5. Lightkey User Interface

DMX Output View: Located at the top left of the user interface, this section is where users manage all lighting fixtures within the software.
Fixture Patching and Adjustment: This view is the same interface used for patching fixtures initially. If there are issues with fixture communication or configuration, parameters can be adjusted here. Once changes are finalized, the user selects "Done" to save the parameters.
Project Identification and Details: The UI displays the name of the current LightKey project (e.g., "LightKey Project"). Users can manage project metadata by hovering over the project name and selecting the arrow icon, which allows for:
- Renaming the project file.
- Adding descriptive tags.
- Changing the file's storage location.
DMX Device Monitoring: This section explicitly shows which DMX device is currently being used for output, ensuring the computer is correctly communicating with the physical hardware.

Lock Icon and Permissions: A lock icon is provided to secure the project file. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized or accidental changes to the lighting project by volunteers or other staff.
- Password Protection: Users can set a password so that project attributes cannot be edited.
- Playback Only Mode: When locked, the software is restricted to playing back sequences and cues, disabling all programming and configuration tools.
Override Section: Overrides represent manual values attributed to fixtures that vary from their programmed states.
- When fixtures have manual values assigned, they appear in this section.
- Broom Icon (Clear Overrides): Clicking the broom icon clears all manual attributes currently applied to fixtures, returning them to their previous programmed state.
Blind Mode: Represented by an icon of an eyeball with a slash through it, this mode allows for "behind-the-scenes" programming during live events.
- Functionality: When activated, any changes made to fixture attributes are not output to the physical stage (the room remains unchanged, such as "completely black").
- Workflow: Enter Blind Mode -> Create presets or cues -> Clear the manual values -> Exit Blind Mode -> Play back the newly programmed content live.
Output Freeze: This feature allows the user to immediately stop the software from outputting any DMX signal to the lighting rig.

Properties Window: This tool allows users to select and modify specific attributes of a chosen fixture.
- Example: If a user selects a "spot" fixture and wants to change its position, they open the property window and select "Position."
Effects Window: Located next to the properties window, this area is dedicated to adding and configuring dynamic effects for the selected fixtures.
Edit Window: Provides the tools necessary to modify the preview layout and environment built by the user.
Add Button: A dedicated button for creating and adding new presets to the lighting project.
Project Search and Filtering: A search function helps users locate specific items within complex projects.
- Context: If a user has programmed a specific song but cannot find it in a long list of items, they can search for the title.
- Filtering: Results can be filtered by specific types, such as looking only for "Cue Lists," "Presets," or searching the "Entire Project."

View Alteration Settings: Users can customize the interface by toggling specific panels on or off to streamline the workspace:
- Hide Preview: Removes the visual representation of the rig to focus solely on cues.
- Hide Preset Panel: Ensures presets are not accidentally triggered during a sensitive live service.
- Hide Shortcuts: Conserves screen space by hiding the shortcut guide.
Contextual Keyboard Shortcuts: LightKey provides dynamic keyboard shortcuts based on the selected fixture or attribute to increase programming efficiency.
- Position Example: To change fixture position without navigating menus, the user can press $Shift + P$ to immediately open the position window.
- Internal Navigation: While in the position window, numerical keys act as directional shortcuts. For example, pressing $1$ moves the fixture left, and pressing $8$ moves it backwards.

Design vs. Live View: The interface is divided into two primary operational modes:
- Design View: Used for manipulating fixture attributes and programming the look of the show.
- Live View: Used for the actual playback of cues and sequences during an event or service.
Master Fader: Located at the far left, this fader acts as a global dimmer, allowing the user to reduce the intensity of every fixture in the entire rig simultaneously.
BPM (Beats Per Minute) Management: This section controls the timing of tempo-based effects, such as dimmer chases.
- Manual Mode: Users can set the tempo manually by clicking the BPM section or tapping the Space bar in time with the music. For example, a user might tap in a tempo of $104.3\,\text{BPM}$ .
- External Mode: The software can be linked to external devices or software, such as an Ableton Live computer, to synchronize the lighting's BPM exactly with musical tracks.