Create from Text
Use Tools → Create from text to turn rider-style text into a starting scene. Review the generated result before using it as show documentation.
Inputs and workflow
Pasted text, .txt files and .pdf files are supported; PDFs have their text extracted before parsing.
- Open Tools → Create from text and paste text or load a rider file.
- Choose Apply filter to clean candidate lines, then review and edit the filtered text.
- Choose Create.
- If Resolve fixture types opens because fixture definitions require resolution, review the proposed resolutions and choose Resolve and create to confirm the plan and begin any selected downloads.
Fixture-type resolution
Known types use the active fixture dictionary. For unresolved types, review cached GDTF Share suggestions, use Use suggested for a strong match, or Search... to choose a profile. You can correct a type in the table and clear Create to omit that row's fixtures while retaining other rider elements.
Opening the review does not require sign-in. A first catalog acquisition or download may require it. Accepted mappings are remembered for later riders only after confirmation. Cancelling before creation leaves scene content and dictionary mappings unchanged.
Generic fallback
Use generic provides a one-import fallback without saving a dummy mapping. An absent catalog, cancelled sign-in or network failure still permits Generic creation. Recoverable download, validation, mode, authentication or dictionary errors fall back only for the affected type; the remaining import continues.
DMX modes
Choose the intended mode explicitly when a profile has several modes. Double-click the Mode cell to review choices. Suggestions without a chosen mode use Generic fallback. Confirmed dictionary-mode changes are saved after Resolve and create.
Created content and parser highlights
Depending on the text, the workflow creates fixtures, trusses, hoists/motors and scene objects such as screens. Screen/video-control entries are not treated as lighting fixtures.
Useful patterns include quantities (12 Spot), combined lines (8 Wash + 4 Beam), positions such as LX1, FLOOR and SIDES, and truss/pipe or hoist entries. Rider Import preferences control automatic patching, layer organization and default LX placement.
Autocomplete and validation
The editor suggests common keywords and local dictionary terms. Use Up/Down to navigate, Enter or Tab to accept, and Esc to close suggestions.
After creation, check the Fixtures, Trusses, Hoists and Objects tables, DMX modes and patch. Verify placement in 2D and 3D, save PSTG and export MVR if needed.
For detailed parsing and placement contracts, see Text-to-scene rules.