A structured system of layers and classes makes selecting, viewing and printing items considerably easier. When creating a light plot, develop a standard layer and class structure, along with a system for assigning items to the appropriate layers and classes.
Placing the stage, lighting positions, lighting instruments, focus points, and scenic elements in separate design layers is recommended. Select Tools > Organization and click the Design Layers tab to create and manage layers.
Place light plot items in their own classes. This allows you to globally turn off the display of certain classes for viewing and printing. Select Tools > Organization and click the Classes tab to create and manage classes.
Spotlight automatically creates certain classes to control instrument label visibility. These include the Label class and its sub-classes, and the Setup Notes class.
An example of the use of layers and classes would be a show file with all of the scenery on a single design layer, and classes created to represent Act 1 and Act 2. When adding scenic elements, place them on the scenery design layer, and assign them to either the Act 1 or Act 2 class. With this structure, use layer visibility to view only the scenery design layer, and class visibility to turn the Act 1 or Act 2 classes on and off. This method allows the position of the set pieces in each act to be viewed independently.
Another way to take advantage of structuring is to also use classes for the lighting instruments. In a situation with multiple shows in repertory, assign each instrument to the class of the show where it is used. This allows you to display each show’s instrumentation independently of the other shows.