Techniques and user interfaces are disclosed for controlling lighting fixtures having spatial distribution control capabilities. In some cases, the control techniques may use a high-level controller to define target and spread inputs for a desired illumination pattern provided by a lighting fixture in a given area to be lit. In such cases, the target and spread inputs may be transmitted, or otherwise provided, to a control module, which may be included in the lighting fixture. The control module may be configured to translate the inputs into the appropriate movements and/or light source adjustments based on the specific lighting fixture being used to achieve the desired illumination pattern. In some cases, multiple lighting fixtures may be controlled by one or more control modules. In such cases, the high-level controller may be configured to provide inputs to the control module(s) to cause one or more illumination patterns using the lighting fixtures.