Welcome

OpenLX.org.uk is a website dedicated to supporting "open" lighting projects, with an emphasis predominantly from the perspective of the performing arts. It is hoped the site will grow as more software becomes production ready and is released. Initially the site focuses on three main areas – software to help in the design of lighting rigs, a database of fixtures that can be used in other applications, and software to run a show from a PC. Where possible all software is cross platform and available for Windows, Linux, BSD, and Mac OS. Furthermore XML is used where possible to allow files to be interchanged between as many applications as possible. It is this openness that has the potential to offer numerous advantages over many proprietary commercial products, not to mention significantly lower costs.

Thanks to all the various people who have contributed in various ways to this site, in particular, to Darren.

CAD software

OpenLX Design is intended to be a basic CAD tool for designing lighting in the entertainment industry. Currently there are problems releasing the source code, but it is anticipated that these will be resolved soon.

Fixture Database

The fixture database is integrated into the design software to form the basis of a fixture library. In addition, in the future it will be possible to update, add, and query the database on-line, as well as export the data in a variety of forms. In common with the ethos of the rest of OpenLX, it is intended that users share any custom fixtures they add to the library.

Wing & Control Software

Very much in development is a hardware wing, control application and underlying virtual patch library. As such further information will be posted as development progresses.