scratch, instead of fixing details for each individual fixture.
Column Assignments
Here we map columns in your CSV file to Fixture Traits, like fixture number, or DMX Universe. The left-hand column contains the values from the first row of your CSV file, which usually contains header labels. The right-hand column lets you select which trait matches that CSV column. You may also assign a column to 'Ignore', and the information won't be imported. Some columns have special meanings to your Project while the rest are treated as simply numbers or letters.
- Position: This trait will map to the Positions in your Project, or if no Position matches, a new one will be created. If you don't specify a Position column, then every fixture will be added to the currently active Position.
- Fixture Number and Channel: One of these two traits is required for every fixture. We use either the Fixture Number or the Channel as a sort of unique identifier.
- Fixture Type: This trait determines the fixture type (make/model) of each fixture, and is also required. The Fixture Type will map to an existing Inventory Item, or you'll have a change to create one.
- Fixture Mode: This will determine the DMX channel count used in the DMX Patch. Fixture Modes are associated with Fixture Types.
- Full Address, Universe, and DMX Address: These are used in the overall Project DMX Patch. If you specify a Full Address, like "1.101", or "C 321", we will attempt to parse it into it's Universe and DMX Address components
- DMX Footprint, Wattage, and Weight: These traits will only be used if the FixtureType or FixtureMode doesn't already have this information. If the traits already exist in your Inventory, then the CSV values will be ignored.
- Circuit Name and Number: Used to determine overall power usage and balance. Circuit Names define what MultiCable (i.e. Socapex) the fixture is powered by, and Circuit Number defines which line of that MultiCable the fixture uses.
- Voltage: Used together with the Wattage to determine overall amperage.
- User Fields: The fields are the same as Vectorworks User Fields, you'll be able to map them to special traits, like Connector-Type, or Jumper-Length.
Here we list the first several rows from your CSV file, for reference as you pick your options.
Here we match unique values in the Position CSV column to existing Positions in your Project, or create new Positions.
Match the imported data in the left-hand column to Positions in the right-hand column, or select the Create option.
On this page we match imported data to existing Fixture Types, or create new Fixture Types.
The left-hand column contains the unique FixtureTypes found in your CSV file, and the right-hand column contains FixtureTypes you've already included in your Inventories, or the fields to create a new FixtureType.
You can also select "Ignore This Type" if you'd like to exclude a certain FixtureType from the Import, or if a specific FixtureType is actually non-fixture data left in your CSV file.
Review the information before you import the fixtures into your Project. The checkboxes in the left column set whether the specific row will be imported or not.
Exporting from Spreadsheets
Most spreadsheet software can export easily to CSV format. Below are links to the help files for both Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers.
View Microsoft's help file on saving a CSV file.
View Apple's help file on saving a CSV file.
Exporting a CSV from grandMA2
The grandMA2 Console and OnPC software can export CSV files by exporting the Fixture Layers from the patch. Below is a simple guide:
First, open the Patch from the Setup Menu.
Then select the Layer or Layers you'd like to import into your project, and click "Export Layer"
Enter the file name to create
The software will ask what type of file you'd like to export, select the option with "csv"
A CSV file will be exported to the fixture_layers folder.
This is the file you'll be importing into your project.
Exporting a CSV from Vectorworks
Vectorworks can export reports in CSV format with all the required information. Follow the guide below for assistance.
From the "Spotlight" menu, in the "Reports" submenu, select the "Create Report..." option.
In the "Create Report" dialog, set the "Title" to whatever is memorable, "Basic Criteria" to Lighting Device, and "Select From" to Records:Lighting Device.
Select the columns from the "Possible Columns" list you'd like to import.
Once the report has been created, you can view it in the "Window", "Worksheets" menu/
While viewing the report, select "Export Worksheet..." from the "File" menu.
In the "Export Worksheet" dialog, select the "CSV" format and your preferred options.
Save the report and import the resulting file into your project.