In lighting, a pattern is a thin, heat-resistant metal plate with a design cut into it that, placed into a spotlight, projects an illuminated representation of the design.
In lighting, a pattern is a thin metal plate, made heat-resistant to withstand the intense light of a fixture, with a design cut out of its surface. When placed into the pattern slot of an ellipsoidal spotlight or follow spot, the cutout shapes the beam so that an illuminated version of the design is projected onto a surface or set. Patterns are also known as gobos.
By projecting shapes, textures, and designs, patterns give lighting professionals a way to add visual interest and atmosphere to a scene. The fixture focuses the light through the cutout, rendering the pattern sharply or softly depending on the focus, which makes patterns a versatile creative tool.
The spotlights that project patterns depend on stable power and, in many cases, control wiring to deliver consistent output. The supporting cable must be rated for the circuit so the fixture performs reliably, projecting the pattern steadily throughout a production.
Because the fixture focuses light through the cutout, a pattern can render sharply or softly depending on the focus, which makes patterns a versatile creative tool for adding shapes, textures, and atmosphere to a set or scene in production lighting.
At Windy City Wire, the focus on low-voltage power and control cable supports the lighting fixtures that project patterns. Supplying dependable cable helps ensure that spotlights receive stable power, so a projected pattern stays consistent across a production.
Also called a gobo