Managing your WYSIWYG document

This section provides information on how to work with your WYSIWYG document.

In this section

File menu

Options menu

WYSIWYG Viewer

File menu

The File menu contains the basic commands required to manipulate your WYSIWYG document.

The File menu is the same in all the modes.

New command

The New command creates a new show document. If another show document is currently open, you will be prompted to save changes to that document before a new untitled file is created. Only one show document may be open at a time.

To create a new document

From the File menu, choose New.

Tip: You can also use the New tool on the Standard toolbar.

The New button.

New Project command

The New Project command creates a new project folder with the new show document (.wyg file) and all its associated files automatically stored within the My Projects folder, or you may specify a different folder path for the new project folder.

To create a new project

1. From the File menu, choose New Project.
2. Type the name of the new project in the Create New Project dialog box.

Tip: You can also specify the path and location to which you will save the project folder, in the Location cell.

3. Click OK.

Open command

The Open command opens a previously created show document. If another show document is currently open, you will be prompted to save changes to that document before another show document is opened. Only one show document may be open at a time.

To open an existing document

1. From the File menu, choose Open.
2. Select the file, and then click Open.

You can open the following file types:

• WYSIWYG files (.wyg)
• WYSIWYG template (.wyt)
• Vivien files (.vvn)
• Vivien template files (.vvt)
• WYSIWYG backup files (.bak)
• Wysiwygv2 files (.wys)
• DWG files (.dwg)
• DXF files (.dxf)
• SketchUp files (.skp)
• Wavefront (.obj)
• Collada (.dae)
• Filmbox (.fbx)
• 3D Studio (.3ds)
• GL Transmission Format (.gltf)

Open Project command

The Open Project command opens a previously created project folder which contains the saved show document with all its associated files.

To open an existing project

From the File menu, choose Open Project.

Result: The My Projects folder opens to display the stored projects.

Save command

The Save command saves the open document to the same file name and location (folder, disk, and so on) under which it was previously saved. If you are saving the document for the first time, this command will perform the Save As function.

To save your document

From the File menu, choose Save.

Tip: You can also use the Save tool on the Standard toolbar.

The Save button.

Save As command

The Save As command is used to save the current document to a new file name, a new file type, or new destination, such as an external hard drive.

To save the current document

1. From the File menu, choose Save As.
2. In the dialog box that opens, browse to the location where you want to save the file. Ensure that the destination appears in the Save in box.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the file.
4. In the Save as type box, choose the saved file type. There are a number of choices available.
5. Click Save.

Note: WYSIWYG allows you to save an object or group of objects contained within your document as a separate file.

To save an object

1. Ensure the object(s) to be saved are selected.
2. From the File menu, choose Save As.

Result: The Save As dialog box appears.

3. Click Full Document to save the current document to a new file name, file type, or new destination. You are prompted to enter the destination and file name of the file.
4. Click Selected Objects to save the selected object(s) as a separate WYSIWYG (.wyg) document.
5. Click Use 0,0,0 as Basepoint to align the incoming drawing at 0,0,0 with the existing drawing.
6. Click Select Basepoint with mouse to use the mouse to select the basepoint for the merge of the CAD drawings.
7. Select the Create Insertable checkbox to create an insertable from the object. For more information, see Insertables.
8. Click OK.

Save as Project command

The Save As Project command is used to save the current project folder to a new project folder name containing the new file, and into the new folder location.

To save the current project

1. From the File menu, choose Save as Project.
2. Type the new project name in the Save as Project dialog box.

Tip: You can also specify the path and location to which you will save the project folder, in the Location cell.

3. Click OK.

Result: The project folder with the new name is stored in My Folders, or saved in your specified folder and location.

Package Project as Zip command

The Package Project as Zip command packs the folders in the project into a zip file, with the option to select which files to include, and the option to include the external images and video used in the file.

To package project as zip

1. From the File menu, choose Package Project as Zip.
2. Type the name of the zip file in the Package Project as Zip dialog box.

Tip: You can also specify the path and location to which you will save the zip package, in the Location cell.

3. Select the checkbox to include copies of the external images and video files.
4. Click OK.

Result: The Project Files dialog box appears.

5. Select the files you wish to include in the package.
6. Click OK.

Result: The zip package is saved and stored in My Projects folder, or saved in your specified folder and location.

To save a WYSIWYG document as a Vivien file

1. From the File menu, choose Save As.
2. In the dialog box that opens, browse to the location where you want to save the file. Ensure that the destination appears in the Save in box.
3. In the File name box, enter a name for the file.
4. In the Save as type box, choose Vivien Files (*.vvn).
5. Click Save.

Template files

The WYSIWYG Save As command lists a file type called.WYT. WYSIWYG template files are similar to the type of template file you may use on your word processor to set up fax cover sheets, memos, or letters. Once you have drawn your venue with all of its lighting positions and everything else that is common to all shows, save it as a .WYT file in the \Templates directory. Each time you start a new drawing, that file will be available as a template to start from.

You can also enter all your lighting equipment inventory into the Flight Case and save that as a template. When users start their drawings with your template, they will not have to choose from an endless list of fixtures but rather just what you have in stock.

This is also the ideal option for saving your preferred working settings. Template files save all the shortcuts including custom reports, plots, and so on. However, toolbar settings are not saved in template files since they are saved by the application.

A list of most recently opened template files appears under the heading Create New Plot on the WYSIWYG welcome screen. The more... link will prompt you to open a template file from the WYSIWYG Templates directory.

To save a template file

1. In an active view, and with no objects selected, from the File menu, choose Save As.
2. In the dialog box that opens, browse to the location where you want to save the file. Ensure that the destination appears in the Save in box. To ensure that your template file is available on the WYSIWYG Welcome screen, save your file to the WYSIWYG/Templates directory.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the file.
4. In the Save as type box, choose WYSIWYG Template files (*.wyt).
5. Click Save.

Save back to previous version

Starting from R41, you can save back to earlier releases of WYSIWYG for up to four (4) releases back of the current release. For example, from R41, you can save back to earlier releases R40, R39, R38 and R37.

Export

This menu command exports the current show document to the following file formats:

• MVR files: Use to transfer open-file-format container of entities for easy exchange with other CAD software applications, visualizers, and consoles. For more information, see MVR files.

Note: The MVR Export function may only be accessed from the Wireframe view tab in CAD mode.

• DWG/DXF formatted file type: Use to transfer documents to AutoCAD or other compatible drafting applications. For more information, see DWG/DXF files.
• 2D DWG/DXF formatted file type: Use to transfer documents to AutoCAD or other compatible drafting applications. For more information, see DWG/DXF files.
• glTF formatted file type: Use to transfer models created in GL Transmission Format. For more information, see Exporting glTF files.

Note: The glTF Export function may only be accessed from the Shaded view tab in CAD mode.

Import Floorplan

This command opens the Floorplan Importing Wizard to import existing floorplans saved in Bitmap, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, Targa, or PDF into your show document. You can import floorplan images in Plan, Front/Back, or Left/Right views. For more information, see Importing floorplans.

Import Fixtures

This menu command opens the Fixture Import wizard to import fixture information listed in a spreadsheet file that was exported from other software and/or lighting consoles. The fixture objects listed in the spreadsheet will be inserted into your drawing according to the settings that were included in the spreadsheet. For more information, see Importing fixtures.

Insertables

WYSIWYG ships with several files that contain sets of pre-configured objects called “Insertables”. Insertables can be merged into your current file and inserted as needed. WYSIWYG also allows you to create and save your own insertables.

Creating insertables

If a part of your file has objects that you would like to reuse again, you can save it as an insertable. This is similar to merging one WYSIWYG file into another one, but the insertable will be listed conveniently for you in the Insert Insertable dialog box.

To create insertables

1. In Wireframe view, select the object(s) you want to become an insertable.

Note: The object will be saved exactly as it appears in the file, with the same properties.

2. From the File menu, choose Insertables... > Create.

Result: The Create Insertable dialog box appears.

3. In the Create Insertable dialog box, type the name for the new insertable object.
4. In the Name field, type the name for your insertable.
5. Select one of the two base point options for your insertable.

• Use 0, 0, 0 as Base point.
• Select Base point with mouse.

6. Click OK.

Result: The insertable will be saved. You can now insert it into any file from the Insertables... menu.

To insert insertables into a file

1. From the File menu, choose Insertables... > Insert.

Result: The Insert Insertables window appears.

2. On the Insertable section in the Insert Insertables window, click the item that you want to insert.
3. On the Base Point section, select the appropriate base point option.
4. Click Add.

1. If you chose to select the base point with your mouse, click in your drawing to select the base point and insert the insertable.

Result: The insertable is inserted into the file.

Purge command

Purge enables you to lower your file size by ridding the file of unused data such as old images, old renders, unused Layers, lighting positions, imported items from AutoCAD or SketchUp, and so on.

To use the purge command

1. From the File menu, choose Purge.
2. On the warning box that appears, click Yes to proceed with the purge.

Note: Once you purge objects from your file, the action cannot be undone.

Result: The Purge window appears.

3. Click to select the items that you want to purge from your file, and then click Purge.

Merge command

The Merge command is used to combine multiple show documents into one. All file types that can be opened directly by WYSIWYG can also be merged. Therefore, an existing WYSIWYG document can be merged with

• other WYSIWYG documents
• MVR files
• DWG/DXF files
• SketchUp files

To merge WYSIWYG documents

1. Open or create the destination document.
2. From the File menu, choose Merge.
3. Click to select the file, and then click Open.
4. The Merge dialog box appears.

5. In the Merge dialog box, choose whether you want to Ignore Shortcuts in the file that you are merging by selecting or clearing the checkbox.
6. Click OK.

Result: The Merge > Basepoint dialog box appears.

7. Click to select how you want to merge the file, and then click OK.

Result: The Layer Import window appears. This window enables you to rename layers instead of combining them and will display the state of the layer in both files.

Tip: It is typically sufficient to accept these settings and click Finish. This dialog box shows you which layers don't already exist and will be added, and which already exist and will have objects merged into them. By using the drop-down menu in the Action column, you can rename layers instead of merging objects to your existing layers, which can help keep your file clean.

8. Click Finish.
9. If you chose to select the basepoint using your mouse in step 5, you must click on the document or enter the coordinates to set the basepoint.

Result: The file you selected is merged with the current file.

Note: For information on merging MVR, DWG/DXF, or SketchUp files, see Merging_MVR, Merging a dwg/dxf document, and To merge sketchup files.

Close command

The Close command closes the current show document and returns you to the Welcome window.

To close a show document

1. From the File menu, choose Close.
2. When prompted to save changes to the current show document, click Yes to save changes and close the document.

Note: Click No to skip saving and close the document. Click Cancel to skip saving and keep the document open.

Print command

The Print command varies from mode to mode. In general, this command prints the active view to the selected printer.

To print a document

From the File menu, choose Print.

Result: Based on the mode you are in, the program may print the document directly or it may open the following dialog box so that you can set printing options:

Considerations when printing from CAD mode

Note: While you can print from CAD mode, it is strongly recommended that do not do so. Instead, please create a Layout and print it from PRES mode. For details, see Creating a new layout and To print a layout.

The Print command opens the Print dialog box.

This dialog box displays the printer that is used to print your WYSIWYG document. The printer shown is the default printer that you have set up in Windows. Click Setup to change the printer or printer settings.

Select the Print to File checkbox to print your WYSIWYG document to a file instead of to a printer. When you print, WYSIWYG prompts you to enter a file name and path.

The Print command prints the active window using the options you specify.

Print What options:

• Extents: Prints the entire drawing.
• View: Prints the currently displayed view in the active window.
• Window: Allows you to draw a window around the area you wish to print.
• Last Window: Prints the portion contained in the last window you drew for a Window print. If you have not used or previewed a Window print yet, this option is unavailable.

Scaling options:

• Fit will print the drawing to the scale required to fill the available print area based on the selection in the Print What group box. When you select this checkbox, the drawing will print to fit.
• If the Fit checkbox is cleared, you must choose the scale from the drop-down list. Standard scales are displayed in this menu. If the scale you want to use is not displayed, choose Custom.
• When Custom is selected, you must enter the ratio. Type the ratio in the On Paper and Real World boxes. The value in the On Paper box is the scale ratio that you want to use on a paper copy of the document. The value in the Real World box is the “real” measurement for the scale ratio that you specify in the On Paper box. For example, you may want to use a scaling of one inch in a paper copy of your document. This one inch measurement translates to a “realistic” measurement (for example, 3 feet).

The value in the Point Size box is the size at which points are printed.

While it is possible to print your drawing directly from the CAD mode, it is preferable to print plots from the PRES mode. PRES mode includes the ability to lay out your plot with multiple views, reports, borders, and title blocks. For more information on printing plots, see Printing layouts.

Print Preview command

Print Preview displays the document as it will look when printed. This allows you to double-check that the printed output is exactly what you want.

Print Setup command

The Print Setup dialog box allows you to choose the print destination, the page orientation and size, and paper tray (if applicable). The print destination may be a physical printer, or it may be a file type or fax program, for example. Paper size and source options will correspond to the printer type selected.

Recent file shortcuts

The list of recent files at the bottom of the File menu gives you quick access to the last four files opened. This list will continually update as show documents are opened. If the file you are looking for is not on this list, use the Open command.

To open a recent file

1. From the File menu, choose the file you want to open.
2. If another show document is currently open, you are prompted to save changes to that document before another show document is opened. Only one show document may be open at a time.

Exit command

Use the Exit command to exit WYSIWYG. If you have made changes to your document but have not saved yet, you will be prompted to save your changes before exiting.

To exit WYSIWYG

1. From the File menu, choose Exit.
2. When prompted to save changes to the current show document, click Yes to save changes and exit WYSIWYG.

Note: Click No to skip saving and exit WYSIWYG. Click Cancel to skip saving and not exit WYSIWYG.