Software Documentation

Table of contents

  1. Initial Setup

    1. 1
      Account setup1
    2. 2
      System requirements — What computers run Finale 3D?2
    3. 3
      Download and installation3
    4. 4
      How licenses work — explanation and examples4
    5. 5
      Differences between Hobbyist and Pro versions5
    6. 6
      FAQ: Common licensing and feature related questions6
    7. 7
      Finale Inventory prices and features7

  1. Getting Started

    1. 1
      Getting started basic instructions8
    2. 2
      Pyro Points9
    3. 3
      Creating and exporting a script for your firing system10

  1. Inventory and Effect Management

    1. 1
      Inventory management basic instructions11
    2. 2
      Importing inventory from a file12
    3. 3
      Importing effects from Finale Business13
    4. 4
      Importing supplier catalog into Finale 3D14
    5. 5
      Column names in Finale Inventory vs. Finale 3D15
    6. 6
      Inventory compatibility with Finale Business (and how to fix cakes)16
    7. 7
      Saving a backup file of your effects list17
    8. 8
      Case and assortment quantities, and breaking apart assortments18
    9. 9
      Exporting quantities, and deducting from inventory19
    10. 10
      Synching to sale orders in Finale Inventory20
    11. 11
      Chains-count-as-one vs. chains-count-as-N21
    12. 12
      Updating prices or other fields in a Finale 3D effects database from Excel or a CSV22

  1. Effects Overview

    1. 1
      Effects basic instructions23
    2. 2
      Effects table columns24
    3. 3
      Why is ‘Type’ so important? What depends on it?25
    4. 4
      Per-show effects26
    5. 5
      Effects coordinate system: pan, tilt, spin27
    6. 6
      Prefire28
    7. 7
      Chain duration (and prefire)29
    8. 8
      How can I tell if an effect is a chain?30
    9. 9
      Create cake by combining effects31
    10. 10
      Timing of shots within a cake32
    11. 11
      Cake and candle duration (and prefire)33
    12. 12
      Programmer documentation: What happens when I insert a chain into the script?34
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: Representation of chains in the script35
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: Effect Data and Motion Data36

  1. Visual Descriptive Language (VDL)

    1. 1
      Creating or importing a simple "placeholder" cake simulation37
    2. 2
      Creating a chain with one or more effects38
    3. 3
      VDL effect adjustment terms (Big, Bright, etc.)39
    4. 4
      VDL timing adjustment terms (PFT, LFT, DLY, DUR, CDS)40
    5. 5
      VDL colors41
    6. 6
      Cake descriptions42
    7. 7
      Exact simulation syntax43
    8. 8
      Firing patterns for cake and slice rows44
    9. 9
      Specifying the height, duration, and fan angle of effects in the cake (HTM, DUR, Degrees)45
    10. 10
      Creating an aerial shell cake with arbitrary prefire time46
    11. 11
      The difference between AND, PLUS, and AMPERSAND47

  1. Firing System Addressing

    1. 1
      Addressing basic instructions48
    2. 2
      Specifying module numbers for each position49
    3. 3
      Addressing with sorts and constraints and custom fields50
    4. 4
      What do the constraint choices on the addressing dialog do?51
    5. 5
      Special constraints52
    6. 6
      Special sort terms53
    7. 7
      Wildcards in constraints54
    8. 8
      Conditional sorting based on effect type55
    9. 9
      Sharing modules across multiple positions56
    10. 10
      Locking addresses57
    11. 11
      Preventing chains from splitting across racks58
    12. 12
      Multiple e-matches on the same firing system pin59
    13. 13
      Cross-loading chains with angled shells or using fan-racks60
    14. 14
      Cross-loading chains with straight-up shells61
    15. 15
      Dividing a show into sequences for semi-automatic firing using the "Track" field62
    16. 16
      Restricting modules to racks or rack clusters63
    17. 17
      Using piggyback slats or modules that fire in parallel64
    18. 18
      Using the Section field in position properties65
    19. 19
      Slats, virtual slats, and splitter boxes66
    20. 20
      Virtual slats67
    21. 21
      Multiple firing systems in the same show68
    22. 22
      Custom module specifications69
    23. 23
      Starting with module 1 instead of module 070
    24. 24
      Excluding flames or other simulations from receiving firing system addresses71
    25. 25
      Fill down with "backfilling allowed" option72
    26. 26
      The Start Module, and Pre-Assigned Rails fields on positions73
    27. 27
      Sorting positions across multiple blueprints or sections74

  1. Racks

    1. 1
      Rack layout basic instructions (Pro version)75
    2. 2
      Rack counts (Hobbyist or Pro version)76
    3. 3
      Loading effects that already have firing system addresses into racks77
    4. 4
      Using "Rack Type" to control what types of racks are used for what effects78
    5. 5
      Addressing based on layout of racks (Rack Number)79
    6. 6
      Renumber racks80
    7. 7
      Avoiding gaps in module number sequences when sorting by angle (Same Rack)81
    8. 8
      Variable tube size racks with row length constraint82
    9. 9
      Min/max size range constraints for racks83
    10. 10
      Racks with pre-wired pins84
    11. 11
      Racks with pre-wired rails85
    12. 12
      Shoot sites with every tube pre-wired to the firing system86
    13. 13
      Sorting racks to adjust the order of rack assignments87
    14. 14
      Sleeving effects into different size mortars88
    15. 15
      Tube loading order89
    16. 16
      Reverse tube loading order90
    17. 17
      Using the “Rack Type” field for fan racks91
    18. 18
      Re-arrange tubes in adjustable angle racks to avoid collisions92
    19. 19
      Circle racks93
    20. 20
      Ladder racks94
    21. 21
      Fan row racks95
    22. 22
      Pre-wired pin options96
    23. 23
      Why is this tube red?97

  1. Scripting

    1. 1
      Script table columns98
    2. 2
      Randomize99
    3. 3
      Make into sequence100
    4. 4
      Make into fan101
    5. 5
      Effect macros102
    6. 6
      Spread out based on effect durations103
    7. 7
      Dragging a sequence to start from another position104
    8. 8
      Scripting manual shows105
    9. 9
      Copy/paste106
    10. 10
      Keyboard shortcuts107
    11. 11
      Filter / search expressions108
    12. 12
      Pin counts and warning dots109

  1. Importing Shows

    1. 1
      Importing shows basic instructions110
    2. 2
      Importing chains111
    3. 3
      Importing drone shows112
    4. 4
      Programmer documentation: Drone show file format specification (vviz)113

  1. Reports and Labels

    1. 1
      Labels basic instructions114
    2. 2
      Report font size and column widths115
    3. 3
      Copying report and labels templates between shows116
    4. 4
      Why don't my labels align with the stickers?117
    5. 5
      Rack labels118
    6. 6
      Conditional formatting119
    7. 7
      Text wrapping120
    8. 8
      Position groups in reports -- how to fit multiple position names in a single row121
    9. 9
      Chain Specifications report122
    10. 10
      Wiring Script report123
    11. 11
      Safety Distance report124
    12. 12
      Pinboard Cue Sheet report125

  1. Simulation Videos

    1. 1
      Is it possible to add camera motion to fake 3D background image scenes?126
    2. 2
      Camera animation127
    3. 3
      Combining simulation video from Finale with other video128

  1. Time Code

    1. 1
      Time code basic instructions129
    2. 2
      Comparison of Pyrodigital field controllers for SMPTE130

  1. Scenery and Positions

    1. 1
      Background images basic instructions131
    2. 2
      Sky dome, trompe l'oeil, and ground images132
    3. 3
      Racks and positions coordinate system: heading, pitch, roll133
    4. 4
      Renaming positions134
    5. 5
      Importing models135
    6. 6
      Excluding terrain from Sketchup models136

  1. Firing Systems

    1. 1
      ActionBase137
    2. 2
      Apex138
    3. 3
      Cobra139
    4. 4
      CSV140
    5. 5
      Dance Of Fire141
    6. 6
      Explo142
    7. 7
      Finale Generic CSV (full show export format)143
    8. 8
      Fire Control G2144
    9. 9
      Fire Pioneer145
    10. 10
      FireByWire146
    11. 11
      Firelinx147
    12. 12
      Firemaster148
    13. 13
      FireOne149
    14. 14
      fireTEK150
    15. 15
      Galaxis151
    16. 16
      Jingduan152
    17. 17
      Megafire153
    18. 18
      Merlin154
    19. 19
      Mongoose155
    20. 20
      Pin Board156
    21. 21
      Piroshow157
    22. 22
      Pirotex158
    23. 23
      PyroDigiT159
    24. 24
      Pyrodigital160
    25. 25
      Pyrodigy161
    26. 26
      PyroLEDA162
    27. 27
      Pyromac163
    28. 28
      PyroMaster164
    29. 29
      Pyromate165
    30. 30
      Pyroneo166
    31. 31
      PyroSure167
    32. 32
      Pyrotronix168
    33. 33
      RFRemotech169
    34. 34
      RJ Equipamentos170
    35. 35
      Show Director CSV (full show export format)171
    36. 36
      StarFire172

  1. Exporting Assets and Data

    1. 1
      Voice cues basic instructions173

  1. DMX

    1. 1
      DMX basic instructions174
    2. 2
      Assign DMX channel ranges to fixtures175
    3. 3
      Slave fixtures176
    4. 4
      Standard Effect IDs and Standard Fixture IDs177
    5. 5
      Fixture cloning -- changing a fixture's type and converting its effects178
    6. 6
      Move-In-Black (MIB) and Move-To179
    7. 7
      Reset Fixture180
    8. 8
      Supported firing systems and controllers (DMX)181
    9. 9
      Creating fixture definitions and effects182
    10. 10
      Programmer documentation: Creating fixture definitions and effects manually183
    11. 11
      Programmer documentation: User-defined fixture definitions184
    12. 12
      Programmer documentation: The DMX Patch field185
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: Special VDL terms for DMX effects like "Move-To" and "With Strobing"186
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: DMX setup events -- preparing channels before the effect begins187

  1. Light Instructions

    1. 1
      Light fixtures basic instructions188
    2. 2
      Strobing189
    3. 3
      Standard Effect IDs for lights190
    4. 4
      Supported light fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)191

  1. Light Fixtures

    1. 1
      Tomshine Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [027, 028]192
    2. 2
      ADJ Inno Pocket Spot Pearl Moving Head Spotlight 9CH [082]193
    3. 3
      U `King RGBW Moving Head Spotlight 11CH [029]194
    4. 4
      U `King Two-Bar RGBW Spider Light [065]195
    5. 5
      EasyDancing 36x1W RGB Par Light 7CH [005]196
    6. 6
      Generic Light Fixture ON/OFF and Dimmer 1CH [068, 069]197
    7. 7
      Cobra 36x1W RGB Par Light198
    8. 8
      ADJ Flat Par QWH12X RGB Par Light199
    9. 9
      Thomann Fun Generation LED Pot 12x1W RGBW Par Light200
    10. 10
      beamZ BBP60 RGB UV Par Light [041]201
    11. 11
      SpecialFxIt 18*12W IP65 RGBWAU Par Light [060]202
    12. 12
      Moka SFX MK-P18 RGB Wall Washer Par Light203
    13. 13
      OPPSK Disco Ball Combo204
    14. 14
      BETOPPER 54X1.5W RGB LED Par Light205
    15. 15
      Rockville Battery Strip 24 RGBW Light Bar [071]206
    16. 16
      OPPSK Wall Washer Light Bar [073]207
    17. 17
      Karma LED Par120 Par Light [074]208
    18. 18
      Rockville BestPAR60 Par Light [076]209
    19. 19
      Chauvet Scorpion Dual210
    20. 20
      MARQ Gesture Spot 100 15W LED Moving Head Spotlight [052]211
    21. 21
      High End Uno Moving Head Spotlight 15CH [077]212
    22. 22
      YF Beam 230 Moving Head 16CH [081]213
    23. 23
      Anonymous Small Steel Gun 120W Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [059]214
    24. 24
      Chauvet SlimPAR 56 Par Light215
    25. 25
      Chauvet EZpar 64 Par Light 8CH [079]216
    26. 26
      Rockville Battery Par 50 Par Light 6CH [080]217

  1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Instructions

    1. 1
      Flame fixtures basic instructions218
    2. 2
      Non-DMX firing systems and flame fixtures219
    3. 3
      Supported flame, spark, and fog jet fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)220
    4. 4
      Standard Effect IDs for flames and sparks221
    5. 5
      Safety channels222
    6. 6
      Variable duration flame and special effects223
    7. 7
      Example: Explo X2 Wave Flamer with Pyromac firing system224

  1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Fixtures

    1. 1
      Explo X2 Wave Flamer225
    2. 2
      Showven Circle Flamer226
    3. 3
      Spark Fabrica Moving Head Flamer227
    4. 4
      Galaxis G-Flame228
    5. 5
      Le Maitre Salamander229
    6. 6
      Showven uFlamer230
    7. 7
      Moka H-E01 Genius Flame Machine231
    8. 8
      Showven Sparkular And Sparkular Cyclone [014, 015]232
    9. 9
      Generic DMX relay and dimmer flamers233
    10. 10
      Specialfx.it ML-CS01 Cold Sparks Machine [061]234
    11. 11
      Spray The Fire235
    12. 12
      MagicFX Stage Flame236
    13. 13
      Explo GX2 Flamer237
    14. 14
      MagicFX Sparxtar238
    15. 15
      Hansol Hurricane-AW Wave Flamer 19CH [083]239
    16. 16
      Moka E11 Cold Sparks Machine 2CH [084]240
    17. 17
      Explo GX3 Power Flame241
    18. 18
      MagicFX Flameblazer242
    19. 19
      ADJ Fog Fury Jett RGBA Fog Jet [045]243
    20. 20
      Showven Sonic Boom Plus Smoke Jet Fog Jet 14CH [062]244
    21. 21
      Tengchang Party Fog Jet [066]245
    22. 22
      AtmosFEAR Hex Jet Fog Jet [063]246
    23. 23
      Showven Sonic Boom X Smoke Jet Fog Jet 11CH [070]247
    24. 24
      Froggy's Fog Hyperion D6 Fog Jet [064]248
    25. 25
      Anonymous RGB Fog Jet 7CH [072]249
    26. 26
      Chauvet Geyser RGB Fog Jet 8CH [078]250
    27. 27
      Hansol Volcano251
    28. 28
      Auvi Spark252
    29. 29
      MagicFX Flamaniac253
    30. 30
      Anonymous 5 Head Flamer 7CH254
    31. 31
      Showven uFlamer Vulcano 5-Head Flamer255
    32. 32
      Moka H-E03 3 Head Flamer256
    33. 33
      Moka H-E04 Hi Flame Flame Machine 7CH [076]257
    34. 34
      Hansol Sunshine 5 Head Flame System258
    35. 35
      Sigma Services FireFly flame projector259

  1. Languages

    1. 1
      Supported languages260
    2. 2
      Making a language translation file261
    3. 3
      Explanations for some of the phrases to be translated262