MVR

My Virtual Rig - MVR - In the entertainment industry, the MVR file format allows programs to share data and geometry for a scene.

MVR Specfication

Articles

Wanderson Bernardo: MVR & PSR workflow with grandMA3

Wanderson Bernardo, is diving into MVR - My Virtual Rig - for exchanging data between lighting and visualization software, mainly to Avoid manually rebuilding patches, Synchronize set design + lighting, and Work in pipeline with other departments, while utilizing PSR - Partial Show Read - which is an internal grandMA3 tool for importing specific parts from another showfile, allowing to Reuse programming from another show, Merge shows from different operators, and Update specific parts without destroying the rest.

Posted April 6, 2026  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: MVR, MA Lighting

Lightwright Export MVR to grandMA3

See this short video tutorial on how to transfer all of your data from Lightwright into grandMA3. At this point, Lightwright only exports dummy GDTF fixtures, but you can use our GDTF Bench to replace the dummies with real, up-to-date GDTF files from the GDTF Share.

Posted March 29, 2026  ‐ Categories: MVR, Lightwright

StageHex for SketchUp Grows Bigger

The StageHex extension for SketchUp has continued to grow in capability, offering a more mature implementation for GDTF (General Device Type Format) and MVR (My Virtual Rig) import and export. The plugin integrates deeply with SketchUp, enabling designers to use a professional library of trusses, lighting fixtures, platforms, audio/video equipment, and other technical elements directly in their models. It supports export of production-ready data to consoles and visualizers such as grandMA2, grandMA3, Depence, and other 3D formats without manual intermediate conversions.

Posted February 20, 2026  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, SketchUp, StageHex

MTC2025: Improving work efficiency on site and areas for future improvement.

This session brings together leading voices from the industry to discuss the current landscape and the challenges shaping today’s stage production environment. Moderated by Sadaji Okayama of Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd., alongside Assistant Moderator Nobuhiro Yonetani, the discussion offers practical insights from both technical and operational perspectives. Masahiro Yokoyama of Vectorworks Japan Co., Ltd., and Masakazu Mitsuhashi of Kyoritsu Co., Ltd. speak about effectiveness in professional workflows, share perspectives on improving on-site efficiency, and identify key areas for future development. Watch the full discussion to gain valuable insights into current industry practices and practical approaches to enhancing workflow and productivity.

Posted February 13, 2026  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting, Vectorworks

MVR Example Files

For testing, implementation, programming, and exploration, it helps to have MVR content. Here are some example MVR scene files.

Posted February 9, 2026  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: MVR

GDTF gearing up for ISE 2026

The GDTF Group has announced its participation at ISE 2026:
🎉 The GDTF Group is heading to Integrated Systems Europe! Join us in our exclusive GDTF meeting room each day of the show for:
🕚 11:00am – GDTF & MVR Overview + Demo
🕚 3:00pm – Open Q&A Session
No registration, no fuss – just great insights, live demos, and expert conversations.

Posted January 24, 2026  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Lightwright Joining the MVR&GDTF Ecosystem

Lightwright, the popular lighting data and paperwork tool, has announced support for the MVR scene format. This update allows users to export lighting designs in MVR for seamless compatibility with industry-standard visualization and previsualization software, making it easier than ever to share work across platforms.

Posted January 6, 2026  ‐ Categories: MVR, Lightwright

Richard Cadena: A GDTF Workflow: How It Works and Why It Matters

Richard is describing on his website how the GDTF and MVR workflow is becoming an integral part of the industry. 'The first time I imported the MVR file, I thought it didn’t work. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I went back into the Patch window and eventually realized that there were so many objects that I had to scroll way down the patch to find the fixtures, which included the Fixture ID and DMX address. You can read the full article on LSA.

Posted December 26, 2025  ‐ Categories: Vectorworks, MVR, MA Lighting, GDTF

Unreal Engine DMX Tutorial Series by The Digital Proving Ground

Lighting and Unreal Engine can both feel intimidating when you’re starting out. Patch this, address that, modes, universes, DMX channels—it’s a lot. This tutorial series was created to make it simpler, clearer, and way more fun. Sometimes you just need to see it from a different angle for everything to click. Imagine, create… and see if it goes boom.

Posted December 4, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Unreal Engine

MVR and GDTF Booth at LDI 2025

MVR and GDTF will be exhibiting at LDI 2025 on the Booth #4505, demonstrating the end-to-end MVR based workflow. Stop by for demos, insights and swag.

Posted November 20, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Brad Schiller: Transforming the Industry; The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Showlight has released the long awaited and the most requested Showlight 2025 video recording of Brad Schiller’s presentation about the wonderful world of GDTF (aka General Device Type Format). The word GDTF sounds 77 times during Brad's educative and entertaining presentation, while he is pulling one trick after another from his wonderful bag.

Posted September 3, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Chamsys MagicQ GDTF Import Improved

The Chamsys MagicQ software added much improved fixture import via General Device Type Format (GDTF) in the MagicQ Software Update Version 1.9.7.1 (current latest version as of July 2025 is 1.9.7.2). The MVR import has also been improved for MVR files where fixtures are patched to an out-of-range universe.

Posted July 22, 2025  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Chamsys

MTC2024: Effective use of GDTF and MVR becoming a reality

This is an archive video of 'Effective use of GDTF and MVR becoming a reality,' which was held on the second day of 'MTC2024'. Okayama Sadaji from Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd. as moderator, and the panelists, Tamada Kunio from Tama Tech Lab, Inc., Yokoyama Masahiro from Vectorworks Japan Inc., Koshigoe Reiji from Tokyo Stage Lighting Co., Ltd., and Suzuki Masato from Technical Supply Japan Co., Ltd., speak about GDTF and MVR - entertainment equipment formats, efficient work in 3D data formats, and the role of data sharing.

Posted June 9, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting, Vectorworks

GDTF Specification Proposal Accepted for Attributes to Control Aurora Polaris

'The most important argument made during the acceptance process was that the hues of both the Northern and Southern Lights fit harmoniously with the GDTF project marketing color theme,' writes the GDTF Technical Commeddee in their report. The report also explains that 'adding support for the Control Particle Wave Guide (CPWG) protocol will be only a light touch to GDTF, thanks to its extensibility.'

Posted April 1, 2025  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Transforming the Industry: The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Self-proclaimed ‘lighting geek’ Brad Schiller returns to Showlight, this time with a look into the wonderful world of GDTF (aka General Device Type Format). This standardized system is a godsend in the entertainment industry, allowing us to describe easily the properties of lighting fixtures and other devices. But beware, there are also some pitfalls in the current implementations. Learn how to improve your workflow with GDTF and Brad!

Posted March 10, 2025  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

GDTF and MVR Booth at LDI 2024

GDTF will be exhibiting at LDI 2024 on the Booth #2145 with live demos, exclusive insights, and fun swag.

Posted December 6, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Unreal Engine 5.5 with Enhanced GDTF and MVR Support

Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.5 featuring major enhancements to Virtual Production, and with GDTF compliance to the DMX Plugin for interfacing with GDTF and MVR enabled control devices and software. Virtual Production tools and many of it's VR support tools are now production ready and are surpassing competitors like Capture and others. See more details after the break.

Posted November 13, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Unreal Engine

MVR is essential to my workflow of pre-programming - Elliott Mountford

In a GDTF Share interview, Elliot Mountford explains how GDTF and MVR have become must-have tools, letting him dial in on the creative programming while cutting back on the data wrangling and patch jobs. 'GDTF is a big part of my workflow. It's an obvious choice to use it, and it's a shame that some manufacturers don't realize the potential of it yet. It's good that more and more manufacturers are catching on now — it seems like they understand that it's a big selling point to have all of your fixtures in the GDTF format.' Read the full testimonial here.

Posted August 6, 2024  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

Unleashing the Full Potential of DMX Lighting in BlenderDMX with Lasers, Gobos and IES Photometrics

BlenderDMX, the powerful DMX visualization and rendering tool, has continued to evolve, unlocking new levels of creative possibilities. Leveraging its strong foundations in the GDTF and MVR formats, as well as the robust capabilities of the Blender engine, BlenderDMX now offers an even more comprehensive solution for lighting designers and visual artists.

Posted May 20, 2024  ‐ 3 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, BlenderDMX

Kaizen GDTF!

Kaizen (Japanese: 改善, 'improvement'). After successful PL&S, and a manufacturers meeting on the GDTF booth, the GDTF group has been continously adding improvements to the GDTF Spec, to keep enhancing the DIN recognized open standards for describing devices of the entertainment industry.

Posted April 26, 2024  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

dmXLAN Software by ELC Now with MVR Import

ELC Lighting has released version 4.50 of the dmXLAN software, newly featuring import of the scene description and fixtures layout, placement, and addressing from MVR file. The dmXLAN software integrates well with existing technologies like E1.20 RDM, RDM-QR, Art-Net, and others, and the MVR integration provides further simplification in the planning workflow.

Posted March 26, 2024  ‐ Categories: MVR

Exploring MVR-xchange Protocol with Wireshark

The MVR communication format - MVR-xchange - allows the exchange of MVR files over network without the need of an external transport device like a USB-stick. When implementing and troubleshooting the protocol, it is useful to have an MVR-xchange dissector for Wireshark, to filter and visualize the network traffic.

Posted February 25, 2024  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: MVR

GDTF Group Releases GDTF and MVR libMVRgdtf Library 9.0.6 to the Public

GDTF group has made a public release of the libMVRgdtf library - a software code which allows software authors and companies to implement and utilize GDTF and MVR in their products in a convenient way. libMVRgdtf has previously been available on request but now it has been released to the general public, allowing wider adoption of the GDTF and MVR DIN recognised formats. The MVR-xchange communication protocol is also included in the library. The library has been battle tested and used in other projects and is released with a liberal software licence, allowing usage in commercial, closed source projects. GDTF.eu is publishing documentation for the libMVRgdtf in a searchable, user friendly way here.

Posted February 8, 2024  ‐ Categories: MVR, GDTF

GDTF and MVR at LDI 2023

GDTF and MVR had a successful presence at LDI, showcasing the DIN Spec recognized formats and workflow solutions in a dedicated booth as well as at various events throughout the exhibition. The presentations were well-received by attendees, resulting in increased interest and potential opportunities for future collaborations. This successful showing highlights the continued growth of GDTF and MVR in the industry. See short YouTube videos after the break.

Posted December 9, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

PLSN: Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting, and Robe Lighting Announce DIN SPEC 15801 Recognition for MVR

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: With fellow General Device Type Format (GDTF) and My Virtual Rig (MVR) founders MA Lighting and Robe Lighting , global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. announces that DIN SPEC 15801 officially recognizes MVR as an open standard for the entertainment industry worldwide. This groundbreaking development unlocks a new world of limitless opportunities for entertainment industry professionals to collaborate and efficiently bring their creative visions to life. Read More » Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting, and Robe Lighting Announce DIN SPEC 15801 Recognition for MVR Read more at PLSN…

Posted November 13, 2023  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF, MVR

GrandMA3 MVR Workflow by Tue Knudsen

Tue Knudsen of Event Lighting shares step by step details of his workflow on the grandMA3 console, including a comprehensive description of how MVR allows him to be efficient when reusing his programming.

Posted October 30, 2023  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, MA Lighting

Where GDTF, MVR and OpenUSD meet: Creating Immersive Events with OpenUSD and Digital Twins

NVIDIA is featuring a story about the amazing work of Moment Factory, who has been combining the power of the OpenUSD with Omniverse together with MVR and GDTF, forming a digital twin of a real-world environment. Read on for details on how they utilize Epic Games Unreal Engine, Blender, Adobe Photoshop and Vectorworks for the immersive simulation in the Omniverse.

Posted September 12, 2023  ‐ Categories: Vectorworks, MVR, GDTF, OpenUSD

MVR 1.6 Draft

Publishing draft of the MVR Spec into the documentation section of GDTF.eu

Posted August 18, 2023  ‐ 1 min read  ‐ Categories: MVR

MVR Nearing Final Version for DIN Spec

The MVR format, which enables programs to share data and geometry for a scene, is nearing its final shape for DIN Spec.

Posted June 7, 2023  ‐ 2 min read  ‐ Categories: MVR

PLSN: Vectorworks Seminars | What GDTF and MVR Can Do for You

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: With GDTF and MVR, the promise of a simplified entertainment industry is no longer a dream — it’s a reality. Vectorworks, one of the companies behind General Device Type Format (GDTF) , will be holding a seminar on streamlining your design process with GDTF and My Virtual Rig (MVR) on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT. Read More » Vectorworks Seminars | What GDTF and MVR Can Do for You Read more at PLSN…

Posted June 15, 2022  ‐ Categories: PLSN, GDTF, MVR

PLSN: Vectorworks Releases Unity-based 3D Model Viewing Technology with Version 2022 Service Pack 3

PLSN Staff writes on PLSN: Vectorworks, Inc. has released its third service pack for the Vectorworks 2022 product line focused on improvements to Vectorworks Cloud Services for all design customers. Other highlights include new storage integrations with Vectorworks Cloud, updates to Datasmith file exchange for a direct link to Twinmotion and support for .glTF within the MVR export from Vectorworks Spotlight. Read More » Vectorworks Releases Unity-based 3D Model Viewing Technology with Version 2022 Service Pack 3 Read more at PLSN…

Posted March 16, 2022  ‐ Categories: PLSN, MVR

On Location 21 - Veith Schmidt in Cologne, Germany

The Robe team visited Cologne in Germany to make an OnLocation special with Veith Schmidt which touches on the advantages of GDTF. Veith is a lighting designer and programmer based in this famous cathedral city … so we chatted about his 30-year career, his pandemic project teaching activities, and specifically about the importance, relevance and future of lighting fixtures utilizing GDTF files.

Posted December 15, 2021  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR, Robe Lighting

GDTF Founders Migrate GDTF Servers to VPLT Association

TPI has been reporting on the General Device Type Format (GDTF) founders MA Lighting, Vectorworks and Robe lighting transitioning the GDTF website to VPLT - the German Entertainment Technology Association. This migration will ensure a compliant platform for the exchange and future development of GDTF, which offers manufacturers and users a better way of planning and controlling complex productions from design to implementation for an event.

Posted October 17, 2020  ‐ Categories: GDTF, MVR

LIVEDESIGN: Vectorworks, Inc. Announces GDTF 1.0 Availability

LIVEDESIGN: Columbia, MD (March 28, 2019)—On its first anniversary, the entertainment industry’s open file format, General Device Type Format (GDTF) version 1.0 is here. Through collective feedback from the GDTF founders, MA Lighting, Robe lighting and Vectorworks, Inc., as well as other participating manufacturers, the file format has received numerous updates since it was first introduced and can now be used by manufacturers around the world. GDTF 1.0 and the My Virtual Rig (MVR) file format — which creates a two-way connection between planning, previz and console systems — are now implemented with Vectorworks 2019, Vision 2019 and grandMA3. Read more at LIVEDESIGN…

Posted March 28, 2019  ‐ Categories: LIVEDESIGN, GDTF, MVR