# What are attributes, features & preset types

Source: https://help.malighting.com/grandMA2/en/help/key_basic_fixture_attribute_feature_preset.html
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These are the building blocks and structure behind the fixtures.

**Attributes** are what is actually controlled. Attributes are organized into features. For instance both the Attribute for selecting a Gobo on GoboWheel 1 and the Attribute that rotates the selected Gobo are in the same Gobo1 **Feature**. Features are organized in **Preset Types**.

### Example

The best way to understand the structure is to look at the Encoder Bar - This is explained in details in the [Encoder Bar topic](/grandma2/key_ws_encoder_bar/).

In short: The top row here is the **Preset Types**. The button on the left side in the middle row is the **Feature** swipe button. This can be used to toggle through the Features of the selected Preset Type.

The bottom row is the **Attributes** in the selected Feature. Sometimes there are more than four Attributes in a Feature. Then the Feature will have pages named alphabetically on the Feature button.

![](/img/grandma2/img_encoder-toolbar_v3-3-7d7a75.png)

_Encoder Bar_

If we look at the Preset Type Color, then it can have several Features, including color wheels and a MixColor system. The MixColor Feature can have several Attributes, including Red, Green, Blue, and White.

 

 

Every fixture has a minimum of one attribute, but possibly multiple attributes to be controlled.

A generic dimmer typically has only one attribute - **Dimmer**, while an advanced moving light may have 30+ different attributes.

 

Read more about controlling fixture and changing Attribute values in the [Operate Fixtures section](/grandma2/key_operate_fixtures/).

 

grandMA2 counts in Attributes and not in DMX channel - read more about that in the [Parameters vs. DMX channels topic](/grandma2/key_so_parameters_vs_dmx_channels/).