Frequently Asked Questions
Any questions? GDTF is here to help.

The My Virtual Rig file format is an open standard which allows programs to share data and geometry of a scene for the entertainment industry. A scene is a set of parametric objects such as fixtures, trusses, video screens, audio speakers, and other objects that are used in the entertainment industry. The MVR Spec describes the DIN SPEC 15801:2023-12 also known as MVR Version 1.6.

The General Device Type Format is an open standard for describing devices of the entertainment industry. These devices may be lighting fixtures, audio speakers, trusses, distribution boxes, media servers, lasers or other devices used in the entertainment industry. The GDTF Spec describes the DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02 also known as GDTF Version 1.2.

GDTF was originally conceived and jointly developed by the GDTF development group, comprised of Vectorworks Inc., MA Lighting, and ROBE Lighting. This development group currently is responsible for any GDTF maintenance. Additionally, manufacturers that have adopted the format or are working on implementing it are also involved in providing feedback for the future development of GDTF. The GDTF-share is hosted by the German Entertainment Technology Association known as VPLT .

We host a monthly manufacturer meeting for all manufacturers to get together and ask questions, raise concerns, and stay updated. Send us an email via the Contact Form to get on the invite list. Between meetings, you can also get involved with the community through GDTF Share , the GDTF Builder , the GDTF Forum , and the GDTF Development Specification on GitHub .

You can read the developer documentation on GDTF Share and on GitHub .

You can use the GDTF Builder to create and edit GDTF files. To help you get started, there are the Help pages and training materials on our GDTF & MVR channel on YouTube . For any questions, feel free to use the GDTF Forum .

Yes, the GDTF Share provides special moderation for manufacturers to administer their files, file category, user comments, feedback, or for example their own landing page, see the full documentation in the Help . Manufacturers also have the ability to create GDTF files without uploading them to the GDTF Share.

Check out the Manufacturer Onboarding page.

There are many consoles which support GDTF directly, like ChamSys, grandMA3, Sidus Link Pro, ETC EOS, Compulite Vibe, ZerOS for FLX and FLX S consoles series and more. There are other consoles which can import GDTF into their fixture profile editor, like Gaffers Control, Avolites, and others.

There are many companies and systems that support MVR, like Vectorworks, MA Lighting, Cast Software, Capture Visualisation, Chamsys, Syncronorm, ETC EOS, zactrack, Production Assist, P3 System Controller, MediaMaster, Lightwright, L8, Carbon For Unreal, and more.

Unreal Engine and an increasing number of Unreal Engine-based visualizers support the GDTF format.

Information on how to support MVR files can be found in the Developer documentation and on GitHub.

Yes. MVR is defined within DIN SPEC 15801:2023-12, and GDTF is defined within DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02.

Yes. In 2022, it was updated to DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02. The current version supports lighting devices, media servers, and rigging items such as trusses and hoists. Future planned improvements include video projectors and audio equipment such as speakers.

The My Virtual Rig file format is an open standard which allows programs to share data and geometry of a scene for the entertainment industry. A scene is a set of parametric objects such as fixtures, trusses, video screens, and other objects that are used in the entertainment industry. The MVR Spec describes the DIN SPEC 15801:2023-12 also known as MVR Version 1.6.

The General Device Type Format is an open standard for describing devices of the entertainment industry. These devices may be lighting fixtures, trusses, distribution boxes, media servers, lasers or other devices used in the entertainment industry. The GDTF Spec describes the DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02 also known as GDTF Version 1.2.

GDTF was originally conceived and jointly developed by the GDTF development group, comprised of Vectorworks, MA Lighting, and ROBE Lighting. This development group currently is responsible for any GDTF maintenance. Additionally, manufacturers that have adopted the format or are working on implementing it are also involved in providing feedback for the future development of GDTF. The GDTF-share is hosted by the German Entertainment Technology Association known as VPLT .

No. The MVR and the GDTF formats are adopted by a variety of manufacturers. There are new GDTF files in the GDTF-Share every day and there are many manufacturers who can read GDTF and/or MVR files in their applications. You can see a full list of manufacturers who support MVR or GDTF on the manufacturer page and on the partners page .

Look for the GDTF file icon, consult this website for a list of companies that support the file format, and check the GDTF Share or contact the manufacturer directly. If a manufacturer does not currently support the file format and you'd like them to participate, contact the manufacturer directly and ask them about it.

Your first contact point should always be the manufacturer. You should ask for the GDTF file directly here, because the manufacturers have the best information about their devices and how to build a GDTF properly. But you can also use the GDTF Builder to create a GDTF file yourself. To help you get started, there are the Help pages and we been publishing training materials on our GDTF & MVR channel on YouTube . For any questions, feel free to use the GDTF Forum .

Yes. MVR is defined within DIN SPEC 15801:2023-12 , GDTF is defined within the DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02 .

Yes. The current version supports lighting devices, media servers, and rigging items like truss and hoist. Future planned improvements include video projectors and audio equipment like speakers.

You can read the GDTF Specification, check out the Forum , see the project's GitHub page , or email us via the Contact Us form.

The MVR format includes the complete scenic set, from addressing up to 3D and geometry elements. To be able to share this between platforms, allows you to use the same data set for many different applications. This saves lots of time in the planning process, the setup as well as the documentation of your production.

GDTF files contain the manufacturer's information about how a device works in real life. If you use GDTF files in your control, planning or visualization platforms, you make sure to get the same and proper information about the device and the functionality.

There is a report function of GDTF files directly in the GDTF Share. The messages here will be sent directly to the manufacturers to make sure they adjust the files.