Grandma2 Color Picker Plugin May 2026

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

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 grandma2 color picker plugin

Elevate Your Lighting Design: The Ultimate Guide to the MA2 Color Picker Plugin

If you’ve spent any significant time behind a grandMA2 console, you know that while the system is incredibly powerful, speed is the name of the game. When you’re in the middle of a high-stakes busking session or a tight programming window, clicking through nested menus to find that perfect shade of "Concert Amber" can feel like an eternity.

Enter the grandMA2 Color Picker Plugin. This essential tool has become a staple for professional lighting programmers, transforming the way we interact with LED and multi-parameter fixtures.

In this article, we’ll dive into why you need a color picker plugin, how it works, and how it can shave hours off your programming time. Why Use a Plugin Instead of Native Layouts?

The grandMA2 has a built-in color picker, so why bother with a plugin? The answer lies in workflow integration and customization.

Instant Access: Most plugins allow you to integrate a visual color map directly onto your Layout View or a dedicated screen. You don't have to toggle between the "Special Dialog" and your stage view.

Fixture Agnostic: A well-written plugin handles the math for you. Whether you’re mixing RGB, CMY, or RGBAL, the plugin translates your visual selection into the correct DMX values for the specific fixtures you have selected.

Gel Matching: Many premium plugins come pre-loaded with Lee, Rosco, and Apollo gel libraries. This allows you to match the lighting designer’s request for "Rosco 34" instantly, without looking up charts. Key Features to Look For

If you’re searching for the right plugin, keep an eye out for these "must-have" features: 1. Dynamic Layout Updating The grandMA2 Color Picker plugin is a LUA-based

The best plugins don’t just give you a static image. They dynamically update based on your current selection. If you select a group of Ayrton Boras, the color picker should immediately "hook" into their specific color engine. 2. Multi-Touch Optimization

Since many MA2 setups use external touchscreens, the UI of the plugin needs to be "finger-friendly." Large color swatches and smooth gradient maps are essential for fast, tactile feedback. 3. Appearance Customization

Aesthetics matter. A plugin that allows you to change the border colors, background transparency, and layout size ensures that your workspace stays organized and visually cohesive. How to Install a grandMA2 Color Picker Plugin

While every plugin is slightly different, the general workflow for installation is consistent:

Download the Lua Script: Most plugins are written in Lua. Ensure you have the .lua file and any associated icons/images.

USB Transfer: Place the files in the gma2/plugins folder on your thumb drive. Import to Console: Go to the Plugin Pool. Right-click an empty slot and select "Import." Choose your USB drive and select the color picker file.

Run the Setup: Most developers include a "Setup" macro. Running this will automatically generate the necessary Layout Views, Images, and Macros needed for the plugin to function. Pro Tip: Integrating with Your Busking Showfile

To get the most out of your color picker, assign it to a Layout View that stays visible on one of your side monitors. Pair the plugin with "Global" color presets.

When you pick a color on the plugin, have it update a "Temp Color" preset that all your sequences are looking at. This allows you to change the color of your entire rig with a single tap, creating a seamless, organic look during live performances. Where to Find the Best Plugins? Desired features (functional)

The MA2 community is incredibly collaborative. You can find both free and paid versions of color picker plugins on sites like:

MA-Share.net: The gold standard for free user-contributed content.

Giaffo Designs: Known for high-end, polished plugins used on major tours. Glad’s Tools: Deeply technical tools for advanced users. Conclusion

The grandMA2 Color Picker Plugin isn't just a luxury—it’s a performance enhancer. By streamlining the way you select and apply colors, you free up your mental bandwidth to focus on what really matters: the art of the show.

Whether you are a seasoned touring pro or a local house tech, adding a visual color engine to your showfile is one of the fastest ways to level up your MA2 game.

Ready to upgrade your workflow? Start by exploring the Lua plugins available on MA-Share and see how a visual color interface can change your programming experience.

How do you handle color mixing on the MA2? Do you prefer the Special Dialog or a custom plugin? Let us know in the comments!

Conclusion

Desired features (functional)

  1. Visual color map
    • sRGB / HSV gradient with optional gamut overlay per fixture type.
    • Click-to-sample and drag-to-sweep for color transitions.
  2. Fixture-aware translation
    • Detect selected fixtures and choose best mixing model automatically.
    • Show a warning if selected fixtures cannot reproduce the chosen color.
  3. Color temperature controls
    • Kelvin slider (e.g., 1800K–10000K) with smooth interpolation to fixture white parameters.
    • Neutral white-preserve toggle that retains saturation/hue while changing CT.
  4. Output modes
    • Apply color as a Palette, directly to selected fixtures (live), or create a Cue/Cue part.
    • Ability to store as Color Palette with both RGB/HSV and fixture-native parameters.
  5. Sampling and eyedropper
    • Sample colors from existing Palettes, Cues, or from an imported image.
  6. Image/imported color extraction
    • Load an image and extract dominant colors (k-means or palette), with option to map to multiple fixtures for wash or pixel-mapped looks.
  7. Crossfade and transition controls
    • Define how color changes are executed (fade times, snap, blend curves).
  8. Preview / Simulation
    • Output a preview in a simple on-console visualization and support external visualization (if available) by exporting DMX or palette values.
  9. Calibration / Gamut profiling
    • Allow manual per-fixture or per-fixture-type calibration to compensate for spectral differences or non-linearities.
  10. Undo/redo, history and recent colors
  • Quick access to recently used colors and an undo stack for edits.

UI/UX recommendations

  • Keep a compact palette for rapid selection and a full-screen picker for detailed work.
  • Present the fixture capability status prominently (icons for RGB, CMY, white, wheel).
  • Use numeric readouts (RGB, HSV, Kelvin) alongside the visual picker for precision.
  • Drag-and-drop color swatches onto Executors or playbacks to create stored actions quickly.
  • Provide keyboard shortcuts for cycling through recent colors and toggling modes (e.g., sample, apply-as-palette, apply-live).

Popular Versions & Credits

Several programmers have released their own takes on the MA2 color picker. The most widely used versions are from Kacper P (KP_ColorPicker) and Andi (ColorPicker v2.3). Always respect original authors’ credits if you redistribute or modify.