The Preset Archivist

Description

The Preset Archivist searches a sequence you choose, detects which presets from a given pool/range are referenced, builds a first-use index, and then reorders the destination preset pool to mirror that order. Your first used presets become the lowest pool numbers, aligned with how they appear in the show—super fast to find under pressure, and neat order for archiving or handing over the show.

• First-use sorting: Pool layout matches show flow.
  
• Reliable detection: Scans cue data/recipes and parts for preset references.
  
• Clear scope: Works on a single preset pool at a time—repeat per pool type for surgical control.
  
• Dry-run included: “Checker” previews the sort before you touch the pool.
  
• Straightforward UI: One popup with user input: destination position, source range, source sequence.
  

What’s included

• The Preset Archivist – Checker – a dry-run utility that scans and prints the proposed order and flags any unused presets in your selected range.
• The Preset Archivist – Sorter – the sorter that builds the first-use list and reorders your destination pool accordingly.

Manual

1) Preparation

• Decide which preset pool you want to organize (e.g., Positions, Colors, Gobos, etc.).
  
• Identify the source sequence that represents your “truth” (the show flow you want to mirror).
  
• Optional but recommended: do a backup before sorting.
  

2) Dry run – The Preset Archivist – Checker

1. Launch the Checker, In the popup, fill in:
   
   • Source preset (pool.nr thru nr) – e.g., 4.1 thru 4.120.
     
   • Source sequence (name or number) – e.g., 2 or Main Timecode.
     
2. Review the feedback from the plugin in the command line history:
   
   • See where each preset has been used or not used in the sequence. 
   • Proposed sort-base with first-use order

If everything looks right, proceed to the sorter.

3) Run – The Preset Archivist – Sorter

1. Launch The Preset Archivist – Sorter.
   
2. Enter the same fields as above + Preset destination (the first pool.nr from where the sorted presets will land, needs to be enough space for the source presets).
   
3. The plugin:
   
   • Scans the sequence, builds a sort-base first-use list of the presets you specified.
     
   • Moves presets within the destination pool so that first used becomes the lowest available pool numbers, in order.
     
   • Presets in your range that are not used are placed after the sorted block preserving their relative order.
     
4. Read the completion printout in command line history:
   
   • Summary of found references presets
   • Sort base list
   • A list of each moved preset
     
   • Summary of moved and unused presets.
     

4) Typical workflows

• Repack Positions after programming: Point the Archivist at your main sequence and your Preset pool; update the order per recent changes.
  
• Normalize an inherited showfile: After receiving an already done show, checks which presets are actually used, run the Checker+Sorter to impose a consistent preset order rooted in real usage.
  
• Finalize archiving of a show: Put things in proper order before archiving the show for future use, next time it will be much easier to pull up and understand the presets you need to update.

5) Recovery & best practice

• Always backup the show before sorting.
  
• If your workflow or macros hard-reference specific pool numbers, review them after sorting (object identities are preserved, but absolute number assumptions in external macros may not be).
  
• If you want a belt-and-suspenders snapshot, copy the range to a spare block of pool numbers before sorting, then clean up when satisfied.
  

Compatibility & notes

• Platform: grandMA3 consoles & onPC .
  
• Recommended version: MA3 v2.2+ (developed & tested on 2.3.x).
  
• Scope: Operates on one preset pool at a time; repeat per pool type (Position/Color/Gobo/etc.).
  
• Show safety: The plugin reorders pool items; it does not modify cue data and sequence references are based on absolute references. Preset object identity is preserved when moving within the same pool, but external macros or workflows that assume fixed pool numbers may need review.
  
• In multi-user sessions: run from the session master and avoid concurrent edits to the same pool. Save after completion.