Grandma2 Color Picker Plugin 🎯 ⭐
The grandMA2 Color Picker plugin is a LUA-based script designed to automate the creation of a visual color interface for busking or "punting" live lighting shows. While grandMA2 includes a native color picker, these plugins enhance performance by providing one-click access to specific colors and effects across multiple fixture groups without cluttering the live programmer. Core Functionality
Most popular versions, such as those by Egidius Mengelberg (based on Jason Giaffo's original work) or Aart Verhoeven, typically offer the following features:
Automatic Setup: Automatically creates color presets, sequences, cues, and macros for designated fixture groups.
Visual Feedback: Generates a grid of macros or layout view items that use images to provide visual confirmation of the selected color.
Preset Integration: Uses standard gel library color swatches (e.g., White, Red, Cyan, Lavender) to ensure consistent color matching across different rig types.
Blind Execution: Often runs in "Blind Edit" mode, allowing you to update your show's backend architecture without affecting the live output during the build process. Key Plugin Variants Unique Features Color Picker & HighLowFX Egidius Mengelberg
Creates a layout view and adds "High/Low" FX presets for use in effect engines. Color Picker Update Hugo Otth / Mintlify
Supports up to 7 groups with 11 color swatches; assigns sequences to executors on page 100 automatically. Color Grid Generator Giaffo Designs grandma2 color picker plugin
Features "all triggers" to apply a color to the entire rig and provides detailed info macros for installation tracking. Lazy Color Picker Alexander Saltsev
Aimed at guest LDs to quickly build necessary structures (presets, macros, images) upon arriving at a new venue. Setup & Prerequisites MA2 Plugin: Color Grid Generator
A grandMA2 color picker plugin automates the creation of interactive layout views, macros, and presets, allowing users to quickly change fixture colors with visual on-screen feedback. Unlike the console's built-in color picker, these plugins—such as the Color FX Picker or Color Grid Generator—are designed for high-speed "busking" by mapping groups of fixtures to specific color sequences. Core Functionality
Dynamic Layouts: Generates a grid in the Layout View where each row typically represents a fixture group and columns represent color presets.
Live Effect Updates: Specialized versions like the Color FX Picker can update color presets referenced in active effects or chasers on the fly.
Macro Automation: Automatically populates the Macro Pool with commands that trigger specific colors for selected groups. Installation & Setup
File Management: Copy the plugin's .lua and .xml files into your console or onPC plugin directory. For custom visuals, you may need to import specific "unfilled" and "filled" icons into the Image Pool. The grandMA2 Color Picker plugin is a LUA-based
Import to Pool: Open the Plugin Pool in grandMA2 and import the plugin file.
User Configuration: Edit the plugin script to define starting points for your pools. Common variables include: MACRO_START: The first slot for generated macros. IMAGE_START: The first slot for color images. LAYOUT_START: The pool number for the final color grid.
Execution: Run the plugin by tapping it in the pool. Most plugins will prompt you to input the Group numbers and Color Preset numbers you want to include. Popular Plugin Options
Color FX Picker (Giaffo Designs): Specifically for updating colors within running effects.
Color Grid Generator: Creates a full interactive layout for standard fixture color changes.
Color Picker Update: Automates the creation of 11 standard color presets (Red, Green, Blue, etc.) and assigns them to sequences on page 100.
Egidius Mengelberg Plugin: A popular open-source LUA-based picker available on GitHub. Usage Tips What the Plugin Does Instead of typing Color
Prerequisites: Ensure you have already created the fixture groups and at least some color presets before running the plugin.
Version Compatibility: Most advanced LUA plugins require v3.2.2.3 or later to function properly.
Cleaning Up: Many professional plugins include an "Uninstall Macro" that safely removes all generated objects if you need to rebuild the picker. MA2 Plugin: Color FX Picker
What the Plugin Does
Instead of typing Color RGB 1,0,0 or using presets, this plugin gives you:
- A pop-up window with a color wheel or RGB sliders.
- Click/tap a color → automatically creates a Color preset or applies it directly to selected fixtures.
- Often includes HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) mode, which is more intuitive for lighting.
Workflow 2: Analog Control via DMX Remote
Some advanced plugins allow you to control the color picker via DMX. You can plug an external USB trackpad or touch monitor into the console and map the X/Y coordinates of the touch to the plugin. This creates a physical, tactile "screen of color" that your fingers can slide across.
The Future: Moving to grandMA3
As of 2025, the industry is slowly migrating to grandMA3. However, MA3 has native "Recipes" and a vastly improved built-in color picker (including a GEL picker). Does that make the grandma2 color picker plugin obsolete?
Not yet. Thousands of venues, rental houses, and touring acts still use MA2 because it is rock-solid. If you are on MA2 for the next 2-3 years, a color picker plugin is not a luxury—it is a necessity to keep your speed competitive with MA3 programmers.