Every signal in Unilighter operates at an explicit numerical priority. When multiple sources send values to the same channel, **the highest priority value wins**:

| Priority | Name / Role | Usage & Description |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| `-10` | **Background** | Idle default state when no show elements are running. |
| `0` | **Normal (Default)** | Standard base layer for static [Scenes](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/scenes.md) and ambient looks. |
| `0–10` | **Layered Functions** | Multi-layer show functions (e.g. ambient look at `0`, color chase at `5`, strobe accents at `10`). |
| `100` | **Manual Control** (`PRIORITIES.manual`) | Manual operator adjustments via [Device Control](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/dashboard/widget-device-control.md) faders, knobs, or XY pads. |
| `101` | **Macro Overrides** | Show-critical macro functions designed to override manual operator adjustments during a song climax. |
| `665–667`| **System / Solo Preview** (`PRIORITIES.system`) | Solo scene/animation editing and stage focus preview. Temporarily overrides all live show output. |
| `1000+` | **Technical Safety** | Venue safety overrides, smoke machine safety cuts, or work lights that must persist even during solo preview. |
| **Universe Level** | **Simple Desk Override** | [Simple Desk](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/screens-guide.md) faders override any channel value while holding control. |

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## 🔒 Control & Release Mechanics

When an operator touches a [Device Control](https://unilighter.cc/info/for-ai/docs/dashboard/widget-device-control.md) fader or XY pad, that parameter immediately gains **Manual Control** at priority `100`.

![Active Manual Control with Red Border](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/priorities/state_has_control_red_c65b547c.png)

- **Red Border (`has-control`)**: Signals that this parameter is locked under manual operator control.
- **Release Button (`X` / `Release`)**: Clicking Release clears priority `100`, immediately returning control to background scenes, animations, or node graphs.

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## 🟡 Inconsistent Group State

![Inconsistent Tagged State with Yellow Border](https://unilighter.cc/info/docs/priorities/state_inconsistent_yellow_e9d4987c.png)

- **Yellow Border (`inconsistent-value`)**: Appears on tag controls when fixtures in the group have differing values (e.g. one light was adjusted separately).
- The count badge (e.g. `1/4`) shows how many fixtures match. Touching the control synchronizes all fixtures in the group.