Modes of Operation

Online and Offline modes

In Online mode, Designer is connected to a real workgroup A specific group of devices in the lighting system, and its representation in Designer.. This allows you to work with or monitor a real lighting system. However, changes that you make to light levels will not be seen in the lighting system, unless you are also in Live Mode. For more information about the various ways to connect to a real workgroup, see Connecting To The Lighting System.

In Offline mode, Designer is not connected to a real workgroup. In this mode, you can start a new workgroup design A simulation of a Lighting System, which may or may not correspond to the devices in a Real Workgroup. or load For example, dimmers, relay units, ballasts etc. Receives messages from control devices and performs the relevant action e.g. sets the lighting it controls to the relevant level. Some control may be possible at the device itself. Also known as Control Gear or LIU, see entries for both. an existing one. Most lighting system design work is carried out in this mode, as it is safe and the lighting system can be tested before installation or implementation begins.

Editor and Monitor modes

In Editor mode, you can make configuration changes  (device A physical item with which you can interact, either directly or via Designer. properties changes, scene Collection of lighting levels for each channel assigned to the same group as the scene. settings, insertion of routing entries, etc.) to the workgroup design or real workgroup, but the way channel A channel pertaining to a load (also known as control gear or LIU), see entry for load. A ballast has one channel, whereas a dimmer or relay unit can have numerous channels. level changes and scene calls take effect depends on whether Designer is in Live or Blind mode.

In Monitor mode, you cannot make configuration changes to the workgroup design or real workgroup, but when in Live Mode (and therefore Online Mode) as well as Monitor Mode, you can change channel levels and call scenes in real time on the real lighting system (the real workgroup).

Live and Blind modes

Only available in Online mode.

In Live mode, channel level changes or scene calls are actioned immediately (in real time) on the real lighting system.

In Blind mode, channel level changes or scene calls are shown in Designer but are not actioned on the real lighting system.