A butterfly is a large fabric scrim, diffuser, reflector, or opaque fabric panel used in lighting to soften, dim, bounce, or block light.
In professional AV, broadcast, and film production, a butterfly is an essential tool for shaping and controlling light. Typically ranging from 4 to 8 feet square, it consists of fabric—such as scrim for dimming, diffusion cloth for softening, reflective fabric for bouncing, or opaque panels for shading—mounted on a yoke-supported frame. Positioned between a light source and the subject or set, butterflies allow crews to adjust light intensity, quality, and direction to achieve the desired effect. Diffuser butterflies soften shadows, reflectors redirect fill light, and opaque panels (often called “solids”) block unwanted spill. Their large size and adaptability make them critical for maintaining consistent lighting in film sets, television studios, and live productions.
While butterflies are not regulated as electrical devices, they are often manufactured to align with safety and performance guidelines from SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for use in professional production environments.
The butterfly concept emerged in early film and theater lighting, where large fabric frames were used to diffuse and shape studio lights. As production techniques evolved, butterflies became standardized in size and frame design, ensuring their place as a staple tool for modern lighting crews.