Version 1.1.0 expands handheld workflows with support for mapping the physical macro buttons on your handheld, keeps the Web Remote alive while you briefly switch back to the main app, and adds experimental auto discovery for consoles on your local network.
Major Features
Map Your Handheld Macro Buttons
The mapping system now accepts keyboard presses as controller inputs, making it possible to map the physical macro buttons on the back of your handheld even when the device exposes them to Windows as keyboard shortcuts instead of native gamepad buttons.
Vendor Macro Software: Assign keyboard keys to the physical macro buttons on the back of your handheld using software such as MSI Center or the macro utility provided for your device.
Works with Popular Handhelds: Useful for devices such as the MSI Claw, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally and similar handheld PCs.
MSI Claw Note: On MSI Claw devices, make sure you are running the latest MSI Center / driver version. With the latest MSI software this workflow should work across all Claw models.
Example Workflow: If you assign the rear macro buttons to keyboard keys such as M1 = F1 and M2 = F2, you can map F1 and F2 directly inside FocusTool.
Persistent Web Remote
The Web Remote now remains open in the background when you temporarily return to the main FocusTool window.
No Immediate Reopen Required: Switching back to the main app no longer closes the Web Remote session.
Faster Workflow: Move between the main app and the Web Remote more easily during programming and focus sessions.
Future system support
FocusTool is growing beyond lighting consoles. Future updates will make it possible to connect with more systems used in live shows, so your handheld can become an even more useful control tool on site.
Improvements & Fixes
Small fixes and improvements: Various smaller fixes and quality-of-life improvements have been included in this release.
v1.0.0Patch14-04-2026
Bug fixes and improvements for the v1.0.0 release.
!Reinstall Notice
If you already installed the earlier v1.0.0 build, please remove it and install this updated v1.0.0 build instead.
Changes
Web Remote fix (Linux): Fixed Web Remote not loading on SteamOS, Bazzite OS and other Flatpak-based systems.
Window behavior: FocusTool now stays maximized after closing the Web Remote.
New built-in action: Added "Full" as a built-in action for grandMA2 and grandMA3.
v1.0.007-04-2026
Version 1.0.0 is the current major milestone for FocusTool. It brings a complete UI overhaul, reworked controller workflow, license portability, Web Remote integration, new settings controls, and a status bar for debugging.
Major Features
Controller Mapping Overhaul
The mapping system has been rebuilt from the ground up. Where previous versions limited you to one action per button and a fixed axis layout, V1.0.0 gives you full control over every aspect of your controller configuration.
Mapping Presets
Controller Presets: Save your controller button configuration as a named preset, including built-in actions, OSC commands and preset triggers.
Linked Axis Presets: Link an axis preset created in Quick Mapping to a saved mapping preset, so loading that mapping can also apply the matching joystick attribute assignments.
Instant Switching: Load a different preset from the Controller Mapping tab or assign a button to switch presets on the fly while focusing.
Per-Show / Per-Operator: Keep separate presets for different shows, console types or operators and switch between them in seconds.
Multi-Action Buttons
Stack Multiple Actions: A single button press can now trigger more than one action at the same time. For example, combine a speed mode change with a Pan/Tilt invert toggle on one button.
Mix Action Types: Combine built-in functions, OSC commands, preset switches and attribute controls in any combination on a single button.
Button-Based Attributes: Assign attributes directly to buttons with positive/negative direction and slow/fast speed support.
Preset Triggers: Assign Load Mapping or Apply Preset actions to buttons so you can switch your entire controller layout without leaving the floor.
Complete UI Upgrade
The entire interface has been modernized with a cleaner, more consistent design across all tabs and dialogs.
New Built-in Functions
Pan/Tilt Invert Toggle: Instantly flips the invert state of both Pan and Tilt with a single button press. Useful when you're standing on stage and your controls are reversed relative to the fixture.
Slow/Fast Speed Toggle: Switches between Slow and Fast speed mode with one button, saving you a mapping slot. Separate Slow and Fast buttons are still available if you prefer dedicated controls.
Self-Release for Licenses
Users can request and confirm a license release without manual support.
App & Portal Flow: Start in the app and confirm via email or the account portal.
15-Minute Window: Pending releases expire if not confirmed in time.
Important: Your license cannot be reactivated on the current device after release.
License Verification
Periodic Check: The app requires an internet connection once every 30 days to verify your license.
After Update: The first time you launch a new version, an internet connection is required to re-verify your license.
Offline Use: Between verification checks the app works fully offline.
Web Remote Integration
Integrated Overlay: The Web Remote is no longer a separate popup window but an overlay within the main application.
GPU Rendering: The Web Remote now uses GPU rendering for improved stability and performance.
Settings & Controls
Speed Sliders: Slow Speed, Fast Speed and Boost Multiplier are now adjustable sliders instead of text fields.
Deadzone: A new global deadzone slider for all axes sets the minimum stick input threshold before movement is registered.
Per-Console Configuration
Switching between console types (grandMA3, grandMA2, ChamSys) no longer resets your setup. Your controller mappings, axis presets and other configuration are preserved when you change consoles.
Status Bar
A new status bar at the bottom of the application provides real-time debugging and connection info.
Controller Status: Connected / Disconnected.
OSC / Telnet: Protocol and connection state.
Global Master: Shows the linked Global Master user via OSC.
Console: Opens an on-screen console panel to read the system monitor log.
Linux Flatpak Distribution
The Linux build is now distributed as a Flatpak instead of a standalone binary.
Sandboxed & Portable: Flatpak provides a consistent, sandboxed runtime across all Linux distributions, no more dependency issues.
Easy Install: Install with a single flatpak install command or double-click the .flatpak file.
SteamOS, Bazzite & more: Flatpak is the native app format on SteamOS (Steam Deck), Bazzite OS and other immutable Linux distributions, making installation seamless.
Replaces .bin: The standalone .bin binary from previous versions is no longer provided.
Light Meter Coming Soon
The Light Meter add-on is coming in a future update. Licenses with the Light Meter entitlement will automatically unlock the feature once available.
Improvements & Fixes
Faster Startup.
Single Instance: The app can no longer accidentally be started twice.
Improved Virtual Keyboard: The built-in keyboard has been improved for better usability on handheld devices.
Axis Disable Fix: Fixed an issue where disabling an axis did not actually disable it.
v0.0.726-01-2026
Version 0.0.7 introduces ChamSys console support (beta), improved stability for grandMA2 and various performance and UI improvements.
Major Features
ChamSys Console Support Beta
FocusTool now supports ChamSys MagicQ consoles (beta). Pan, Tilt and attribute control via joysticks works reliably.
OSC Integration: Update attributes via OSC commands.
Built-in Commands: Send Previous Head, Next Head, and Clear commands directly from FocusTool.
MagicQ Software Required: MagicQ PC app is required on your handheld device, set up as a remote viewer in session with your console.
Stability Update – grandMA2
Major stability improvements for grandMA2 users during extended sessions.
Traffic Controller: An internal "traffic controller" has been added to prevent overload during heavy Telnet traffic.
Reduced Freezes: Eliminates freezes and lock-ups during long focus and programming sessions.
Extended Sessions: Noticeably more stable experience during extended use.
Performance, Web Remote & UI
Faster Startup: The application now starts faster.
Zoom Controls: The zoom slider for grandMA2 & grandMA3 (Web Remote) has been replaced with fixed buttons (65% / 100%) for more predictable behavior.
Keyboard Layout: In the Quick Mapping Overlay (keyboard), the Cancel button has been moved to the left to prevent confusion and accidental input.
v0.0.625-12-2025 (bugfix release)
Version 0.0.6 introduces a streamlined workflow for mapping, new control possibilities for buttons, and several interface refinements.
Major Features
Quick Mapping
A completely new method for quickly assigning attributes to joystick axes, replacing the old 'Axes tab'.
Access: Assign the Quick Mapping function to a bind, or simply click the Quick Access icon at the bottom of the WebRemote.
Functionality: Map any attribute to an axis directly within the popup.
Note: A preset is generated automatically, but you must manually save (and name) it to keep it.
Requirement: Works only in Simultaneous Mode.
Enhanced Controls
Attributes on Buttons: You can now map attributes directly to buttons (previously only possible on axes).
Supports Positive / Negative direction.
Supports Slow and Fast behavior.
OSC Command Looping: Custom OSC commands can now be looped while holding a button (Press = start, Release = stop).
Interface & Workflow
Attribute Sorting: Attributes can now be sorted in the Settings menu for a better overview.
Improved Virtual Keyboard: Simply click any input field to type using the on-screen keyboard.
Zoom Reset: Buttons have been added to the WebRemote to quickly reset the zoom level.
v0.0.512-12-2025
Version 0.0.5 is a significant update focusing on connectivity expansions, multi-user workflows, and quality-of-life improvements for the Web Remote.
Major Features
grandMA2 Support
Telnet Integration: Full support for grandMA2 consoles via Telnet.
Multi-User Support: Unlike the current MA3 implementation, MA2 connections are user-based. This allows multiple FocusTools to operate on the same session simultaneously by logging in with different User Profiles.
Web Remote Overhaul
Control Sidebar (Windows): A new popup sidebar provides instant access to Pan/Tilt Invert, Speed Modes (Slow/Fast/Boost), and a Close button.
Auto-Login: Added settings to store your Web Remote credentials. FocusTool now logs you into the MA3 remote automatically.
Zoom Scaling: Choose between a zoomed or normal view to fit handheld screens better.
Smart Connectivity
Real-time Detection: Controllers can now be plugged in (hot-plugged) while the app is running. No restart required.
Data Optimization: Fixed an issue where Pan and Tilt were always sent together. The app now only sends data for attributes that actually change, reducing network traffic.
Flexible Axes
Simultaneous Mode Update: You are no longer restricted to specific axes.
Total Freedom: Using the mapping system, you can assign any attribute (Zoom, Iris, etc.) or Pan/Tilt to any axis on either joystick (Left X/Y, Right X/Y).
Interface & Platform Improvements
Home Screen: Redesigned to be clearer and more user-friendly with modern toggle buttons for Pan/Tilt inversion.
UI Consistency: Improved layout and visual hierarchy across buttons, sliders, and settings panels.
Linux / SteamOS Updates: The update system has been simplified. The auto-updater is disabled to prevent permission issues; the app now directs you to download the ready-to-use .bin file manually.
Network: Improved network handling with better support for OSC over both UDP and TCP protocols.
Stability: Reduced unnecessary data transmission and improved behavior when switching between Console Modes.
v0.0.416-09-2025
Updates & New Features
New Built-in Functions: Added Down and Up for grandMA3 users.
Simultaneous Mode Overhaul: Introduced a flexible system for the Left Joystick with two components:
1. Attribute Library: Create a central list of functions (e.g., Zoom, Focus1). Supports "Combined Attributes" (e.g., Blade1A + Blade1B) to control multiple parameters with one axis.
2. Controller Mapping:
"Set Axes" Hotkeys: Map buttons to instantly assign specific attributes to the X and Y axes.
"Cycle Attribute" Hotkeys: Map buttons to cycle through your library list on the Y-axis (automatically clearing the X-axis for single-parameter control).
Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where the OSC input text field did not clear automatically, requiring manual deletion before typing.
v0.0.331-08-2025
Important Hardware ID Update:
Due to security improvements in hardware identification, users updating from v0.0.2 to v0.0.3+ must reactivate their license. If you encounter issues, please contact support.
Updates & New Features
Introduced an Oops built-in function for grandMA3 users.
Bug Fixes
Fixed hardware identification system that could cause license activation issues on certain devices.
v0.0.227-08-2025
Updates & New Features
Restore Defaults: Added a function to easily reset control mappings to factory settings.
Virtual Keyboard: Integrated an on-screen keyboard (F1) for easier text input on handhelds.
Lowlight: Added a Lowlight built-in function for grandMA3 users.
Bug Fixes
Resolved an issue that caused license activation problems on some specific devices.
Fixed a bug with joystick axis control, particularly noticeable on Steam Deck devices where input was inconsistent.