# Fader Control

The **Fader** is the foundational linear input component in Unilighter. It is used across the entire console for fixture Dimmer levels, Strobe rates, Master playback intensity, procedural Node Graph multipliers, and crossfading.

Designed specifically for dark live environments, the fader features high-contrast liquid fill graphics, glow accents, and responsive real-time physics.

![Standard Vertical Dimmer Fader at 50%](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/fader_vertical_50_4e6d0f10.png)

---

## 📐 Layout & Visual Variants

Unilighter adapts the fader's layout and behavior to match the specific lighting parameter:

### 1. Standard Vertical Dimmer
Used in [Device Control](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/dashboard/widget-device-control.md) and Simple Desk. Features a continuous 0.0 to 1.0 (or 0–255 DMX) vertical track with real-time numeric readout at the bottom.

### 2. Strobe Fader with Quick-Jump Buttons
When controlling fixture Strobe channels, the fader is flanked by 6 dedicated percentage jump buttons (`100%`, `90%`, `75%`, `50%`, `25%`, `0%`).

![Strobe Fader with Jump Buttons](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/fader_strobe_buttons_cbce650e.png)

> [!TIP]
> **Strobe Button Behaviors:**
> - **Click & Hold**: Temporarily overrides the strobe to that exact percentage for as long as you hold the mouse/touch. Releasing the pointer immediately springs back to the previous value. Perfect for quick strobe flashes during musical drops!
> - **`Shift` + Click**: Permanently locks (latches) the fader to the clicked percentage.

### 3. Horizontal Fader
Used for Pan trim adjustments, Crossfaders between scenes, and compact node parameters.

![Horizontal Pan Trim Fader](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/fader_horizontal_5ac71d79.png)

### 4. Custom Color Accents & Statuses
Faders can be color-coded to visually match fixture color groups or specific universe buses:

![Color-Coded Accent Faders](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/fader_colors_c8b93f59.png)

When a channel is locked or disabled, it displays a dimmed frosted state:

![Disabled Locked Fader State](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/fader_disabled_6cb9bc4d.png)

---

## 🕹️ Interaction Techniques & Modifiers

| Action | Shortcut / Gesture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| **Direct Drag** | Click and drag track | Adjusts value smoothly at normal speed |
| **Track Jump** | Single click on track | Instantly sets level to clicked position |
| **Fast Coarse Adjust** | `Ctrl` + Drag | **2× speed** for rapid blackout or full flash |
| **Surgical Micro-Tuning** | `Shift` + Drag | **10× precision** for delicate theater dimmer fades |
| **Mouse Wheel Scroll** | Hover + Scroll Wheel | Smooth increments without clicking |
| **Wheel Fine Adjust** | `Shift` + `Ctrl` + Wheel | Micro-step scroll adjustment |
| **Direct Numeric Entry** | Click numeric label | Type exact DMX number (`0–255`) or float (`0.0–1.0`) |

---

## 🎮 Hardware MIDI & Keyboard Mapping

Every fader in Unilighter can be bound to physical MIDI faders, hardware control surfaces, or keyboard hotkeys.

![Navbar Assign Mode Toggle](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/controls/fader/button_assign_mode_1d092979.png)

To map a hardware fader:
1. Click the **[Assign Mode button](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/bindings.md)** in the top navigation bar.
2. Click the desired fader on the screen.
3. Move your physical MIDI fader or press a keyboard key to capture the binding.

> [!NOTE]
> **Hardware Sync Limitation (Inbound Only)**:
> MIDI synchronization in Unilighter is strictly inbound: moving a physical fader on your hardware controller updates the virtual fader in Unilighter. However, Unilighter **does not support motorized fader feedback** or outbound MIDI signals. Moving a digital fader on your touchscreen will not actuate motorized sliders on physical fader banks.
4. Read the complete guide in **[Assign Mode & Controller Mapping](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/bindings.md)**.