Importing Fixtures

Before you can patch a fixture, you need to import its GDTF file into the show. phix provides three ways to do this.

Method 1 — Search GDTF Share#

GDTF Share is an online library with thousands of manufacturer-provided fixture profiles. phix can search and download directly from it.

Set up your GDTF Share credentials (one-time):

config gdtf-share <username> <password>

Search for a fixture:

gdtf search "Robe Robin 100 LED Wash"

phix returns a numbered list of results with revision IDs (RID):

[1] Robe Robin 100 LED Wash — rev 42 (2023-01-15)[2] Robe Robin 100 LED Wash — rev 38 (2021-06-10)

Download the fixture:

gdtf download 42

The file is saved to your GDTF library folder and imported into the current show.

If you have a .gdtf file on disk:

gdtf import /path/to/MyFixture.gdtf

On Windows:

gdtf import "C:\Fixtures\Robe ROBIN MegaPointe.gdtf"

If you have a folder full of GDTF files (e.g., downloaded from manufacturer websites):

Set the library folder path (one-time):

config gdtf-path /path/to/your/gdtf-library

Scan and import all files:

gdtf scan

phix imports every .gdtf file in that folder into the current show.

List available files without importing:

gdtf list available

After importing, confirm the fixture type is available:

list gdtf

This shows all fixture types loaded in the current show, including their name, manufacturer, and number of DMX modes.

Fixture types are stored per-show. If you create a new show, you'll need to import again (or scan your library).
You can import the same fixture type multiple times — phix will update the existing entry.
Only the fixtures you import are stored in the show file. The GDTF file itself stays in your library folder.