Focusing Instruments

To focus a lighting instrument on a particular area or object, a focus point needs to be defined.

Creating a Focus Point Object

An object defined as a focus point specifies where instruments should be directed. If the focus point is moved, any instruments that are aimed at it will update their focus position based on the focus point information.

Like lighting positions and instruments, focus points should be inserted on their own design layer, to facilitate selection, viewing, and printing. Alternatively, it is acceptable to insert the focus points on the same design layer as the scenic elements. Focus points can also be inserted into their own classes.

 

To insert a focus point object:

1.	Click the Focus Point tool from the Spotlight tool set.

2.	Click on the plot to insert the focus point object.

3.	The Place Focus Point dialog box opens. Enter the name of the focus point, the focus height above the stage floor, and then click OK.

The focus point name is required later to specify the focus point for the lighting instruments.

The name of a focus point can be changed on the Data tab of the Object Info palette, and can be updated in the drawing file by selecting Reset on the Shape tab of the Object Info palette. Place focus points in their own class so they can be easily hidden for a 3D rendering. Alternatively, set a focus point’s fill and pen attributes to None to hide a focus point.