Gobo

A gobo is a stencil or template placed in front of a light source to shape the emitted beam. The light passes through the cut-out or etched pattern, projecting the design onto walls, floors, or performers. Gobos are widely used in theatre, film, television, and live events to create silhouettes, textures, or images without constructing physical scenery. They can be static or mounted on a rotating wheel inside a compatible luminaire to change patterns or directions quickly.

There are two main material types: metal gobos and glass gobos. Metal gobos are durable and well suited to simple, high-contrast shapes, while glass gobos can carry more detailed imagery and allow finer lines, sometimes with color via the fixture’s optics or filters. Gobos come in varying sizes and mountings, with compatibility determined by the lighting fixture. In use, a gobo is placed in a gobo holder or wheel and illuminated to project the pattern. Rotating or indexable gobos enable dynamic effects, such as moving silhouettes or changing textures. Proper use requires heat-resistant materials and correct sizing for the fixture.